Parent Communication

Parent communication is vital to student success. Here are some ways I communicate with the parents in my classroom...

Beginning of the Year Questionnaire:

In the beginning of the year, I send home information about myself and our classroom. Included in the packet are the following papers. I ask parents to complete a getting to know you questionnaire about their child and also contact information. I read over this information as soon as possible to give me a quick overview on the students. Parents also have an opportunity to tell me anything they want to say about their child. Some parents take this time to tell me things that have happened in previous years that could affect them this year. This also lets parents know that I care about their child and want to know them personally, not just academically. At this time, parents can also sign up for a conference. It's a quick 10 minute chat that I offer to parents if they wish to come and discuss anything. This helps us start the year off right, especially if there's a possibility of an issue in the future.

Back to School Night:

Back to School Night is an hour long information session for parents and teachers only. On this night, I go over the following information and then allow parents to ask questions about anything they want to know. Here is a copy of the presentation I give parents...

• How to contact me
• Homework Policy
• Grading Policy
• Curriculum Overview
• Classroom Economy

Classroom Website with Weekly Updates:

On Back to School Night parents sign up to subscribe to my classroom website. Once they subscribe, they receive weekly updates from me straight to their email. They can still check out the website, but it is easier to get the updates to their email. Each Sunday, I update the website with reminders, upcoming events, and curriculum news for the week. If I need volunteers for a specific days activities, I will post it on the website as well. Any upcoming tests are also announced. Parents can make comments or ask questions right there so others can see as well.

Photo Updates:

I take pictures of the kids each week and upload them to our classroom website. Parents love to see what their kids are up. It also provides a way for parents to talk to their children and find out what they did in class.

"Think Slip" Communication

In my classroom, use a system of warnings and consequences to let students know they are breaking rules we agreed upon. After the 3rd step, I send home the "Think Slip" so parents are aware of the misbehavior. If the problem continues, I will call home.

1. Verbal Quick Warning (reminder of rule)

2. One on One Discussion with Mrs. Hauser

3. Student loses activity and completes a "Think Slip" (Parent Signature required)

4. Phone Call Home

5. Talk with Principal or AP