Tips On Calling Parents

Every principal dreads making THAT phone call! It`s never easy having to address the topic of school discipline with parents, but it`s a must if we as principals are going to foster healthy school/home collaboration.⁠ ⁠

Here`s what`s worked for me in the past, especially as a high school vice-principal.⁠ ⁠ A mentioned last week in my post on transparent communication; gather your facts before calling. Have the information readily available prior to starting the conversation.⁠ ⁠ What I also find very useful is to have the child sit in with you in the office as you talk with the parent. Let the parent know the child is there. This can ensure everyone gets the same message (especially for older students who can easily share their own version of what went down once they get home). Sometimes, you`ll even get a parent who wishes to talk to their child then and there! Either way, your job is to facilitate an open conversation and see that the consequence properly reflects the action. ⁠ ⁠ What strategies have you used that help facilitate open and transparent communication with parents?⁠ ⁠