#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday January 7, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Allyson Apsey, Zeeland, MI
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Welcome to - Let's get started!
START WITH INTRO's
Mike Domagalski - MODERATOR. Principal or Palms Elementary, East China
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Shanna Spickard, Milan Middle School Principal
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Michelle Allen, E. P. Clarke Elementary, St. Joseph Public Schools. Excited to learn from you!
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Jennifer Goethals- Lake Orion
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Ben, El. Principal in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
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Doug Ammeraal -- Principal
Mona Shores Middle School
Happy 2016 everyone!
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Matt Severin, Dowagiac Middle School Principal in SW Michigan
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Hope everyone had a great holiday! Happy New Year and this year MI Principals!
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Hi everyone! What's the topic tonight?
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Ryan Relken Goodrich 4 Life
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Rachel Card, principal of Belle River Elementary, in . Good evening!
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Good evening! Laura Weakland, 4th grade teacher and interim principal, South Lyon, MI Just lurking & learning!
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Gotta thank and for helping create some great Q's tonight on
Q's start in 1 minute
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Hi everyone! Bill Kryscynski, principal Yale elementary
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hi all! Theresa Stager, PreK-8 Principal from Rockwood, MI :)
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Questions will be flying quick on tonight... Here we go!
TOPIC: Family Engagement
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Q1: What does true family engagement look like in your school, and how do you make parents feel welcome in your school?
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Family Engagement is a partnership. Families and schools come together for the good of the child.
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Hi- Sarah Geukes K-4 principal Hamilton Comm. Schools
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when families are TRULY engaged and working for the best interest of the students, it is an amazing environment.
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A1 -- Communication of building "happenings," welcoming entrance, promoting collective responsibility with child, & volunteers.
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A1. Open doors, relationships, empathy not judgement, frequent communication
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Q1. Need to have a welcoming environment first, so that parents feel comfortable coming to your school.
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A must read is the book, Beyond the Bake Sale. Really explains the 4 types of schools and how to take the next step.
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A1 Parents helping in classes, offering support in a variety of ways. Culture created by Ts, principals, support staff
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A1:They seek info./resources from school, support S learning at home daily.Personal connections with fam.make them feel welcome.
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A1: Ps in the building leading, hosting, and helping with activities. Setting up ways to make this happen makes Ps feel welcome.
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A1: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! parents are part of the team. PAC, SIP,PTO, Family nights, etc.
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Dorothy, Teaching and Learning from Kent ISD, lurking a little tonight!
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Just a bit late, Andy Secor, Cedar Springs.
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Dawn Kennaugh, Elem Principal at Beagle Elementary in Grand Ledge, lurking & checking in!
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It's vital as educators to meet families where they are. We can't always have families coming to us...we need to go to them.
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A1: Blessed to have high level of engagement. Watch DOGS program, PTO and parent volunteers read with kids, practice facts, etc
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This is SO important and not always considered. https://t.co/Guvrqga6y7
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It's vital as educators to meet families where they are. We can't always have families coming to us...we need to go to them.
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I want to learn more about WATCH dogs
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A1 cont: Also important...outside events to connect with parents in a "real" way...outside the walls of the building.
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A1 - Build a relationship. So many P's did not have good school experience, go out of your way to make them feel welcome
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QUESTION 2 coming up on ...
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A1 cannot underestimate the value of smiles, warm welcomes, knowing names
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Q2: We all send messages on active involvement in student learning, where/how would you rate this engagement with your parents?
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Increased security measures often make schools feel like a fortress. Schools need to find ways to make families feel welcomed.
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A1 communication not only about happenings but about their children. Some having struggles at home, illness, etc.
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A2 Always room for improvement, tech has opened some doors, must balance this with human interaction
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Majority of families care about the bottom line. How is my child doing? How is my child behaving? Does my child enjoy school?
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I always tried to do this when a principal, the students sporting events, skating parties, a play they were in....
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A2:Engagement varies from minimally involved-extremely involved depending on parent comfort, confidence, and life circumstances.
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Calling for advice on their child is often a great way for us to build that collective support. https://t.co/rau7n31GGM
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A1 communication not only about happenings but about their children. Some having struggles at home, illness, etc.
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A2: I rate it as growing at . We use Celly, Smore, and of course . Parents like Celly because of the text.
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I heard this was a great book! Looking forward to reading it!
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A2 - My biggest challenge in this area is how to get the 2 way interaction. Too much one way for us right now
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I make them feel welcome writing them happy notes about their children and sending them surprise photos of them learning
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Absolute MUST read for all school leaders.
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A2: Parents want to help and do the best they can. When they can't or don't, it's our job to make it work.
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Yes, I love this as a parent!
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Here comes QUESTION 3 on ... Get ready...
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Q3: How do you engage parents, families, or community in school improvement process?
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A3. Talk to them, ask questions, listen, take advantage of every opp they are in school (IEP, concert, etc)
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Kelly Jensenius joining late.
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A2. Added school improvement discussion at every PTO meeting to increase parent feedback.
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Bennett Tyler-South Haven, MI
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very true! They send us the best kids they've got every day. Only way to build'em is by working together.
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A2: We communicate well. Engagement of our parents is middle-high based on newsletter views, Twitter, visitors, volunteers, etc.
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A3: I ask parents who have concerns with something in the building. They see things that we may not! Usually very enthusiastic
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A3: Captive audiences: tapping into parents at concerts, sporting events, parents nights. Plus, reps on the steering committees
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a2) we often ask parents to serve us and help with our goals but rarely stop to ask how we can serve them.
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A2 Varies by parent's school experience - our goal is to build connections & make them feel safe. We need their partnership!
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A3: Surveys, invite parents to join SI team, have parents write parent portion of student/parent/teacher compact.
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I just ordered some to give out as prizes in some of our professional learning!
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A3 - Make sure you have members on your team that meets regularly. Parent meeting. Survey data helps as well.
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A3. Teachers starting to use Fresh Grade app to share pictures, videos, assignments w parents. It is a two way app.
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never heard of Celly! See that's where the power of collaboration with principals is key! https://t.co/DdG8olb1md
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A2: I rate it as growing at . We use Celly, Smore, and of course . Parents like Celly because of the text.
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a3)we can learn a lot from band, choir, & sports.They don't have an issue bringing parents in.Celebrate kids & they will come
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A3: 12 parent and growing PAC meets monthly, then those that want and can join SIP team. Reality, all parents who engage w/r.
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A3: Informal conversations, surveys, and conversations. I will often ask, "What can we do to make it better for your child?"
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My belief is that families have valuable input. I often do a Friday Five. Contact five families & ask them for their thoughts.
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Powerful! Service leadership at its best!! https://t.co/S3Be9cBnD9
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A3: Informal conversations, surveys, and conversations. I will often ask, "What can we do to make it better for your child?"
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Me either. What is Celly?
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QUESTION 4 - It's in the hopper on ... Stay tuned...
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GREAT idea. Wonderful way to get quality, specific feedback from parents.
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Welcome! A great principal in the making!! We're so glad you are part of us You are an inspiration!
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I want to come visit you at your school!
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A3. Had a member on our SIT team. Contact with PTO members, survey as needed.
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Q4: How can we better assess family needs, wants, and program satisfaction to guide program quality improvements?
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Always welcome! Would love to have you and others at Warner.
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A3 tough to get true valuable input when the process is so involved. Great idea
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Do you think its more "user friendly" for families than Twitter?
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A3: PTO leadership conversations, surveys, and ancedotal notes/observations inform us. https://t.co/hLcgz8HR3b
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Q3: How do you engage parents, families, or community in school improvement process?
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Once again - follow
She helped create many of tonight's questions on
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A4. Conversations are the best. Surveys for more info quickly. Pick highs and lows. keep doing whats working improve the rest.
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A4. Honestly not through any survey I have used. Asking questions and listening has been the best resource--being available!
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A4: Survey often. Host parent forums. Develop relationships with key Ps who are well-networked with others in the school comm. .
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A4: Surveying (not just paper or electronically); talk to parents. Ask questions; have avenues for feedback.
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The staff at Warner is pretty special. We have a Warner Outreach Night & the staff constantly has the pulse of their families.
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Surveys help but are limited in reach for us. Talking w/ parents, community chats & reaching out helps https://t.co/2LSl7mg3VS
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Q4: How can we better assess family needs, wants, and program satisfaction to guide program quality improvements?
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Make sure that I talk with teachers, they often know the pulse of parents. Cedar-specific surveys not AdvancEd garbage
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A4 coffee with the principal works for me
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A4: Chat them up whenever you can. I had a great conversation in the checkout line today!
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A4- I like a keep doing, start doing, stop doing 3 question survey for parents. Has worked well for staff!
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A4: there are no unimportant people at when parents feel you care they share.
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That a really good point. https://t.co/xwMiS4GyWz
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Make sure that I talk with teachers, they often know the pulse of parents. Cedar-specific surveys not AdvancEd garbage
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A4: talk and listen to your people. Go to where your people are. Activate your PTO...all parents are a part of the PTO.
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A4: Build relationships. Know your students and parents. Be present.
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Absolutely! So much of what the "temp" is comes from what we hear with ear on the ground. Informs ?s https://t.co/Ht9DLdF9bL
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A4: Chat them up whenever you can. I had a great conversation in the checkout line today!
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Question 5 is on deck.. Get ready ...
Doing great everyone. Keep those collaborative juices flowing!
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Q5: What training/education do provide to parents and how do you communicate this training to them?
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a4)we need to remember the loudest,frequent voice is not always https://t.co/TCUqc6fm1y out the quiet ones & get their view too
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I NEED tweet deck on my phone!
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Aiming to have a half-day Parent Camp in the next 12 months in our District.
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A4. Hanging out at bus duty!!!
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A5: Tech. info/training through school newsletter and tech. nights. Training on current math inst. via math resource web site.
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Training doesn't need to be complex. Take your PTO/PTA meetings & share current initiatives. Have students share as well.
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That's the KEY! Not an exclusive club! PTO is everyone - we are partners in educating up! https://t.co/aMfHoksMnT
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A4: talk and listen to your people. Go to where your people are. Activate your PTO...all parents are a part of the PTO.
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A5 - Family Nights allow us to sneak a little in but definitely something we need to improve upon
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A5. had math night very early in the year last year to introduce our new math series. Hoping to help parents with "CC Math".
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A5: training on what we are doing and why (bully prevention, character education, SBG, etc.).
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Sorry I’m late! Looks like a discussion in going to have fun reading through tomorrow!
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we had iPad training before we started our 1:1 iPad program, and for setting restrictions, too ;)
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I had a Tech N' Taco Night a while back and we focused on Digital Citizenship and the shift in technology as a learning tool.
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A5: our current biggie is leadership days. I also provide informal support about school & issue advocacy
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A5: Limited. We do some at Ports of Call in the Fall, Tech Night (limited turnout), and articles in our weekly communication.
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School YouTube channel allows us to show teachers teaching challenging concepts to support students and parents at home
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Question 6 coming up... Yup, moving quick tonight.
So many great ideas flying around on !!! Great work everyone!
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A5- all this PTO talk makes me wonder if any MS's have them and how well do they work!
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Q6: How can we do a better job of learning whether families are taking advantage of the opportunities we provide?
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Maybe we need to add Tacos like with our Tech Night. https://t.co/5GZgM1Xs3E
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A5: Limited. We do some at Ports of Call in the Fall, Tech Night (limited turnout), and articles in our weekly communication.
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A5: We have Literacy and Math Workshops. We are looking to add a Science workshop for parents.
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https://t.co/29le279kd5
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A5: Love and Logic, Tech Ed nights, etc... Advertised through my Monday Morning Memo in skyward message center, website, district website
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AMEN! Don't get sidetracked by the 80/20 trap! Great reminder for all of us !! https://t.co/Wr0e3OIUbZ
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a4)we need to remember the loudest,frequent voice is not always https://t.co/TCUqc6fm1y out the quiet ones & get their view too
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who runs the workshops? Is there a specific theme each time?
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We're all specially trained principals - we can read all kinds of writing!
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A6: Check that resources are being used through online tracking of digital resources and asking Ss and Ps for feedback.
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Great resources for family engagement are
Check these out
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WOW!! That's awesome! We can't wait to hear all about it!
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A6: Regular quick surveys after events/opportunities
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A6: documentation and feedback
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Thanks for all the ideas. We don't have a parent ed program outside PTO and our school blog/websites. https://t.co/rVQBEQmC9q
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Q5: What training/education do provide to parents and how do you communicate this training to them?
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Love reading the comments from the surveys we do. Get more from those then the actual Advanced Ed questions.
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A6. That's a great question. We have been steered away from such meetings becuz of the low turnouts
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You need to start mentoring new principals!
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Once again peeps - follow
She helped create the topic idea and some of the questions on tonight’s chat!
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A6 - Be flexible. Although we sometimes think an idea or method makes the most sense, be open and available to feedback
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we do, but there is 0 fundraising/party planning. We host guest speakers to help Ps support Ss
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Question 7, 8, and 9 coming quick, as planned... Get ready !
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Q7: How do you know that each of your students are healthy? Safe? Engaged? Supported? Challenged?
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At Warner we believe in the Whole Child. We help kids socially, emotionally, and academically. Our Kids Hope Mentors are gr8!
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A7: Paying close attention to each Ss appearance and performance. Listening to their thoughts, wonderings, cares, and concerns.
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A7. Talk to them! Middle schoolers will usually tell it like it is!
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A7. Have caring teachers and staff who notice everything about a kid. One thing off they look into and let me know if needed.
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A7 - This should be the primary focus, even prior to learning/achievement. It has been the focus of our staff meetings ths year
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A7. Good ques and one I lose sleep over. Again, talking, listening, taking Ss seriously
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A7. By getting to know every child and their story.
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A7: I'll tackle supported...we do a lot in terms of a positive culture. Top priority for support/success of Ss.
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A7: talk to them! Our mentor and leadership programs help with that too - so many more ppl paying attention.
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A7: Again being present and aware. Know each and everyone of them.
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A7 - talk to them, listen to teachers, be present where you're not expected
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A7. Talking to staff and greeting the students as we encounter them
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A7: Paying attention to them- what they say and how they look, respond during the day. Trust thy teachers who know them well
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A7: Make sure every student has at least one school trusted adult. Advisory time, every day with team building.
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Question 8 coming up now...
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I've been amazed at what we have been able to figure out as a collective group. There's power in those staff meetings!
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Right on! As a Leadership Team we try to be focused and intentional with this! https://t.co/dGW7WXtsFm
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A7. Talk to them! Middle schoolers will usually tell it like it is!
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Q8: What is the number 1 most important family engagement strategy we can do as Principals or administrators?
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I agree...but requires a level of trust before some of them candidly share.
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A8: Demonstrate our care and concern for their children.
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AM today K Ss said he didn't want to come to schl. I listen close--he says his toe hurts and he lost his memory!
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The number one thing is listen. Period.
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A8: Get to know families well and connect with them regularly to cultivate close working relationships and offer support.
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I came across your chat will try to hope on next week leadership is the same in Canada as USA
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For sure! That's why relationships are so important with our kids :-)
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The little things can have the greatest impact. I'd add listen to that tho. Just ask a Q & listen
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So important! Teachers and staff know students best!
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A7 Student Service Team. Listen to teacher concerns and then create Tier intervention services for them.
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A8 - build relationships and listen
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I came across your chat will try to hop on next week leadership is the same in Canada as USA
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A7: I will salute my staff. We KNOW our Ss and Families. Build a relationship, kids have a way of sharing important things.
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A8. Be empathic, listen, smile, find joy in every day, love their children
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A8: Engage in communication, listening.
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Putting the pressure on ! #1 best? Oh my! Here we go. . . collaboration at its best! https://t.co/ouwJp5wRF0
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Q8: What is the number 1 most important family engagement strategy we can do as Principals or administrators?
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Last question (#9) coming up now... ...
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Q9: Parents turn out en masse for concerts / sports. How can we capture that desire to help shape academic learning supports?
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A9. Incorporate Ss performance, projects that Ss want to show off, food :).
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A9: By not making education just about passing a state test. Get back to fun, engaged authentic learning that matters. (soapbox)
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A8 - put ALL kids in a position to shine as much as possible, value all types of learners and input, parents understand caring
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Every parent has a trigger. It's up to us to find it and partner with them for the good of their child.
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A9 make it exciting, interactive, and INVITE them. If they know they are wanted, they will come.
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A8- be present, act with empathy and be real with them. Relationships, relationships, relationships
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A9: Host evenings in which Ss share academic successes through projects or performances. Ps want to see their children shine!
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A9: Newsletters about attendance and supports passed out at concerts/games. Have HS students come and talk at those events too.
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Highly suggest book Presence. Whole thing is great - but Ch3 is powerful when thinking abt engaging fams/cmnty
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A8: Be present in conversations without saying a word. Invite the kids, they will make sure that parents are there.
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Terrific chat everyone! Gentle Reminder...you can not go wrong with the book, Beyond the Bake Sale.
Thanks
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I don't believe engaging families is rocket science when you think of & respect each person as an individual
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Thanks to everyone on tonight
Next week (Thurs, Jan 14) we'll be discussing "Favorite Tech Tools"
Should be a great chat!!!
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check out might be of interest to your group
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Yes! This works. Ps love seeing their child featured. Ps want to be proud of & brag about their school https://t.co/EUp7TKnmIT
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A9. Incorporate Ss performance, projects that Ss want to show off, food :).
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Thanks and everyone that participated! Have a great weekend!
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Thank you! https://t.co/aLmodIgioP
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Highly suggest book Presence. Whole thing is great - but Ch3 is powerful when thinking abt engaging fams/cmnty
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A9: Highlight student achievement, they will come, take photos and they will come back, care about them and they won't leave!
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Thank you Mike and MEMSPA Principals--you made me think, as always!
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Yes, and relevant. Ps have a lot on their plates. If they don't connect w topic, not likely to tune in https://t.co/gTTkeN2MXF
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A9 make it exciting, interactive, and INVITE them. If they know they are wanted, they will come.
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Great ideas and collaboration tonight on ! Thanks,
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RT:
A1 cannot underestimate the value of smiles, warm welcomes, knowing names
— Allyson Apsey (…
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Great convo! Glad I caught the end.
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AMEN ! We're responsible for helping connect potential - relationships lead to learning! https://t.co/ubsylc9jAB
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A8 - put ALL kids in a position to shine as much as possible, value all types of learners and input, parents understand caring
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You've done it again! Excellent chat! Thank you!
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peeps--- Keep spreading the word about ....
We'll keep growing, collaborating, and sharing great ideas! TOGETHER!
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Thanks. Great to connect on tonight.
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A9.Give them a chance to learn beside their child. Attend the event as a family
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Thanks for moderating tonight! inspires our principals to do the good work every day! You rock!
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You are very welcome! It's educators like yourself that make rock and organizations like roll
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- Thurs, January 14 @ 8pm - "Favorite Tech Tools"
Spread the word & see you next week! Let's keep building the chat, together!
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Great tonight! Some of my best PD this year!
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I just returned from 14 hr trip to EUP ISD. Sorry I missed tonight.
