Got Bad News? Don't Keep Parents in the Dark
Keep your parents informed when a situation arises in your district.
Keep your parents informed when a situation arises in your district.
I've recently had quite a few administrators reach out about negative situations that have occurred in their districts. Usually, they are most concerned with what they should say to reporters who will inevitably reach out for information. But there's another aspect that must immediately be addressed: informing parents.
I get it: some incidents you really would rather just keep on the down low because they're unpleasant, and you probably don't want a bunch of phone calls, emails or impromptu visits from freaked-out or angry parents. But ask yourself this: would you rather parents hear about the situation on the news, in Facebook gossip or from your children? Probably none of the above. We all know how that goes--someone shares out incorrect information and before you know it, what's being told in no way resembles what actually happened. That's why they need to get accurate, timely information first-hand from school leaders.
This I promise: keeping your parents informed and assured that you are appropriately and immediately handling the situation will help earn their trust and respect, and they will appreciate your efforts in making sure your schools are safe places for their children to learn.
Need help crafting messages for your parents (or even the media)? We can help.
Below is a slideshow presented during a recent OPSRC PD session by OKSDE...
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center recommends that all families have—and share with their children’s school—a family preparedness plan. Such a plan outlines who is responsible for the care and custody of minor children in the event of an arrest, detainment or other happening that would make parents unavailable to their children.
In your preparation for the upcoming school year, are you thinking about how to better engage your parents? We all know how difficult that can be with everyone's hectic personal and work schedules, but it's essential to keep your parents informed.
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