CLASSROOM CONCERNS

As students progress through their educational career, it becomes increasingly valuable and developmentally appropriate for them to attempt to resolve questions or concerns directly with their teacher on their own. Sometimes students find it helpful to seek guidance or support in doing so from their school counselor or IEP case manager.

If a parent or guardian has questions or concerns about your student's academic progress, classroom behavior or daily concerns in a specific class, the best person to contact is the classroom teacher.  You can reach them by email or telephone (610) 965-1650. In most cases, they will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours.

Although most situations can be dealt with effectively by the parent, teacher and student, sometimes other people need to be included in the conversation.  Other individuals who may be able to help resolve a concern are the school counselor, student's assigned assistant principal, or IEP case manager.  

If a parent or guardian has questions or concerns about your student's overall academic progress, the best person to contact is their school counselor. 

Below is the Communication Expectation Procedures that should be followed:

In an effort to streamline the communication process and allow all parties to have the opportunity to address concerns, EHS has developed this communication plan.  The expectation is that students and families will follow these steps for communication with Emmaus High School faculty and staff.  If the appropriate steps are not followed, families may be redirected to work through this process.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Academic or Class Concerns

Step-by-Step Communication Flow:

1. Step 1: Student Takes Initiative

   • Students should speak directly with the teacher about the concern (assignment, grade, misunderstanding, etc.).

   • This can be done in person before/after class, during homeroom, or via school email.
     
     

2. Step 2: Parent Contact (if needed)

   • If the issue is not resolved after the student-teacher communication, the parent/guardian may contact the teacher directly via email to request a phone call or meeting.  

   • If a parent meeting is requested, the student must also be present with parents, counselor (if necessary), and teachers.

   • Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.
     
     

3. Step 3: Assistant Principal Support (if needed)

   • If concerns continue after teacher and counselor communication, contact the appropriate assistant principal.

   • They will investigate the issue and follow up with the teacher, student, and parent.

   • Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.

      4. Step 4: Building Principal Support (if needed)

• If concerns continue after teacher, counselor, and assistant principal communication, contact the building principal.

• Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.

Counseling/Guidance/ Scheduling Concerns

Step-by-Step Communication Flow:

1. Step 1: Student Initiates Contact

   • Student should first speak directly with their assigned school counselor about the concern (scheduling, academic planning, personal issues, college/career advice, etc.).

   • This can be done via email, walk-in (if appropriate), or by requesting a meeting.
     
     

2. Step 2: Parent Contacts Counselor (if needed)

   • If clarification or additional support is needed, the parent/guardian may reach out to the school counselor directly via email or phone.

   • Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days.
     
     

3. Step 3: Counselor Follow-Up

   • The counselor will follow up with the student and/or parent to resolve the concern or clarify next steps (may include meeting with teachers, adjusting schedules, or providing referrals).

   • Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.
     
     

4. Step 4: Assistant Principal Involvement (if needed)

   • If the concern persists, the parent or student may contact the appropriate assistant principal to address larger systemic or unresolved issues.

   • Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.

      5. Step 5: Building Principal Involvement (if needed) 

• If concerns continue after teacher, counselor, and assistant principal communication, contact the building principal.

• Allow 24–48 hours for a response during school days for school personnel to respond to emails or phone calls.
  
  

NOTE: Additional Support (as needed)

• School psychologists, social workers, case managers, or outside referrals may be brought in if the issue involves mental health, special education, or more complex needs.