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| Communication |
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Communication with parents is done on many levels, depending on the information that needs to be disseminated and the schools' resources. For school-wide information that needs to get out immediately, most schools use ConnectEd, which is anmated calling system that contacts parents/guardians to leave a message about various school-wide events. This system is also utilized for individual school information such as notifying the parent that the student was absent from class or special event invitations pertaining only to that student, such as "student of the month." Other forms of school-wide information distribution would be through the school's newsletter. The newsletters contain broader information about the happenings at the school such as a calendar of events, student organization information, turoring contacts, principal and staff comments, student work and educational and community resources. In most cases, it includes educational information to help parents help their children to succeed in school. Each school has a web site, which works similar to the newsletters, as well as the district web site. The web sites provide contact information for all school staff and avenues to contact them via e-mail or telephone.Open houses, parent conferences, literacy and special events are held by all schools and provide for that face-to-face contact between the parent and the teacher. Some schools also have individual student folders or planners which are sent home with the student to allow for daily communication between the teacher and the parent. All schools provide regular written reports of progress via individual classroom progress sheets (which usually require parent signature) or report cards mailed to the home. Schools encourage parents to participate in parent advisory committees and school improvement teams. Their input is solicited and valued as they are considered an important partner in the overall communication process of the school. Surveys are also collected by the Parent Involvement Liaison. The surveys glean data about types of events/classes/information that parents would like to see the school district provide in the way of parenting education. A monthly calendar of parenting classes and events is distributed to and through the schools and through an e-mail list serve. It is printed in English and Spanish.Of course, the teachers are always sending home notes and making personal phone calls and e-mails to parents about their children when they see fit.
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