How do you tell parents about school policies?

1 Know your policies

Before you talk to parents about school policies, make sure you know them well. Review the school handbook, the curriculum, the assessment methods, and any other relevant documents. If you have any questions or doubts, consult your colleagues, your principal, or your district office. You don't want to give parents inaccurate or incomplete information that might confuse or upset them.

2 Choose the right channel

Depending on the type and urgency of the policy you want to communicate, you might choose different channels to reach out to parents. For example, you could use email, phone, text, or online platforms for general or routine policies, such as attendance, homework, or dress code. However, you might want to use face-to-face meetings, video calls, or letters for more sensitive or complex policies, such as discipline, special education, or health and safety. Choose the channel that is most appropriate, accessible, and respectful for your message and your audience.

3 Explain the purpose and benefits

When you tell parents about school policies, don't just state the rules and expectations. Explain why they exist and how they benefit the students, the teachers, and the school community. For example, you could say that the policy on academic honesty helps students develop integrity, responsibility, and critical thinking skills. Or you could say that the policy on parent involvement encourages collaboration, feedback, and support for learning. Show parents that you care about their children's success and well-being, and that the policies are designed to promote them.

4 Invite questions and feedback

Communication is a two-way process, so don't just tell parents what they need to know. Invite them to ask questions, share their concerns, or give their feedback. Listen to them attentively and empathetically, and try to address their issues or clarify their doubts. If you don't know the answer or can't resolve the problem, refer them to someone who can, or follow up with them later. Show parents that you value their opinions and perspectives, and that you are open to dialogue and collaboration.

5 Provide resources and support

Some school policies might require parents to take some actions or make some changes. For example, they might need to sign a consent form, provide some documents, or adjust their schedules. To help them comply with the policies, provide them with the necessary resources and support. For example, you could give them copies of the forms, links to the websites, or contact information of the staff. You could also offer them some tips, suggestions, or examples of how they can implement the policies at home. Show parents that you are here to help them and their children, and that you appreciate their cooperation and involvement.

6 Follow up and reinforce

Communication is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. To ensure that parents understand and follow the school policies, follow up with them regularly and reinforce your message. For example, you could send them reminders, updates, or acknowledgments via email, phone, or online platforms. You could also use newsletters, flyers, or posters to display the policies in a visible and engaging way. You could also praise or reward the students and the parents who adhere to the policies, and provide constructive feedback or guidance to those who don't. Show parents that you are consistent and reliable, and that you expect the same from them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?