How are you delivering the communication? Which platform(s) are you using to communicate? Just as it is important to centralize and unify the posting of digital instructional content, so it is important to centralize and unify the posting of communication items. Let's take a look at some best practices in various methods of communication and the role these methods can play in your Communications Plan.
Remember, being CONSISTENT is key in all scenarios!
One person or one team should be in charge of communications that are posted to the district website.
Consider dedicating a page of your website to Distance Learning or create a Google Site that links to your district's or school's website.
These weekly updates can be in text form (consider a newsletter format), video form, or you can alternate from one week to the next.
This is a great way to post school-wide information:
schedule changes (special events, closings, etc.)
deadlines
important paperwork
school-wide surveys
Save yourself time and your parents an overload of information:
team teachers should coordinate and have a single announcement for all team students
instead of each teacher or team posting shout-outs or celebratory moments, include them with the morning announcements
An LMS is intended for exactly that: it's a Learning Management System. Centralize the posting of schoolwork within the school or district's LMS. More information is available on the Organization of Digital Instruction page.
Always include a subject line so the recipient knows what the topic is. Leaving the subject line empty indicates that the message really isn't all that important.
Emails are great for direct communication between parents and teachers or between small groups, such as a teaching team. If you have an item for an entire class, a school building or the district, lean towards the other platforms and hyperlink from newsletters or building posts.
Email is one method of communication that is best reserved for the "really important" communications that are sent out. If over-used, it could create a "numbness" where individuals are tuning out the emails from your address.
Definitely post the "fun" in your LMS so students have access to it. Post to social media to include parents and community in the fun. This is also a great place to share "shout outs" or other highlights of your school, your staff or your students.
Remember to only post images of your own children unless you have permission from parents. Most schools/districts have parents sign a form at the beginning of the school year indicating whether or not their child's image can be posted. Check your district's policy on using students' names before posting.
Rather, make sure you are posting instructional content in the centralized LMS or other location agreed upon by those involved. See the Organization of Digital Instruction page for guidance.
You can also find examples on the Accommodations in Remote Learning page.
It is important for all staff to be working from the same playbook when it comes to video conferencing. Developing a video conferencing "safety" plan that is shared with staff is imperative.
For synchronous teaching and for regular group meetings, set a schedule so students know what to expect. Check out the Schedule for Learning page for more guidance.
