Communication is the key to any successful partnership and I make it a priority every year. My policy regarding response time is this: You will receive an answer from me in 24 hours, or 1 business day. If I get the message on Friday afternoon as I am leaving to pick up Landry, then I will get back to you by Monday afternoon. I do not return phone calls past 3:05p.m. and emails will not be returned after 4:00p.m unless it is an emergency. This year, here are the best ways to communicate with me. I have given some suggestions on when to use each form of communication.
1. Email- This is a great way to send a short, information based note. These messages should be short – about a paragraph in length- and should not be used to discuss a sensitive or serious issue. For example: An email about your child missing school due to a doctors appointment is great, however an page long email discussing an issue that happened on the playground is not really an email. It more of a phone call or conference. I will check my email a few times a day, but not necessarily before school gets out or on weekends.
2. Phone Calls: This is a great way to check in at any time. I will most likely return your phone call at the end of the day or during a prep time. Phone calls are great for a quick check in or to get a more personal response.
3. Meetings after school: This time is a good way to check in about any student or to discuss issues that might be happening on the playground or in the room. Please give me 12-24 hours notice that you would like to meet so I can ensure availability and privacy. If it is an issue regarding your student, I ask that they be present whenever possible.
4. Notes: These are a useful tool to give feedback about homework or ask a quick question. Notes are like emails- the shorter the better. I will not respond to long notes, I will call you and talk to you about the issue. Also, please make sure your student KNOWS to give it to me. Sometimes, they forget or don’t know about it and then I never get the note. I will either respond with a note or I might email in response. In order for our partnership to be successful, I will treat you with the respect and professionalism that you deserve from me. I will expect to be treated in the same manner. There are two main points to keep in mind: 1. If you have any concerns, I expect that you will address them with me as soon as possible, before involving Mr. Lecy or others. Just as you should expect me to listen to your concerns and work diligently with your student and you to find a positive solution. In my experience, 99% of concerns have a simple solution if they can be addressed directly to me. Also, I can easily clear up any miscommunication right away instead of it becoming a bigger issue. Mr. Lecy is a great resource to go to if the issues are not resolved in a positive way for students.
Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to working with you, Please sign below confirming that you have read the Communication Policy. I will send home hard copies in the Back to School Packet.