+ Communicating with Parents Wendy Hawkins 7 th Grade Writing Teacher Riverside Middle School

+ Why is parent communication important? ■ Parents are our strongest allies ■ We are with their kids more than they are during the week ■ Students aren’t always the most accurate messengers ■ Relationships can be built to further learning ■ Conflicts can be stopped before they start

+ The Right Attitude ■ All families have strengths ■ Parents can learn new techniques ■ Parents have important perspectives about their children ■ Most parents really do care about their children Read and Reflect: “Why I Hated Meredith’s First Grade Teacher: An Open Letter to America’s Teachers” by Kylene Beers

+ Standard Communication ■ Newsletters ■ Fusion Pages ■ ■ Parent Portal ■ Weekly folders ■ Progress Reports ■

+ Individual Communication ■ Student Agendas ■ Send a post it note ■ Text ■ remind101.com ■ Call ■ ■ Snail mail ■ Car duty … ■ The Visit

+ The Basics ■ Be consistent ■ Make a positive contact first ■ Always start positively ■ Be brief and concise ■ Voice concerns and offer solutions ■ Listen ■ Keep records ■ Share with administrators

+ Parent Conferences ■ Start with the positive ■ Bring evidence to support concerns ■ Listen ■ Offer suggestions ■ Share contact information ■ End on a positive ■ Send a thank you note or message

+ What we have in common with our students’ parents … We all want what’s best for the child.