Communication Expectations

Guidelines for Parent Communication

The purpose of this document is to serve as a general guide for ensuring effective communication from parents to teachers, staff and administrators. Communication refers to both the sending and receiving of information, such as email and notes, and verbal communications such as telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings. In order to ensure a successful exchange of information, it is important that all parties follow a few key principles.

Time to Respond to Communications

• Teachers, staff and administrators will make every effort to respond as soon as possible to parent communications, with the understanding that the teaching day sometimes precludes immediate responses
• Teachers, staff and administrators may need some time to collect needed information before responding. Please allow 2 full work days (student contact days) before following up on your initial communication.  

Confidentiality

• Recognize that confidentiality may limit information that can be shared from teachers, staff and administrators to parents, including consequences for other students’ behaviors. 

Expectations for Respectful Communication

• All parties should:
  • Enter the exchange with an open mind and assume a shared best interest for your child
  • Use and maintain a respectful and polite tone
  • State their positions clearly and avoid demands
  • Work collaboratively to solve problems 
  • Understand that there may be cultural and language barriers to take into account
  • Arrange a time to meet to discuss matters concerning your student

Please recognize that it is both the policy and the value of our school that we operate with openness, collaboration and the shared best interest for every student.  If you have questions or concerns, please contact a member of administration.