Finding the Correct Points of Contact at Your Child’s School
by Russell Sapaugh
A top priority of all superintendents, boards of education and school officials is to keep our parents informed and involved in the school lives of their children. Walking into a school building can be an intimidating experience, especially if parents do not know who is best able to answer their questions. Usually, the school’s secretary is the first person a parent comes to know; she answers your phone calls, signs out your child for doctor’s appointments, relays your messages, and, in general, establishes the front office as an efficient message center.
However, building relationships with other school personnel is very important. To help you navigate and better communicate within your child’s school, I offer the following guidelines, which may slightly vary in each school district.
Contact your child’s teacher if you need information about:
- Homework
- Classroom participation
- Grades/Tutoring
- What your child is expected to know and be able to learn.
Contact your child’s counselor if you need information about:
- Grade Placement/Course Offerings
- Testing/Test Preparations
- Scholarships/College Guidance
Contact Principals if you need information about:
- Disciplinary Actions
- Attendance/Tardiness/Busing
- Field trips/Field Days/Class Parties/ Extracurricular Activities
- School Programs/Teacher Initiatives
- Suggestions for Improving the School Environment
Contact Parent Coordinators if you need information about:
- How to help with homework
- Know more about how your child learns
- Make and Take activities you can do at home
- How you can help your child thrive in school
Russell Sapaugh served as the Superintendent of the Texarkana Arkansas School District.
