Communicating With Your Child’s School

1. Communicating With Your Child’s School An Important Element of Parent and Family Engagement Deer Park Independent School District

2. Objectives • Participants will learn about: • How to Get Involved • Getting to Know the School • Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference • Effective Communication • Building Relationships • Who to Contact Deer Park Independent School District

3. How to Get Involved • Help your child get the most from studying. • Get to know the teachers and counselors, curriculum and policies. • Take part in school activities. • Show your child that you value education. Deer Park Independent School District

4. Getting Involved Can Be a Challenge • Where will I find the time? You can find ways to help in the time you do have – at home, school or both. The important thing is that you get involved any way you can. • What if I feel uncomfortable dealing with a teacher or school counselor? Planning what you want to talk about ahead of time can help. • Do schools really want parents/families involved? YES! Schools depend on the support of parents. Parents/families and schools share the same goal – to provide quality education. Deer Park Independent School District

5. Get to Know Your Child’s Teacher • Attend Open House and other events. They’re your chance to meet school staff and other parents/families in a relaxed atmosphere. • Schedule parent-teacher conferences early in the school year. Let the teacher know that you want to be involved in your child’s education. • Stay in touch with teachers and other staff members throughout the school year. For example: call, write notes and send e-mails. Deer Park Independent School District

6. Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences • Be Prepared. Write down questions and topics you’d like to discuss. • Talk with your child before you go. Ask if there’s anything he or she would like you to discuss with the teacher. Talk with your child afterward, too. • Work with the teachers. Team up to find the best way to help your child succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, offer suggestions and express your concerns. Deer Park Independent School District

7. Take Part in School Activities • Go to school functions. These may include sports events, plays, open house or other programs. • Support fund-raising events. You may be able to help with car washes, bake sales, raffles, garage sales, etc. • Attend school board meetings. When you can’t attend, watch the meeting on the local channel. • Join the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). Call the school to find out how. • Lend your talents. Offer to help in the ways you know best. For example, you may be able to: • Plan multi-cultural events • Be a classroom speaker • Read to the classroom Deer Park Independent School District

8. Effective Communication • Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher • Attend any regularly-scheduled parent-teacher conferences. • Schedule interim meetings when needed. • Teachers also have e-mail for communication. • Stay Current with School Activities and Events • Find out what events are happening at your child’s school by regularly checking the school website. • Check out the school newsletters and handouts. • Your school counselor, administrative assistants and librarians may be also able to provide more information. Deer Park Independent School District

9. Effective Communication ( Cont’d) • Support the School’s Disciplinary Policies • Review the school’s rules and code of conduct with your child. • Ensure they understand the expectations. • If your child is disciplined, remain calm and get all the facts before reacting. It is very important to support the school’s discipline efforts. • Discuss any concerns you have with the teacher or principal involved. • Encourage Activities Outside of School • Encourage your child to participate in extra-curricular activities. • It is important to protect study time, but it is also important for emotional well-being to have positive extra-curricular activities that build leadership skills and bonds with others beyond the classroom. • What form of communication works best for you? Deer Park Independent School District

10. Building Relationships • If There is No Communication, There is No Conflict Resolution • Be a good listener. • Ask questions for clarification and reflect the message back to the speaker. • Ask if your understanding is correct. • Speak clearly and efficiently. • Make brief notes to remind you of the points you want to discuss. • Ask questions to ensure your points were understood. • Stay on topic. Deer Park Independent School District

11. Building Relationships (Cont’d) • If There is No Communication, There is No Conflict Resolution • Speak for yourself and your child. • Tell how the problem affects your child, what you have done to correct it, and what help you need from the school to address the problem more effectively. • Be open to other opinions on what may help. • Be willing to try other options when possible. Deer Park Independent School District

12. How to Handle a Problem or Concern Problem/Concern Communicate with Central Administration Communicate with Teacher Communicate with Assistant Principal Communicate with Principal Deer Park Independent School District

13. Contact Information Early Childhood Center – 832-668-8390 Carpenter Elementary – 832-668-8400 Dabbs Elementary – 832-668-8100 Deepwater Elementary – 832-668-8300 Deer Park Elementary – 832-668-8000 Fairmont Elementary – 832-668-8500 Parkwood Elementary – 832-668-8200 San Jacinto Elementary – 832-668-7900 Bonnette Jr. High – 832-668-7700 Deepwater Jr. High – 832-668-7600 Deer Park Jr. High – 832-668-7500 Fairmont Jr. High – 832-668-7800 Deer Park High School/North – 832-668-7300 Deer Park High School/South – 832-668-7200 Deer Park High School/Wolters – 832-668-7400 DAEP – 832-668-7407 Central Administration – 832-668-7000 Deer Park Independent School District