What Busy Principals Can Do to Reach Out to Families

In this Responsive Classroom Newsletter article, Vermont principal Ed Barnwell suggests that school leaders should take “small, seemingly routine actions that can have a big impact.” 

• Be visible when parents are coming and going with their children. This is a chance to chat briefly with parents and signal that you’re genuinely happy to be with their children. 

• Make a special effort to connect with parents you don’t know well. Open house and curriculum nights and special programs are the ideal time to zero in on these family members, especially those of a different culture, language, or background.

• Show interest in families’ interests. Even in brief encounters, check in on births of children and grandchildren, a new job, personal struggles and successes, cultural celebrations, and events affecting their children.

• Make good-news phone calls. Teachers will handle classroom successes, so the principal should focus on schoolwide accomplishments.

• Greet new families personally. “Have an understanding with your school’s secretaries and receptionists that whenever a new family comes to the school to register, they should find you so that you can personally greet and welcome the new family into the school community,” says Barnwell. 

• Invite parents for coffee or lunch. This is especially important for family members who volunteer in the school.

• Invite parent input, but go beyond the usual suspects. This could be on pickup and drop-off procedures, playground equipment, next year’s class placement, or a new curriculum proposal. 

• Go to after-school and neighborhood events. The principal’s presence is always appreciated, even if it’s just a quick visit. 

“Parent Outreach for Busy Leaders” by Ed Barnwell in Responsive Classroom Newsletter, Winter 2013 (p. 14-15), www.responsiveclassroom.org 

From the Marshall Memo #469