A big thank you to Anne Smith, beloved retired G&P teacher, and Laura Broach, current G&P Title 1 Teacher, for a very successful Parent Coffee Talk about Parent-Teacher Communication. Our next Parent Coffee Talk will be on
Friday, December 11th at 8:30AM. We will discuss Special Education and have an opportunity to hear from Zuleka Queen-Postell, the new Special Education Liaison for the Cambridge Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) and G&P School Psychology Silvia Kinn. All are welcome!
Here are some tips that Anne shared with families:
How to communicate with the teacher throughout the year
- Brief visit in the morning or at pick up
- Written note or e-mail
- Phone call to office
Communication … Do’s
- Share medical information (allergies, injuries, etc.)
- Share family history
- Tell teacher if there is a change at home (illness, job loss, etc.)
- Tell teacher if your child is unhappy or you have concerns
- Go to the teacher directly if there is a problem (not the principal)
- Approach teacher in a respectful way
- Ask to set up a meeting with the teacher if you need to discuss something
- Let teacher know that you appreciate him/her
- Share good news with the teacher
Communication … Don’ts
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions/express concerns (nicely)
- Don’t assume the teacher reads email during school day
- Don’t overload teacher with email
- Don’t believe everything your child tells you! ☺
And above all, assume good intentions! And remember that students do their best when parents and teachers are true partners!