Family Friends Program
Families in Boston, Concord, and Carlisle can collaborate to build relationships based on cooperation and sharing rather than a guest-host dynamic. By volunteering as a METCO Family Friend, Concord-Carlisle families help communicate school programs and schedules and provide a familiar contact at school meetings and social events, easing the transition for Boston families. In return, Boston families offer Concord-Carlisle families a new connection to the city and share diverse cultural and life experiences.
These relationships usually develop gradually and vary in type and intensity. Some families plan joint outings, have students sleep over regularly, or participate in sports teams and activities together. Other METCO Family Friends serve as emergency contacts and occasionally see each other at school or METCO-sponsored events. It is important for students from both communities to understand that they are expected to be friendly and helpful partners, not mandated friends. Ideally, friendships will form, and cultural sensitivity will increase through these unique relationships, but friendship is not a requirement.
If you have questions about METCO Family Friends in grades K-8, please contact Solange Benjamin and Andre Thomas. If you have questions about METCO Family Friends at CCHS, please contact Malinthi Fernando.