~A parent is a child's first teacher ~
As a parent, I was never more worried, or more hopeful, than when I brought my daughters to their first day of Kindergarten. Would their teacher be kind and caring? Would they be supported and safe? Would they be challenged and love school? I had an instant appreciation for the feelings that the parents of children in my classroom had been experiencing for all those years - a secret world I never knew existed until I lived it myself.
What set me at ease as a mother was the communication of the teacher and the school, the feeling of love and support we noticed as we walked in the door, the open door policy of the building, and the work the school did to engage my family in my child's learning. As a school leader, I know these practices are important, but as a parent I know they are critical to the success of my child and our school.
My work with families and the community can be summarized by the 6 P's*
Priority: Partnering with families and communities is a top priority and a guiding philosophy for my schools, together we can best support each child to reach their dreams - to grow, create and achieve at the highest levels.
Personal Connection: Building relationships and knowing each child and their family is fundamental to me. As the studio manager of The Portland Ballet, I knew the names of all my 250 students, their parents and their siblings, what they did and what they liked. For me, relating to people is the first step in any partnership. I truly care about people, and I know that family is the most important thing in all of our lives. Stop by my office for a cup of coffee and some M&Ms, let’s connect and let me know how I can help you or your child.
Positivity: Positive interactions are so important in school/family partnerships. As parents, we need to know when things are going well – not just when there are problems! As my personality and strengths page indicates – I have a sunny, outgoing disposition. I celebrate our successes and focus on strengths and growth to help us face our challenges together as a team. Blame and shame are not effective tools to move anyone forward; rather we strategize together to address the educational and behavioral needs of our children.
Proactive and Persistent Communication: Clear communication is critical if schools and families are to develop the trust necessary to work in partnership together. I share information in a variety of ways: regular newsletters translated to support all our families access, an updated website, twitter posts -follow me @DrStackhouseedd- text messaging, parent and community meetings, and an open door policy. I am clear and transparent– I will share what I know, as soon as possible, in as many ways needed to make sure our families know what is going on in our school.
Planning: Building partnerships between school, home and community does not just happen. It takes effort, reflection on where we are, a vision for where we would like to go, and planning the steps it takes to get us there. I create opportunities for school and family partnership through family surveys, coffee time, school events, parent teacher organizations, site council and other venues. Together we shape our vision for our school, and plan the steps to improve our outreach and involvement.
Process: Family school relationship building is an ongoing process. As our communities and students change, our needs and interests for our schools change too. We are never “finished” in our work of partnering with our families. Know that if what we are doing doesn't work, we will change it. If something you love is established, we will nurture it.
*After the work of the University of Minnesota
What set me at ease as a mother was the communication of the teacher and the school, the feeling of love and support we noticed as we walked in the door, the open door policy of the building, and the work the school did to engage my family in my child's learning. As a school leader, I know these practices are important, but as a parent I know they are critical to the success of my child and our school.
My work with families and the community can be summarized by the 6 P's*
Priority: Partnering with families and communities is a top priority and a guiding philosophy for my schools, together we can best support each child to reach their dreams - to grow, create and achieve at the highest levels.
Personal Connection: Building relationships and knowing each child and their family is fundamental to me. As the studio manager of The Portland Ballet, I knew the names of all my 250 students, their parents and their siblings, what they did and what they liked. For me, relating to people is the first step in any partnership. I truly care about people, and I know that family is the most important thing in all of our lives. Stop by my office for a cup of coffee and some M&Ms, let’s connect and let me know how I can help you or your child.
Positivity: Positive interactions are so important in school/family partnerships. As parents, we need to know when things are going well – not just when there are problems! As my personality and strengths page indicates – I have a sunny, outgoing disposition. I celebrate our successes and focus on strengths and growth to help us face our challenges together as a team. Blame and shame are not effective tools to move anyone forward; rather we strategize together to address the educational and behavioral needs of our children.
Proactive and Persistent Communication: Clear communication is critical if schools and families are to develop the trust necessary to work in partnership together. I share information in a variety of ways: regular newsletters translated to support all our families access, an updated website, twitter posts -follow me @DrStackhouseedd- text messaging, parent and community meetings, and an open door policy. I am clear and transparent– I will share what I know, as soon as possible, in as many ways needed to make sure our families know what is going on in our school.
Planning: Building partnerships between school, home and community does not just happen. It takes effort, reflection on where we are, a vision for where we would like to go, and planning the steps it takes to get us there. I create opportunities for school and family partnership through family surveys, coffee time, school events, parent teacher organizations, site council and other venues. Together we shape our vision for our school, and plan the steps to improve our outreach and involvement.
Process: Family school relationship building is an ongoing process. As our communities and students change, our needs and interests for our schools change too. We are never “finished” in our work of partnering with our families. Know that if what we are doing doesn't work, we will change it. If something you love is established, we will nurture it.
*After the work of the University of Minnesota