Connecting Home and School

By Ria Mastromatteo, Educational Technology Consultant ()

One of the most essential elements of quality education is the relationship between home and school -- between parents and teachers. Communication is certainly one of the key elements. Given the hectic schedules of parents, teachers and kids today, it is often difficult to keep the lines of communication open.

The Internet can be useful in enhancing this communication; here are some suggestions for using the web to establish and maintain contact with parents:

1. Make a web site so that parents and students can access important information right from your site. If you don't have this option through your school or if you're a novice, you can go to Teacherweb. You can make your web page within minutes and it's VERY easy (HONEST!). Your site can keep students and parents informed about important announcements, homework assignments, the classroom calendar and more. Go to http://teacherweb.com/. One caveat: if you say you're going to host a web site, it's necessary to keep it current!

2. Notify your parents of your e-mail address and, in return, try to get theirs. It may be easier to contact some parents via e-mail than by phone or regular mail.

3. Parents want to help their child to be a better student. Give parents web sites to which they can direct their child that might help with whatever academic problem he/she is having. My web page at http://wneo.org/staff/mariaweb1.htm has lots of sites that might just fit that bill.

4. Send home a newsletter whenever possible. Older students can be responsible for much of the work in creating the newsletter. Parents love to see pictures of their kids, so get out that digital camera and be sure to include pictures of as many students as possible.

5. Help parents understand their responsibility in assisting their child in the use of the Internet. On Just for Parents, you'll find a PowerPoint presentation that parents can view and a hotlist of sites for parents. You'll also find PDF copies of information that can be sent home to parents about student use of the Internet. Go to http://wneo.org/hotlists/parents/defaultparent.htm to get this information.

Why not use these valuable tools to help to keep the lines of communication open? It will pay off!