Intra-School Communication

One way we communicate is by providing the opportunity to have informal parent/guardian conferences. This may happen in a variety of ways

• A brief email conversation

• A note home

• A quick phone call

All of these things are respectful and brief and need to be handled with an open mind. If a situation arises where something escalates and would need to be a formal conference meeting instead of an informal conference, then we will make it happen.

We also have faculty and staff newsletters. This allows us to make sure all our teachers have the same information about various things happening that day, week, month, and year. It includes any important information needed and uplifting messages to motivate staff.

We also want to make sure our staff are equipped with all the latest information and know what is going on at all times. For this we use the app "Lets Meet - Schedule Meetings" This allows us to create meetings with staff that give time towards:

• Content meetings

• Professional development

• Team meetings

It doesn't require signing up for meetings and connects to either a Google or Microsoft calendar. It is easy to use and is the best way to schedule meetings with our staff. In these meetings a variety of topics are covered including but not limited to:

• New teaching philosophies and how they can be implemented

• New activities to learn about various cultures, backgrounds, and people

• Ways to diversify the type of lessons taught to make them more memorable and interactive

Guidance mentoring sheets is another way we are able to communicate. Here at Rising Stars we want facilitate an environment of learning not only for the students but for the teachers. As teachers we will never be done learning and growing in our skills. Not only can more experienced teachers help mentor newer teachers, but the more experienced teachers can learn from each other. Every teacher is required to keep a file of things they learn at meetings, trainings, and of various lessons or materials used in their classroom. It does not have to be every little thing they learn and every lesson they do, just enough to where it can be a nice guide to refer back to themselves, or to let others look at it and get some inspiration.

What we expect from our staff

Teachers and staff have the roles and responsibilities of:

• Being role models for students

• Fostering a safe environment where it is okay to ask questions

• Being a safe place for students to go to

• Challenging students to think deeply and not just learn on a surface level

• Shut down any bullying and stress the importance of kindness and acceptance to students

• Not being afraid to bring any issues or concerns to admin

How the school will support our teachers

It is important for the school and administration to guide the teachers and be there for them so they can successfully implement these responsibilities. We will make sure to:

• Be informed about the students in the school and what their needs are

• Periodically visit classrooms and meet with teachers to better understand what support they need

• Never make a teacher feel unsafe about expressing their opinions or concerns

• Be adaptable and flexible in our thinking and practices so we may create the best school environment