Suggested Local Unit Activities
- Welcome parents in a positive and friendly manner.
- Send a welcoming letter to parents at the beginning of the year to establish rapport and start the year on a positive note.
- Survey parents for their opinions about school services, programs, and specific needs.
- Publish a school newsletter in which parent, student, and staff contributions to the school are regularly recognized.
- Schedule parent-teacher conferences at times convenient to working and non-working parents. e.g., early morning, before, during and after lunch, late afternoon, and nights.
- Offer parenting classes, workshops, and support groups at flexible times and provide child care.
- Create a parent resource room for activities, meetings, get-togethers, and materials to assist them in helping their children.
- Provide answering machine messages concerning student accomplishments, coming events, and parent involvement opportunities.
- Equip staff with developmental training that will assist them in knowing how to best work and communicate with parents.
- Develop a plan for regular teacher-to-parent communication.
- Maintain a forum for parents to share their ideas and/or concerns in a non-threatening atmosphere.
- Encourage parents to communicate with their child's teacher on a regular basis.
- Encourage parents to become involved in PTA and in school-sponsored activities.