The Editor's View

Good Communication with Teachers and Schools

Volume 5 / Issue 1 / Fall 2004

As summer draws to a close, swimsuits, shorts, and flip-flops are replaced with pencils, notebooks, and sweaters. Once again, you and your child eagerly anticipate the beginning of a new school year. Well, perhaps you are a bit more eager than your child!

With each new school year comes the prospect of a fresh start. Your child will have new teachers and another opportunity to excel and demonstrate his or her talents. As a parent, you also have a new chance to build a productive relationship with the school and with your child’s teachers for the benefit of your child. Now is the time to determine the best ways to communicate with the school’s staff. As more schools turn to electronic technologies, Web sites, voice-mail, and e-mail speed the exchange of information. The following suggestions will help you forge a constructive relationship between home and school.

Gather contact information (telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.) from your child’s teachers, the PTA president, the principal, the counselor, and other staff members you may need to communicate with from time to time.

Offer your assistance. Even if you can volunteer your time or donate resources only a few times a year, let your child’s teachers know that you are willing to help with classroom activities or school events.

Contact your child’s teachers periodically to comment on aspects of the school or classroom that your child finds particularly enjoyable or rewarding. Too often teachers and parents communicate only when a problem arises. Be sure to correspond about the positive things that are happening, too.

Keep in mind that most school personnel want parental input and involvement and will welcome your attempts to connect. So, while you are sharpening those new no. 2 pencils, loading crisp notebook paper into three-ring binders, and packing book bags for the school year, don’t forget the one factor that is fundamental in supporting your child’s academic success: consistent and effective communication between home and school.
—Kristen R. Stephens, PhD