#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday October 6, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Tim from Waverly - lets try again (been hard to be here) - its been a rough week and I'm happy to be around supportive friends
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Matt Severin, Principal, Dowagiac Middle School
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- STARTING NOW.
"Family Engagement: A Critical Component"
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Mike Schulte, Principal, Wilkerson Elementary in Warren.
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Greetings from Steve Chisik in Milford!
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Hello friends, Jon here from Livonia. In & out tonight as I eat a late night dinner after PTA meeting.
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Jason Gribble Principal, Forest Elementary, Rivierview
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Michigan Principals chat going on now on (MEMSPA - Michigan ELem and Middle Schools Principals Association) Multi-task?
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Hola, Jonathan, Pullman El., drinker of craft beer, and happy to see Brad Ausmus return to the Tigers. Ready to share/learn
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We will be using the Q1 / A1 format. Questions starting in 1 minute on
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Why not? What's the topic tonight?
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Arina Bokas author, college instructor, parent leader
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Tammy Reich from Dexter - Creekside Intermediate School Principal
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Michelle Barsh. Elem. Instructional Specialist from Milford.
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Q1: Is what ways do you see parents as ADVOCATES and how do we tap into this area?
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Danny Brassell. Redondo Beach, CA. ππ
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A1 Parents are advocates because they know their kids the best. Provide ways to help them tell us about their kids.
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A1: Remind parents of Jerry Maguire: help us, help you. Parents are always kids' FIRST teachers. ππ
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A1: I offer myself as a partner for the time they spend in my school. I focus on communication. Get them to the table!
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A1 I prefer calling parents allies. This means equal partnership & equal investment in the whole child. Sharing common goals.
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We use parents to learn about children. Communicate through phone, email and face-to-face (think parking lot - days end)
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A1 We teach children. Parents are experts in their children; schools are experts in education. Combining two expertise is key
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Sorry I'm a bit late... Betty here from Saline. Glad to be with you tonight.
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A1: Parents have a better idea of what excites kids, makes them worry, motivates them... We get them for 6.5, need their input!
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A1: I read this as advocates for my school! No bigger supporter of your school than your parents!
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A1: lots to share and lots to give. Needs bridges made from us to get there sometimes.
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A1: Ps are best advocates - need to know what is going on and how to support. Share the great stuff going on in your school
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A1: Watch DOGs- add security and + male role model. volunteers - they see the initiatives and promote thru social media
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Shanna in and out with soccer and swim. Milan Area Schools
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Sorry I'm late Rachael from Jenison
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QUESTION 2 coming up quick on . Great to see an awesome crew on tonight. Great work everyone.
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A1: We count on our Ps to help us to know their children best. Building a partnership with them is the best advocacy we can do.
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A2: when I know parents better I can connect with their passions have found support for garden project, class books, volunteers
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Families are our biggest advocates. We must get to know them better in any way possible.
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Q2: In what ways do you PROVIDE INFORMATION, early and often, to parents and the community?
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A1) Ps know how we can connect with their children. They will be more supportive when they see us making that connection.
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A1 .We have to allow parents to have voice in eduction. Their questions are not attacks; it's a concern.
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Jennifer Goethals from Lake Orion. In the stands at football!
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we use Watch Dog program too it is great
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A2 Emails with weeks in advance of school starting. Keep Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts up to date.
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A1+1: Watch D.O.G.S. program brings poitive males roll models in. It is a real eductaion every time!! https://t.co/hvcO2vwXuY
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A2) Messenger communicates to all families - often. Quick, simple and efficient means of communicating, Newsletter, twitter, FB,
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A2. Formal newsletter every other week, emails in between. Started using Remind101 with parents this year.
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A2: Twitter updates throughout the day. School hashtag. Video "Week in Review" emailed every Fri. Robocal and Roboemal.
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A2) school messenger updates (email, phone, and text) as needed and monthly newsletters. Social media daily too.
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Cyndi Nickel, Elementary Principal, Walled Lake. Lurking in between helping my kids w homework
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A2: Communication is key. Weekly seminars. Town meetings. Automated phone announcements. Web blasts...
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Hello everyone! Allison, principal in Three Rivers joining a little late.
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A2: newsletter, school messenger emails/calls, Facebook, Twitter page, and building blog
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A2: Weekly parent blog...lots of pictures, updates, a consistent format & delivery time each week. It's been well received!
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A2: In person, newsletters, during school activities, email, phone, through teachers, social media, local news, through students
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A2: 4 T2 intervention, the Ts and I notify parents when Ss enter & exit. Then a weekly blog on literacy sent through Remind.
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Nat. Distinguished Principal Nicole Airgood celebrates with Dr. Nancy Colflesh at the Capitol Hilton DC. https://t.co/MkR23cEAlE
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A2 Email introducing yourself and setting up expectations. Partnership nights highlighting learning and new methodology.
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Amie McCaw checking in from Vicksburg Community Schools!
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A2: Monthly newsletter with entry from each grade level and specials area, emails andTouchcast video blogs new this year!
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Communicate in as many ways as possible. Let families choose.
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I love your blog!!! It's awesome! It gave me a springboard for mine for Intervention! https://t.co/UJSG33QY1L
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A2: Weekly parent blog...lots of pictures, updates, a consistent format & delivery time each week. It's been well received!
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A2: This is an area of needed improvement. We use instant alerts and monthly Smore newsletters
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A2: School messenger, bi-weekly newsletter, facebook, calls home
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your TOUCHCAST videos rock! Looking forward to learning with you! https://t.co/i0OthM2FPW
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A2: Monthly newsletter with entry from each grade level and specials area, emails andTouchcast video blogs new this year!
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A2: New blog that includes a happenings page, calendar of events & Storify page that tells the bldg twitter story for the wk.
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We love Class Dojo! Every classroom is using it!
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A2 Open classroom events and community visits - parents visit classrooms, observe how ss experience learning.
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A2: Updating our Facebook page, utilizing School Messenger, parent mtg at Open House, and the old fashioned...being available
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A2 Here's the link to all our for the year, so far.
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Can you share about weekly seminars?
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A2: Newsletters, calls, social media, face to face...
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. I forgot touchcast videos super helpful for showing things to parents
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Q3: In what ways can we view parents as PARTNERS in education and how do we tap into this?
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Michelle from St. Joe - joining my friends and colleagues at tonight. Great discussion already underway.
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we will make a technology based difference together!!
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- Re-tweet Question 3 - Going on now https://t.co/4O8nEjP6Rn
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Q3: In what ways can we view parents as PARTNERS in education and how do we tap into this?
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A3: Parents know their children best...we need to be a TEAM for student success! Build trusting & respectful relationships.
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A3: Constant communication with parents is key. They are more likely to feel like a partner if you include them in decisions.
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A3 Last year we read Beyond the Bake Sale. Bought copies for any family that wanted one. Great conversations!
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A3- Starting up a Parent Lighthouse Team-- which brings parents involved in all areas of school decisions.
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A3) Creatively - we have to find ways - especially in underserved populations with high levels of poverty - Would love to hear
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Molly coming in late tonight
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Jon is an inspiring ! Big fan here in NC.
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A3consistent communication that goes both ways, ask for feedback, let parents know you value them, take time to get to know them
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A3: Ps know their child best. Must collaborate w/ as TEAM so they are welcome in our schools and share what works for their S.
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A3: Invite them in! Offer multiple ways to be a part of the school community - whether it is during the school day or after.
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A3 Synthesize parenting & teaching into providing all kids w/leadership, love, laughter, & learning, & our partnership is clear.
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We host parent seminars every Fri to review good habits (e.g. Nutrition, reading, etc - like Live Twitterchat)
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A3: Developing trust and relationships. We love and treat their kids like our own, no matter what! https://t.co/w74MSsdcIn
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A3. We need parent partnerships to create change. Parent advisory or PTOs can be a strong voice for an initiative/goal/need.
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A3: Parents are a huge part of Bond proposals. Having them part of the S.I. team and subcommittees - pulse of community
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Honored Sir!! The feeling is mutual.
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THANK YOU-- looks like a great one!
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A3 Parents are co-builders of a macro learning environment of each learner. They need to understand the learning process.
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A3 The goal is to make the home to school transition as seamless as possible with a wraparound of nurture & education.
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A3: My parents believe in our vision (essential) of tech integration. Parents understand because we value their partnership!
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Need to drop out of and to run our district chat starting in 2 minutes. Thanks for letting me join in!
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A3-Take our partnership to them. Apt clubhouses, parks, chruches, and even bus them to our events! https://t.co/32dVy8truj
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A3) Creatively - we have to find ways - especially in underserved populations with high levels of poverty - Would love to hear
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QUESTION 4 coming up on - Great work everyone
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Also because you have taken the time to teach them and share your excitement. It's catchy! https://t.co/pNBPvZ7hDh
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A3: My parents believe in our vision (essential) of tech integration. Parents understand because we value their partnership!
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Yes growing leadership w/ students helps bring on our parents!
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Thanks for joining! We are here on every Thursday. Hope to see you again.
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Q4: In what ways can/do you TAKE ADVANTAGE of your parent group's strengths in a positive way?
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A3 Use parental expertise in your classroom. An engineer can teach kids a science workshop; a writer can do a writing one.
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Put them on stage and celebrate THEIR child...they will come. Tie in the academics to those events.
https://t.co/mzVGI4Bdzp
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Yes growing leadership w/ students helps bring on our parents!
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Thanks Molly - I will share that with the teacher group charged with parent engagement...Great
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Question 4 posted on just now... https://t.co/6TGAi7a5Y0
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Q4: In what ways can/do you TAKE ADVANTAGE of your parent group's strengths in a positive way?
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A5: PTA has voice @ District level supporting work. Help us w/ community outreach and giving. 2nd year of Harvest Helping Hands.
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A4 I always reach out to parent leaders when there is an "ongoing issue", so they can help me to get out the "schools version"
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We have to respect parents as partners by honoring their role is supporting education. Listen and respond to them.
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For parents to share a vision, this vision needs to be shared with them. https://t.co/xiJstTeWGz
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A3: My parents believe in our vision (essential) of tech integration. Parents understand because we value their partnership!
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A4: They are disciples of sharing our work and sharing our stories. Good relationships assures it's a positive one.
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A4 DELEGATION and Giving up jobs and decisions to our families
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Better late then never! Hola mi amigos!
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A4: PTA voice @ district level supports our work. Supports community outreach & giving. 2nd year of Harvest Helping Hands.
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Amen, Molly! We need to do a lot more celebrating. Acknowledge progress. ππ
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YES! Listening--we must remember sometimes to just LISTEN!
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A4: Have parents share the good things happening for their children/our students
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A4: Ps need to feel they have a role in the game. Sharing ideas, asking ?'s and developing relationships is a win/win for all!
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A4: Sometimes you have to follow their lead. They lead with their hearts and put the children first.
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A3: we can do this by teaching by students not content. When we depersonalize school we lose parent support.
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A4 Parents help with communication. Let them spread info/message. Keep them in the loop and make sure your message is shared.
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A4: Let them take charge of the events that are tradition and that they are passionate about. Just like we do w/Ss and staff..
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That's a great saying, Ariana! May I liberate it (AKA "steal")? ππ
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Budget for bussing if you have to! Work with your local apt complex ldrs, heads of churches etc.
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Listening to parents doesn't imply a lack of expertise; it means openness to collaboration. Parents nee⦠https://t.co/k60vMGIksw
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We have to respect parents as partners by honoring their role is supporting education. Listen and respond to them.
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A4: asking parent group what they want to see, their vision for our school community, giving them major oversight of many events
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Disciples and, quite often, our best marketers & champions. ππ
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A4: Also, if you get them on board with your vision, they will take the reigns and steer the coach.
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A4: If it's not positive, we don't do it. Too much negativity in the world, & we can break cycle w/ kids. ππ
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Use your resources. Parents can explain things to other parents often better than educators. https://t.co/c5FewTWg5X
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A4 I always reach out to parent leaders when there is an "ongoing issue", so they can help me to get out the "schools version"
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Not sure you all know is expert in this topic. Check out her new book. It's filled with ways to build partnerships
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QUESTION 5 coming up next on
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Q5: In what ways can we view parents as LEADERS in education and how do we tap into this? Examples?
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Do I see in tonight? Share your thoughts on parents as partners.
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So true, we have to have a Growth Minset! https://t.co/8zpHq7CM62
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A4: If it's not positive, we don't do it. Too much negativity in the world, & we can break cycle w/ kids. ππ
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A5: Parents are the first teachers for their child. We need to help empower them just as we empower students.
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A5: Every P has a gift to share. We have to find ways to tap into their gift. Make sure they know they are welcome!
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Question 5... Just posted https://t.co/pB5XYFM2Aq
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Q5: In what ways can we view parents as LEADERS in education and how do we tap into this? Examples?
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Amen Jon! https://t.co/sInFwOvvFg
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A5: Parents are the first teachers for their child. We need to help empower them just as we empower students.
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A5 Build a Parent Leadership Team to partner with Building Leadership Team
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I do now. Will check out!! https://t.co/tm2lZ087IJ
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Not sure you all know is expert in this topic. Check out her new book. It's filled with ways to build partnerships
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A5:We need to welcome parents in, whether it is for 5 seconds, 5 minutes, or 5 days a week. Take what they can give.
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We did a data carousel with student achievement scores. Parents from SIT provided food and led discussion with teachers.
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Great share-- will check it out!
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A5: Better transparency and promote their advocacy. An ed system that stressed skills over content might help too.
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A5: We need to teach and not overwhelm with our world, but empower and invite in to our partnership.
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A5: Incorporate Bill Shore's philosophy for Share Our Strength: every parent has a skill, & we need to tap into it.
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A5: Ps can be the best agents of change. Sometimes they are just as excited as the Ss to get involved, sponcsor clubs, teams
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For parents who aren't comfortable a personal phone call asking them to lead in way that they can be successful in is powerful
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A5: Most of our parents are trained in areas we are not. Tap into those skills! Ex. I have a dad that knows fundraising!
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A5 Share decision making power and responsibility for education with your parental groups. This empowers & brings support
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It's hard to keep up with EDU-CANESE! Even non-educated doesn't = not smart! https://t.co/KJrFATlnv2
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So true. Why do we treat them as inferior just because they don't know our jargon? Inform... they have a vested int⦠https://t.co/DNJasUhrg3
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Question 6 coming in quick on - Get ready, only 3 Q's to go...
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I just did a parent workshop on mindset. Introduced it to them same time as teachers
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Invite parents to PD. Costs nothing. Benefits are priceless.
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Q6: In what ways can/do you tap into parents that are nearly NON-EXISTENT in their childβs education?
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This brings everyone on board. Using parent experts in instruction creates authentic learning experienc⦠https://t.co/PfBgC4giZ7
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A5: Most of our parents are trained in areas we are not. Tap into those skills! Ex. I have a dad that knows fundraising!
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Can I clarify? Do you mean not-present at the school/events/ etc? What do you mean by non existent?
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A6: Catch them when I can. A + phone call home, at drop off/pick up. Share something positive w/ them. Get to their heart!
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A6: Give them a positive phone call & invite them to an assembly where their child is being honored. Amazing how many come out!
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A6 Face to Face friendly greetings and getting to know names is always important
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A6: For me it's more about not using that as an excuse. If the parents won't (or can't), we need to for them.
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A6: engage them in any way possible! Humor, handshakes, phone calls, hold their baby, offer help, check in, β€οΈοΈ their children
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A6: Home visit do wonderful things to get them involved. Nothing like have the Principal knocking at your door.
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A6: I am thinking WATCH D.O.G.s is a great way to do this
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Collègues. We need to treat parents as colleagues in education of their children, not as helpers to mak⦠https://t.co/y1aqwH641W
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I heard this week, we also need to recognize them as intellectual partners as well... not always the case.
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Suggested to teachers to use no show P/T conference to record short video and send it to them. https://t.co/YNfX4HS2JB
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Q6: In what ways can/do you tap into parents that are nearly NON-EXISTENT in their childβs education?
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Gotta run my flight back to Michigan is boarding. Thanks for great ideas to elevate parent status.
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I love the home visits as well - as long as I have a staff member willing to trek with me it is worth its weight in gold!
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https://t.co/qvAeBtKC6c
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A6: Relentless pursuit of relationship with them! We always say it takes a full year to bring some parents into our fold.
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It is Mike! Opens their eyes and creates respect and appreciation for our profession. https://t.co/tZnrTdSTQZ
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A6: I am thinking WATCH D.O.G.s is a great way to do this
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Join next week for a chat on 21st Century Skills by using pictures to stimulate discussion.
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Join next week for a chat on 21st Century Skills by using pictures to stimulate discussion.
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Big fan of positive phone calls! Well done, sir! ππ
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Absolutely. Learning together provides shared language and unique perspectives in discussions. https://t.co/pNH7GAB2Y8
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Invite parents to PD. Costs nothing. Benefits are priceless.
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If not my custodian or the Ss teacher, I have taken the Watch DOG with me.
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QUESTION 7 is on deck, 30 seconds...
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Interesting... https://t.co/LUUFK7yYfu
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Join next week for a chat on 21st Century Skills by using pictures to stimulate discussion.
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Q7: In what ways can we view parents as LEARNERS in education and how do we tap into this?
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I hear that every time from my new DOGs. And the kids are the biggest influence to get dads in.
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A6: I also send 5 positive "Way to Go!" postcards home a month to kids, hoping parents see them too.
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Check out next week with Moderating about "21st Century Skills" (using pictures to simulate discussion) = AWESOME!!!
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A6: Listen 1st to their ?s. Ps want to support their Ss. Provide sessions to share/teach Ps how to be our partner.
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What a clever idea! We might want to borrow that one! https://t.co/o7iRxeumzZ
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Suggested to teachers to use no show P/T conference to record short video and send it to them. https://t.co/YNfX4HS2JB
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Q6: In what ways can/do you tap into parents that are nearly NON-EXISTENT in their childβs education?
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A7 This year our students will teach the parents about 7 Habits- instill growth mindsets all around
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Absolutely! Great to have dads backing our hard work! https://t.co/j0KmHuNkPB
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I hear that every time from my new DOGs. And the kids are the biggest influence to get dads in.
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A6 Home visits is the key. There might be many reasons fornot being involved: intimidation, culture, work. Most parents care
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Great idea! Thx for sharing, Shanna. ππ
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A7: I used to host a "Breakfast with the Principal" and in vite teachers to join and show math lessons to the Ps.
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A7: Love that our staff takes turns going to PTO meetings to share what's happening in classrooms to parents.
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A7: A6: Listen 1st to their ?s. Ps want to support their Ss. Provide sessions to share/teach Ps how to be our partner.
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A7: We need to view all stakeholders as learners & teachers. We have something to learn from & teach to everyone!
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Interesting. Gonna try this! https://t.co/9cuxwyyFcL
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A6: I also send 5 positive "Way to Go!" postcards home a month to kids, hoping parents see them too.
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A7 I assign Dinner Table Discussions where Ss get responses from family about class concepts & report their ideas & opinions.
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A7: I just hosted a Twitter 101 for Parents to show them how to use twitter to follow thier Ss's T and our hashtag
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QUESTION 8 - Last one is next on
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Check out next week with Moderating about "21st Century Skills" (using pictures to simulate discussion) = AWESOME!!!
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Q8: In what ways can you MODIFY your engagement what parents to increase the academic success of your students?
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Great idea! you should do this!
https://t.co/wxTAw38N2c
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A7: I just hosted a Twitter 101 for Parents to show them how to use twitter to follow thier Ss's T and our hashtag
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A7: Humanize the work we do! Don't work above, but work with parents. Even with our education, as P's we are learning too.
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are about to try this with our district staff, maybe parents next! https://t.co/mmuXumhSRh
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A7: I just hosted a Twitter 101 for Parents to show them how to use twitter to follow thier Ss's T and our hashtag
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A7: Ts doing flipped instructional videos to help Ps undestand what the Ss are doing in the classroom so they can help with HW
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Q8... https://t.co/VSXS3KbF84
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Q8: In what ways can you MODIFY your engagement what parents to increase the academic success of your students?
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A7: Anyone hosting "All-Pro Dads" at their school? This sounded like a great forum to get dads to school.
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Gotta pick up my kids from swimming. Thx so much for all of your great ideas. Blessed to have discovered this group! ππ
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A8 Great question- Increase parent knowledge and decision making with academic programming
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Keep learning and growing, especially being a more present listener.
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A8: Engagement must be about the work not just the events. Ps knowing the WHY of what we're doing is important.
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A7 These are real examples from my school - written by me, as a parent, and a teacher and a principal⦠https://t.co/tlG1fg84XM
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Thanks Mike for leading another great night of learning with outstanding Michigan leaders!
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A8: Being intentional in helping parents help their child. Strengthening partnerships by listening & responding to P needs.
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Thanks for keeping the train rolling along each week!
