If you want parents to play, at least be on the field when they get there.

This article by Joe Callahan was just published (Monday, November 19, 2012 at 6:15 pm)

Yancey tenure as superintendent marked by change

 

In the article it mentions Mr. Yancey's wish that more parents would get involved in their child's education.

 

Now let's be optimistic and assume that reading the article will spark something in at least some parents.  Maybe it's been something they have been feeling they should do for a while. However it happens, let's optimistically assume that for at least SOME parents - it happens.  Educators everywhere get their wish and maybe the angels even sing.

 

If our hypothetical parent reads the article online, it is only a few short clicks to the website of the school his child attends.  It's not too far-fetched to imagine that his internal thought process might go something like this:  "I guess I could start by finding out what's going on at the school." 

 

A few clicks later he is looking at your website, Mr. or Ms. Principal. Is it unrealistic to further imagine that he might choose to look at your newsletter to see what your message to him is?

 

You aren't going to get every parent involved.  My question to you, though, is : Are you putting your best foot forward to meet, even halfway, those parents who DO decide that they might want to get involved?

 

What do you gain by having outdated newsletters, maybe months or years old?

 

Would our hypothetical parent find an invitation to the next SAC meeting on your website? Or does it instead welcome him to attend a meeting that was scheduled in March 2009?  

 

If you want parents to play, at least be on the field when they get there.