Ways to Communicate With
Families

- Build and maintain a strong
family-school organization like the PTA.
- Be accessible to family
members.
- Establish a school newsletter
with information about things going on in the school and
recognition of students, teachers, and others
accomplishments.
- Involve families in the
orientation process. Invite them to a picnic, for example, to get
aquatinted before the school year starts.
- Mail special informational
materials home like pamphlets on good studying habits, reading
skills, nutrition, etc.
- Use personal notes home and
telephone calls to keep up with families. For example, send a post
card once in a while to let them know what you are doing in
class.
- Have special events during the
year like weekend activities, breakfasts,
carnivals,etc.
- Conduct surveys to determine
family members individual skills and occupations.
- Publish a calendar of events
to keep families updated on school happenings throughout the
year.
Myers, John and Luetta Monson. Involving Families in Middle Level
Education. National Middle School Association, Columbus, OH.
1993.