Communication with Families During the First Week of School

The first week of school is a critical time for establishing a strong relationship with the families of your students. Effective communication during this period sets the tone for the rest of the year, building trust and ensuring that parents and guardians feel informed and involved in their child’s education. Here are several strategies to help you connect with families right from the start.

1. Plan how you want to communicate with parents over the year

The way you begin the year in regard to communication should be the same way you end the year. Think about what would make sense for you as a teacher, consider what you can manage with all of your responsibilities and assess the different methods available to you before doing anything. Check with your school to see if they have any policies in place as you make these decisions. NOW you will find some options below for you to consider.

2. Send a Welcome Letter

A personalized welcome letter is a great way to introduce yourself to the families. Include information about your background, your teaching philosophy, and what you have planned for the school year. This letter can also outline your expectations for students and how you plan to communicate throughout the year. Sending this letter before the school year begins or on the first day helps families feel connected and informed. If you cant send it before the first day, send it home with students.

3. Share a video 

Sharing a welcome video, allows families to put a face to the name. It also allows you to share who you are without yet opening up a forum for questions. As a new teacher creating an environment where you will not be caught off guard by questions in a public setting is really helpful. 

4. Create a Class Newsletter

Start the year with a class newsletter that gives families a snapshot of what the first week will look like. This newsletter can include key dates, classroom rules, and an overview of the curriculum. Regular newsletters throughout the year can help maintain ongoing communication and keep families updated on classroom activities.

5. Schedule One-on-One Meetings

If possible, open time to schedule brief one-on-one meetings with the families of your students. These meetings, which can be held virtually on the phone or in-person, provide an opportunity for you to learn more about each student’s needs and for parents to voice any concerns or hopes they have for the school year. This personalized approach helps build strong, individual relationships.

6. Open Communication Channels

Make it clear from the beginning how families can reach you and what your preferred methods of communication are. Whether it's email, phone calls, or scheduled office hours, letting families know the best way to contact you can prevent miscommunication and ensure that their concerns are addressed promptly.

7. Send Home a Syllabus or Curriculum Overview

Provide families with a syllabus or curriculum overview that outlines what students will be learning throughout the year. This document can include major projects, grading policies, and any important dates to keep in mind. Being transparent about what to expect academically helps families feel more engaged in their child’s education.

8. Share Photos and Updates

Sharing photos of the classroom setup, student activities, or daily routines can give families a glimpse into their child’s school life. This can be done through a class website, social media, or the communication app you’ve chosen. Visual updates can help ease any anxieties parents might have and make them feel more connected to the classroom experience.

10. Be Consistent and Responsive

Consistency in communication is key. If families know they can count on regular updates and prompt responses to their inquiries, they will feel more secure and engaged in their child’s educational journey. Set expectations early on about how frequently you will be in touch and stick to that schedule. Include hours you will respond to phone calls and emails and the response time of when they can expect to hear back from you. As a new teacher, make sure to add a buffer time to all of these times to give you time to think and potentially consult on a response to parents if needed. 

By implementing these communication strategies during the first week of school, you can build a strong foundation for a positive relationship with your students' families. Clear, consistent, and open communication helps to create a supportive learning environment where students can thrive, and parents feel involved and informed.