Parent/Guardian Communications

Steps in Communicating with Schools

If families/caregivers have a concern about a school matter, these are the steps that should be followed:

Step 1: Talk with Your Child’s Teacher

Families/caregivers should discuss a concern or issue with the classroom teacher at a mutually convenient time.

Step 2: Talk with Your School Principal

If families/caregivers and the teacher are not able to resolve the issue, it should be discussed with the school principal. The principal will gather facts from everyone involved to clarify the problem and work to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. Basic to every investigation is the Board’s expectation that employees and students will follow school and Board policies and procedures.

Step 3: Talk with Your School Superintendent

If families/caregivers and the school principal are not able to resolve the issue, families/caregivers may discuss the issue with the school superintendent. The school superintendent will review the matter as it relates to established policies and procedures and will respond to the families and caregivers about their concern. It is important to note that our communication process requires families/caregivers to first speak with the school principal before connecting with the Superintendent of Education. Families/caregivers will be asked for details about that meeting before an appointment with the superintendent is made.

Step 4: Talk with the Director of Education

If families/caregivers and the school superintendent are not able to resolve the issue, the families and caregivers may discuss the issue with the Director of Education. The Director of Education will review the matter and respond to the family member and caregiver about the concerns.

Collaboration is the Key to Success

Helping all students reach their potential requires an effective working relationship between homes and schools with ongoing, two-way communication. However, situations may arise that cause concern for parents, teachers and students.

Our School Board wants to help parents and school staff work together in partnership to resolve any difficulties your children may experience.

When resolving concerns you should consider the following:

• First, listen to your child: to help your child, listen carefully to his or her views on a particular problem. Ask your child questions that will help you gather information. Try to avoid ‘why’ questions. They can be intimidating and evoke defensive reactions. Instead, begin your questions with ‘how’ or ‘what’.
• Identify the concern: it is difficult to solve a problem if you don’t understand what it is. Talking with your child will help identify and clarify any problems. Do not assume or predict that there is a problem; determine how serious the concern is for your child.
• Encourage independent problem solving: resolving concerns independently is an important life skill that will benefit a child. Encourage your son or daughter to use strategies that may resolve a concern for himself or herself.
• Model respect: discussing a school or teacher negatively in the presence of your children may affect their attitude toward the school or teacher.
• Know the facts: after identifying the concern, it is important to get all the facts of a situation as this will allow you to better discuss the problem with Board staff, if needed. While it is important to respect your child’s point of view, it is also important to seek all pertinent information before reaching a conclusion about the matter. Don’t jump to conclusions.
• Make notes: while talking with your child, it is easy to get confused or forget a concern or the facts. Make notes oil the information your child has provided, as these will be useful later.
• Plan: you may want to have some suggestions prepared to share with teachers and Board staff. A solution will most likely emerge if a number of options are discussed.