About CafÉ

As we prepare for this year’s event, we’re reflecting on the incredible energy and community support from last year’s CAFÉ Launch. This event continues to grow because of people who believe strong schools create strong communities.

On July 31, we’ll once again gather community leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and supporters who are ready to engage with local schools and make a meaningful impact.

July 31 , 2026 | UL Student Union Atchafalaya Ballroom
7:15 am: Breakfast & Networking
8:00 am: Program Starts
8:45 - 10:15 am: Partner Fair

REGISTER TO ATTEND TODAY!

Community and Family Engagement (CAFÉ) is a school-based program designed to build stronger connections between schools, families, and the community. We believe that when families, educators, and community members work together, every student has the best chance to succeed.

CAFÉ empowers principals to lead school engagement efforts by forming dedicated CAFÉ Teams made up of parents, teachers, and community partners. These teams meet quarterly to collaborate on ways to support students and create a positive school environment, and volunteer for school events throughout the year. 

1. Directed by the Principal, Powered by a Champion:

2. Each school’s CAFÉ team is directed by the principal and supported by a CAFÉ Champion(s)—a dedicated volunteer who helps coordinate efforts, keep the team organized, and drive initiatives forward.

3. Inclusive and Collaborative Teams:

4. CAFÉ teams bring together a diverse group of voices, including:
   •        - Families and Caregivers: Sharing insight and helping to create a welcoming school culture.
   •        - Teachers and Staff: Providing guidance on academic and social-emotional student needs.
   •        - Local Businesses and Nonprofits: Offering resources, mentorship, and sponsorships.
   •        - Community Leaders and Volunteers: Strengthening school-community relationships.
   •  

5. Focused on Action and Impact:

6. Teams meet regularly to identify school-specific needs and create action plans. These can include:
        - Family Engagement Events (Literacy Nights, Cultural Celebrations)
        - Student Incentives and Rewards (Attendance Challenges, Reading Programs) 
        - Campus Beautification Projects (Serve Days, Classroom Updates)
        - Teacher and Staff Appreciation initiatives

   1. Collective Responsibility for Student Success: 

   2. CAFÉ operates on the belief that every member of the community has a role in supporting our schools. When families, educators, businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders come together, it creates a powerful network of support that drives student achievement and builds a stronger school culture.

   3. Ongoing Support from Love Our Schools: 

   4. Love Our Schools provides CAFÉ teams with resources, training, and tools to ensure long-term success and continued impact.

• ✔️ Stronger Relationships: CAFÉ fosters trust and meaningful partnerships between schools, community and families.
  ✔️ Shared Responsibility: Everyone—families, schools, and the community—has a role in supporting students.
  ✔️ Improved Student Success: Engaged families and community support lead to better academic and emotional outcomes.
  ✔️ Positive School Culture: CAFÉ creates welcoming, inclusive environments where students and staff thrive.

•  

• CAFÉ is more than meetings—it’s a shared responsibility to create lasting change in our schools. Be part of it.

•  

   Click here to join a CAFÉ team.

• 
  

  Together, we’re building stronger schools and brighter futures!

•  

High Schools:

• Carencro High School
• Lafayette High School
• Northside High School
• Southside High School (CAFÉ in development)
•  

Middle Schools:

• Carencro Middle School
  Edgar Martin Middle School
• Milton Middle School
• Paul Breaux Middle School
• Scott Middle School
• Youngsville Middle School
•  

Elementary Schools:

• Alice Boucher Elementary School
• Dr. Raphael A. Baranco Elementary School
• Carencro Bob Lilly Elementary School
• Cpl. Middlebrook Elementary School
• Duson Elementary School
• Evangeline Elementary School
• J.W. Faulk Elementary School
• Katharine Drexel Elementary School
• Lafayette Elementary School
• L. Leo Judice Elementary School
• Live Oak Elementary School
• Milton Elementary School
  Myrtle Place Elementary School
• Westside Elementary School
•  

Programs:

Lerosen Preparatory
W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center

Want to Make a Difference? Become a CAFÉ Champion!

Our CAFÉ Champions are the heartbeat of school-family-community connection. As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we’re currently updating Champion roles across our partner schools. Some of our amazing leaders have moved on, and new Champions are being confirmed this summer.

If you’re interested in serving as a Champion or just want to learn more about the role contact Angela@LoveOurSchoolsFoundation.com

As a CAFÉ Champion, you will:

•      - Collaborate with the principal, teachers, families, and community partners.    
•      - Lead efforts to improve school culture and support student success.
•      - Help organize events, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.      
•      - Be the driving force behind meaningful change in your school.

Ready to step up and lead?
Join us in creating stronger schools and brighter futures! Contact Angela@LoveOurSchoolsFoundation.com.