Making Parents Part of the Team

© Amy Horn

Jul 4, 2006
Parent-teacher communication is a must in middle school. Interdisciplinary teams of teachers can easily and effectively make parent-teacher communication a priority.

Good teams communicate. Interdisciplinary teams in middle schools - comprised of teachers from a variety of subject areas and a designated number of students - are no different. But is there room for other key players on that team-say, parents in particular? If teachers and students are looking forward to a successful school year, the answer is an obvious, "Yes!" Parent-teacher communication is a must. Making parents feel that they are part of the team will improve parent-teacher communication and most likely, student learning overall.

Parents of tweens not only have to deal with the changes in their relationships with their children, but they also have to confront the changes in their relationships with their children's teachers. Many parent volunteers served as PTO presidents or created costumes for school plays. They felt welcomed in their child's classroom; they were needed and wanted. Now, they don't feel welcome in their child's bedroom, let alone their classroom. Yet, parents are assets-to both teachers and students-when they become allies, and parent-teacher communication is a powerful tool. A few simple strategies can keep the lines of communication open throughout the school year.

* Daily Teachers can attempt to contact all parents in September. Teams of teachers can divide their students up evenly and contact the parents during planning periods. Teachers can simply extend a warm welcome to the parents and introduce themselves. It's a great way to start off the school year. And, the next contact will be that much easier to make.
* Weekly Friday Folders can be sent home at the end of each week to communicate important ideas and noteworthy events. Attaching a sign-off sheet inside the folder can help assure that students are delivering the news and parents are receiving it. Friday Folders also provide a quick and easy means for parents to get important forms, notes, and slips back to the teachers, as well.
* Monthly Sending a newsletter home once a month can serve a variety of purposes. It can outline upcoming events, ask for parent volunteers, describe current units of study and/or specific supplies needed, list teachers' contact information, etc. Parents will look forward to and appreciate the heads-up each month.

Parent-teacher communication is just as important in middle school as it is in elementary school - maybe even more so. Parents, teachers, and students are in this thing together. With parent-teacher communication taking place, a good team can become a great team, and everyone can experience success.