Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/81027
Sandi Mangan and Thomas Prather believe engaging parents requires consistency and finding new ways to reach out to them. FOR TALKING WITH PARENTS PARENTS ARE SELDOM ON THE DEFENSIVE WHEN STUDENTS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN LEARNING. —Sandi Mangan ents she is their "eyes and ears" and that if something is off-kilter, she will inform them immediately. She explains that as a parent, she understands their concerns firsthand. The Palm Springs Teachers Association member has an "open-door policy" where parents are welcome to observe at any time — as long as they are not disruptive. "Every week, parents get a progress report, and students need to get it signed and back to me, because it counts as a homework grade, ents. Some don't speak English, so she uses online translation programs or asks students to translate. Her district has an automated phone system that allows her to individualize messages, such as "Your child was misbehaving today" or "Your child Williams sends newsletters to par- " she says. made a good choice." But when she has ent, I introduce myself in a bubbly voice," says Williams. "It's hard to be upset with a person who is cheery. I say I am calling to address their concerns because, unfor- tunately, there has been miscommunica- tion or a misunderstanding." Parents such as Millie Mendez appreci- time, a personal call works best. "When I call to address an upset par- ate her efforts. "Ms. Williams is very connected to ried that she might receive lots of angry e-mails when she decided to post student grades online at Rosemont Middle School, us, and that's important," says Mendez. "Whenever I have a question she will send an e-mail back right away. She lets me know if Rebecca is falling behind, which is great, because I'm working two jobs." Math teacher Jacqueline Da Volio wor- but found instead that parents were thrilled to have instant information at their fingertips. "Now they are completely in the loop, TIPS says the Glendale Teachers Association member. "I used to get lots of e-mails ask- ing 'How is my child doing?' but those have dramatically decreased now that they have access to information 24 hours a day. She has a master list of parent e-mail " " addresses and sends "alerts" about test dates, assignments and events. She also sends home postcards filled with "good news" about students. "One student told me, 'I can't hide anything from my mom.' Everything's out in the open," she laughs. "Let's face it, middle school kids rarely share what's going on in the classroom. As a parent, I totally get that." Parents are welcome! SUSAN ESQUIVEL is the first person parents see when they walk into the school. Her smile conveys that they are indeed welcome. The administrative assistant at Daves Av- enue Elementary School in Los Gatos is behind the counter in the school office, the "front line" for greeting parents and visitors. "We are pleasant and happy they are there, and it makes parents feel comfortable," says the Los Gatos Unified Clas- sified Employees Association member. "They know we are taking care of their little sweethearts during the day, and we let them know their children are safe." Often parents may be stressed because they arrive in the office to take home a sick child or are rushing to drop off a forgotten lunch bag. It helps to be calm and reassuring, give parents the correct answers as soon as possible, and let them know things will be OK, says Esquivel. "Our job is to answer the phones and try to never let it go to voice mail. We make parents feel welcome and at ease, and sometimes help children with a bloody nose or asthma attack," she says. "There's a lot to do, but kindness and a giving attitude make a huge difference. We smile at them and they smile right back. It makes the day start off well." September 2012 www.cta.org 11