BY NANCY MUSCI
FOR MOST SCHOOLS, THESE ARE DIFFICULT TIMES. Many are under a magnifying glass from the local community, and, more importantly, the parents of students. With several educational options available, a safe and secure environment is first and foremost in all parent’s minds and can make the difference in the parent’s decision to allow you to educate their child. Knowing that their child is in a nurturing, trustworthy setting, coupled with a guarantee of open communication holds the promise of reducing the stress and confusion that face parents when making a school choice. It is important to the well being of the child and the success of the school to maintain that child’s annual attendance and commitment to his/her chosen school. What follows are four suggestions to increase interaction between the school, parents and community.
ONE: Parental Appreciation
Your school is made up of a wide variety of families. Whether it is a two-parent family or a single grandmother raising one of your students, and all the families that fall
in between, we need to recognize and validate that each “parent” has made the choice for their child to attend your school. Very often it is the family with the least resources that is making the largest sacrifice. That family may be using every available source,
both time and financial, to be able
to send their child to your school and not have the ability to volunteer in a classroom or school programs. In that regard, small appreciation gestures on a regular basis to all parents are
especially important and always welcome. How nice it would be to open your child’s backpack to find a simple note or small token of appreciation from the principal!
TWO: A Monthly Communiqué
The content should be simple: a listing of future events, long-range plans, recognition of students, staff and parents, and the principal’s message. Each classroom could have a single page insert written by the students containing information on what they have worked on that month. Don’t forget to give it a catchy name (meaning memorable and unique) with prominence for the school logo. The cost for such a monthly communiqué is modest since there is no postage!
THREE: Student Ideas, Energy and Creativity
Show them off! Your local library will often accept art “exhibits” from students. Humanity-based field trips are not only are beneficial to the children, but also showcase them out in your community. Send your local newspaper monthly press releases that prominently highlight your
school’s achievements and those of the students. During your next school-wide event, consider involving your older students to help organize and run and take part in the event. Having a sense of “ownership” and belonging creates an attachment and bond to the school community.
FOUR: Crisis
Management/Building Safety
Let us be clear that for the vast majority of schools, a crisis is unlikely to occur. Even so, it is essential that each school have a crisis management plan and a team in place along with a secure, safe building. Parents need to be aware of this at the start of the school year. And they should be reminded about it regularly! Review with your students and parents the safety precautions you have implemented in your building. Reassure them that doors are locked at all times, all visitors must sign in and that your teachers and staff are trained to handle an emergency.
These four suggestions are practical and easy to put into place. What’s more, they may lead to others that, in turn, can make the teaching experience what it should be: a safe place where children can learn and grow together. In today’s society, where marketing reaches everywhere—and this definitely includes educational concerns—what could be better! 
Nancy Musci, a parent, is PSI’s Administrative Director. Contact her by e-mail at: nancymusci@psi-solutions.org.