So you’ve got pretty much everything set and organized and now you need to reach out to all of your students’ families! Congrats! 🎉
The first week can be a whirlwind and super overwhelming. As this is your first contact with your students’ parents/guardians, you’re probably worried about making a good first impression. We’ve got you covered!💪
Start with an Introduction Letter
An introduction letter is a great way to reach out to families. Keep it short and sweet but make sure your letter has your contact information and a short introduction about yourself and how you’re looking forward to working with their child. We’ll include an example one and a blank one for you to customize. 🙌
How to Send a Letter
Try to communicate in some form with your families during the first week of school. Here are a list of ways to try and communicate!
Email: I typically email my letter to students’ parents/guardians. (That way I know if I have the right email address too!)
Paper Letter: If I don’t get an email back, I’ll put a paper version in the student’s backpack. Some will also request a paper version so they can put it on their fridge.
Phone call/text message: Depending on your caseload, you may be able to have a quick phone call or send a text message. I use Google Voice or Seesaw. What you use will depend on your district. I use Google Voice because it keeps a log of my communication. Seesaw messages get archived every year.
If you use a different method, you may want to start a communication log. Make sure it’s FERPA compliant!
If you need some inspiration, click here for a free template!
Follow Up Communication
I also send a follow-up after I have my schedule with the tentative day and time of their child’s session. I’m also able to make a note of the best way to contact that family. It comes in handy later! I promise!
Check-In
Throughout the year, I do try to check in a couple of times with parents/guardians just to drop a quick note about how a session went well and right before an IEP. It’s a great way to connect with parents/guardians so that meetings aren’t the only time you’re talking to them.
I’ve found that all of my meetings go a lot smoother when I’ve checked in with them before a meeting and a couple of times a year on a good note. My students also LOVE when they get to take that note home! 😍
Good luck and I hope that you have a great year!
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