Connect Personally with Families

A detailed description of the practice

Connect with families to discuss how they are doing, share positive or encouraging messages, and inquire whether additional school support is required.

This practice:

is cost-efficient to put in place

is effective in promoting health and wellness among students

is well received by most students

is well received by teachers and school staff

is helping build and maintain a healthy school culture

will be used for years to come

reaches most students and families within a school

reaches the students and families who need it most

does not require support or partnerships from outside the school

does not require additional funding

is sustainable over time given staff turnover, costs, training, etc.

is easily integrated into the curriculum (Program of Studies)

But this practice:

is not easy and quick to implement

requires extensive planning

requires additional staff time

Examples of specific activities

Administer surveys to identify parent needs, and how the school can help

Parades or drive-by’s

Share feel good messages with families

Slip messages of hope into mailboxes

More from the stakeholders from the education and health sectors about this practice

It is always great to connect with the parents to see what they need.

Necessary! I wish all schools made this mandatory.

This is important, when families are facing a difficult time and students cannot be in school, reaching out to see how they can be supported can be comforting to students and their families.

Teachers can connect through email, text, phone calls - home visit, there is a way to reach every student.