Supporting home to school partnerships is extremely important in ensuring a well-rounded education for children. As a result, teachers utilize a variety of forms of communication to keep families informed.
According to Mrs. Mary Ann Boyd, Principal of Franklin School, “We have a responsibility as educators to develop and support the home-school partnership because we know that this partnership contributes to the success of students.” “
“When parents and teachers communicate, it conveys caring and interest on the part of both parties and ultimately lets children know that we are working together where their academic, social, and emotional development is concerned.”
Teachers communicate to families in a variety of ways. One of the newer forms of communication being used by teachers is the use of class web pages. Class web pages inform families about classroom instruction, homework assignments, books they can read to supplement the curriculum, and upcoming class events.
At Franklin School, Mrs. Boyd is excited about the use of class web pages. She feels they provide just one more way to communicate with parents. Since last school year, teachers at Franklin have been creating class web pages.
Mrs. Donna Esposito and Mrs. Cathy Freund, second grade teachers at Franklin School commented that Mr. John Moschella, previous principal of Franklin School, was the impetus behind the class web pages. Mrs. Dent added that Mrs. Boyd has been very supportive of the creation of these web pages, as well.
The Franklin School teachers feel there are great benefits to the class web pages. They are able to post homework assignments, spelling words, upcoming events, needed school supplies and links to useful web sites.
Parents also use the email link on the class web page to communicate with the teachers. Mrs. Marla Sarrel, third grade teacher at Franklin, commented that she finds this to be very beneficial. “I have five parents I communicate regularly with via email.”
Many teachers referred to the number of visits their sites have had over the past few months. “Quite a number of my parents have checked into the site and all of the feedback has been positive,” states Mrs. Esposito.
Mrs. Boyd states, “Communication with parents is so vital in the process of educating children. That is why we are so excited about the use of class web pages at the Franklin School web site.”