Stafford County Public Schools announced the official launch of its new family engagement tool, S.C.O.U.T. (Strengthening Community through Outreach, Understanding, and Trust). The new engagement vehicle and mobile resource center was launched during a community celebration and unveiling ceremony on Saturday.
Designed to meet families where they are, S.C.O.U.T. brings essential educational services, community connections, and support directly into neighborhoods across Stafford County. Funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding, this mobile unit delivers academic resources, support services, and engagement opportunities directly into neighborhoods. It will address numerous challenges, including persistent learning gaps in literacy and math, chronic absenteeism, and disconnected school-family partnerships.
“S.C.O.U.T. is more than a vehicle, it’s a bridge that connects families to the school division and the division to our community,” Superintendent Daniel Smith said in a release. “We believe strong family-school partnerships are key to student success, and S.C.O.U.T. makes that connection more accessible than ever.”
S.C.O.U.T. is a fully equipped mobile resource center designed to bring essential services directly to families. With features like heating and air conditioning, electricity, internet access, flexible seating, A/V equipment, and informational materials, S.C.O.U.T. aims to provide a welcoming, functional space for outreach.
It supports events such as parent workshops, literacy programs, registration assistance, and language support. Whether at a school, neighborhood, or community event, S.C.O.U.T. strives to enhance family engagement by delivering on-the-go access to school resources, programs, and support.
During the official debut on Aug. 2, families toured the custom-built vehicle, met with community partners, and experienced S.C.O.U.T.’s services firsthand. The event also marked the culmination of the division’s Empower Pack Project, a school supply drive designed to provide fully stocked backpacks to economically disadvantaged students across the division.
“The Empower Pack Project reflects our commitment to #ElevateStafford by ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed,” Director of Engagement Hunter Berry said in a release. “By our community coming together to provide over 1,300 fully stocked backpacks to students in need, we are putting our strategic plan into action by removing barriers and promoting access so all students can start the school year ready to excel. S.C.O.U.T. will continue this work during the school year by meeting families where they are within our community.”
Saturday’s event featured free snow cones, sponsored by Rappahannock Orthodontics, to those who donated supplies or brought a filled backpack, and Moe’s Southwest Grill was on-site providing chips for all to enjoy. Families visited the FredBooks table, where free books were distributed to promote literacy for readers of all ages. Local children’s author Beverly Samuel read her book “Make New Friends” and debuted her newest release, “Red, White & Blue,” a tribute to military families.
The event coincided with Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend.
