Getting Back into School Mode Is Tough. Engaging Families Can Make It Easier. | | |
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By Vicki Saylor
Senior Manager, Education and Community Partnerships | | | | |
Is it just me or did summer 🏖 go by way too fast? 😲 It didn't help that where I live in Arizona, stores started filling their dollar bins with notepads, stickers, pencils, and plastic tubs in June! (Can teachers just get their summer break, please?)
Whether you're back in school already, or it's on the horizon, I imagine you're feeling a mix of emotions. It's tough to leave behind summer's slower pace and relaxed routines, but you've got new students to welcome and meet. And a lot to do. |
Students are feeling this anxiousness too. Some may be starting at a new school or moving on to middle or high school. Many will be meeting new teachers or concerned about friendships. Others might even be returning to in-person learning and feeling behind academically or emotionally. Meanwhile, their parents and caregivers are buying supplies, planning schedules, coordinating aftercare—all while trying to make ends meet. More than a few are resetting screen-time rules.
It's tough and everyone's scrambling, but that also makes it the perfect time to connect with families and offer them support. Doing so won't just benefit families or students, it'll make your year a little easier. Students will come to school more focused and prepared, and if issues come up, families will be there to help.
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Below you'll find some tips and free resources you can use to establish and maintain strong family partnerships this year. 💪
Set Things Up 🛠Make Introductions 💬
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Before school starts, or soon after, introduce yourself via phone, text, email, or letter.
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Use our Digital Life Survey (in English and Spanish) to learn about parents' and caregivers' biggest concerns, as well as their attitudes toward tech and media use at home.
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Find out from parents and caregivers about any extra support or accommodations their child will need including disability support services.
Keep Everyone in the Loop ⏰
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Put special events on your shared classroom calendar as early as possible, so families have enough time to plan and attend.
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Plan and communicate a variety of at-home and in-class volunteer opportunities for parents and caregivers.
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Use apps or texting to show parents and caregivers what's happening in the classroom and the cool stuff their kids are up to.
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Show appreciation to parents/caregivers, students, and volunteers via a newsletter or bulletin board, or just send a quick text or note.
Resolve Issues ☮️
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Create a parent advisory council for your classroom (consider including older students too) to get ongoing ideas and feedback.
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When you notice an issue, check in with students themselves as well as families. Many times, students have things going on elsewhere in school or at home that offer context or inspiration.
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Work with families on coordinated solutions before escalating problems to administration.
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Keeping parents and caregivers informed and engaged gives us a better chance of having their support. Hopefully some of these tips and resources help you make the 2022–2023 school year the best one yet.
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Thank you for all you do and 🍀 good luck 🍀! |
You've got this,
Vicki | | |
Did you enjoy this email? |
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Here's what else we've got for you this week: | | |
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Common Sense's Back-to-School Hub |
We've curated a collection of free resources you can use to kick-off the year and start creating a culture of healthy tech and media use in your classroom. | | | |
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Digital Connections |
Introduce students in grades 6–8 to responsible media and tech use with our brand-new interactive video series, created in collaboration with AT&T and the Public Library Association. | | | |
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Get Common Sense Gear! |
From digital citizenship posters and stickers to T-shirts, masks, and more, we've got you covered at our Common Sense Education RedBubble store. | | | |