Communicating with Parents

It is important to communicate with parents to gain their support for professional development. The Grass Lakes Community Schools in Grass Lake, Michigan, used their newsletter to communicate with parents when they instituted common planning time every Wednesday from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. Students arrived at school two hours later than usual to make this possible. The newsletter not only discusses the need for common planning time but also suggests activities for Wednesday mornings when school begins later.

R.B. Hunt Elementary School in St. Augustine, Florida sent a letter to families explaining their new schedule to allow time on Wednesday afternoons for professional development. Their letter also documented the efforts that had been made to involve the community in the planning process and encouragement for further input.