Let’s keep it real: most of us finish the school year, jump into a million other things, and never stop to actually reflect on how our programming went. We move on without debriefing, without processing what worked and what didn’t, and definitely without asking ourselves how we feel after it’s all said and done.

Ernesto Mejía wants to help you change that.

Before diving into your 2025–2026 planning, take a moment to breathe, recharge, and most importantly, reflect. Below are 10 questions Ernesto challenges every educator, coordinator, and family engagement leader to ask themselves. Not just for accountability, but for growth. Let’s go:

1. What are you most proud of this year—and why?

Think beyond numbers. Maybe it was a stronger relationship with families, more student involvement, or one event that truly mattered. Whatever it is, claim it, and ask yourself why it mattered.

2. How can you build on that momentum?

Don’t let a win be a one-time thing. Find ways to grow it. For example, if students connected deeply with an event, how can you make them ambassadors for the next one?

3. What was a good “learning opportunity”? (Let’s be honest: What didn’t work?)

Maybe you put your entire budget into one event and the turnout flopped. Instead of giving up, shift the strategy. Could a student-led or parent-led event have hit differently? Could better marketing have helped? Or a student assembly during the day to help boost parent attendance at night?

CoolSpeak did this in Washington, one student begged her mom to attend, and guess what? Her mom came and left grateful. That’s impact!

4. What did families actually think?

This might sting. But don’t assume your favorite event was theirs. Ask them directly what stood out and what didn’t. Do this via surveys, phone calls, or conversations at drop-off. Also ask: What day and time works best? How would you like to help next year?

5. What did your staff think?

Here’s the kicker. Some staff may not even know you hosted events. That’s a problem. Open the door. Invite them in. They might help with social media, marketing, or even presenting. But they can’t help if they’re not in the loop.

6. Who was your biggest supporter?

Not a sponsor. Not a donor. A supporter. The person who cooked, spread the word, helped with childcare, or brought more parents in. Recognize them. Thank them. And ask them to keep going—they’re your secret weapon.

7. What event made the biggest impact?

Define “impact” first. Was it turnout? Survey results? Deep conversations? Parent-child connection? Whatever it was, figure it out, analyze why it worked, and learn from it.

8. What event doesn’t need to return?

Not everything needs a sequel. Maybe something flopped due to timing, content, or simply lost relevance. Be brave enough to say: That didn’t serve our families this year. And move forward.

9. What’s getting in the way?

Budget cuts? Staffing? Community trauma? These are real. But we don’t stop serving families because funding is gone. We adapt. That might mean virtual events, community meet-ups, or volunteer-led initiatives. Whatever the challenge, name it so you can face it.

10. How do you feel?

Not “fine.” Not “okay.” Really—how do you feel? Burned out? Fired up? Somewhere in between? You can’t pour into others if you’re empty. Take the summer to rest, recover, and heal. Your families need you whole. They need your energy, your heart, your focus—now more than ever.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. But you do need to ask the right questions. Use this summer to get honest about where you’ve been and intentional about where you’re going. Your families, your students, and you deserve that.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

CoolSpeak works alongside schools and districts across the country to support family engagement efforts that are relevant, reflective, and rooted in trust. Whether you need help planning a full calendar of events, energizing your team through professional development, or bringing in a dynamic speaker who can connect with students during the day and families in the evening – we’re here.

We don’t just show up for the event. We help you design it with purpose, execute it with impact, and debrief it with honesty so that every year, you’re growing your reach and deepening your relationships with families.