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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who do I talk to and how?
A: If you have a classroom-specific issue relating to your child, talk to your classroom teacher first. The best way to contact your teacher is via e-mail or by sending a note with your child (unless your teacher has specified a different preference for communication). Please allow at least 24 hours for a return response. Be specific in your e-mail/note by stating the reason for your communication.
Tips on E-mail Communication: E-mail is a great and quick way to disseminate straightforward information. However, it may not be the best way to communicate sensitive information. If a response or agreement is needed, the best way to do this is in person or to set-up an appointment with the teacher. This will allow you to speak to each other face to face without interruption or any miscommunication that e-mail can sometimes cause.
If you feel like you need further resolution, the next step would be to talk to the Principal via e-mail or note in their mailbox. Again, allow at least 24 hours for a return response.
It is never appropriate to contact the instructional superintendent, district superintendent, or members of the school board without going through the above steps first.
Q: Which issues go to the CSC and which to the PTA?
A: There is sometimes confusion about the roles of the PTA and the CSC, and who to go to with questions. If you are not sure, just ask one of the board members to direct you to the right place. We are always happy to help.
a. CSC - Collaborative School Committee - Any issues relating to the:
- School Improvement Plan
- School Budget
- Classroom Configuration
b. PTA- Parent Teacher Association - Any ideas, issues, or suggestions about:
- Current PTA Committees and events
- Advocating for all students
- Community building and social events
- School day and after school enrichment
- Fundraising for PTA activities
Q: How can I communicate more clearly?
A: Below are the "Seven Norms of Collaborative Work." This is taken from the June 2008 Principals' Institute for DPS. It gives suggestions on effective ways to communicate, whether with an individual or a group.
a. Paraphrasing: Using a paraphrase starter that is comfortable for you: "So..." or "As you are..." or "You're thinking..." and following the starter with a paraphrase assists members of the group to hear and understand each other as they formulate decisions.
b. Pausing: Pausing before responding or asking a question allows time for thinking and enhances dialogue, discussion and decision-making.
c. Probing: Using gentle open-ended probes or inquires such as, "Please say more..." or "Can you tell me more about..." or "Then, are you saying...?" Increases clarity and precision of the group's thinking.
d. Putting Ideas on the table: Ideas are the heart of meaningful dialogue. Label the intention of your comments. For example, you might say, "Here is one idea..." or "One thought I have is..." or "Here is a possible approach..." or "I'm just thinking out loud..."
e. Paying attention to self and others: Meaningful dialogue is facilitated when each group member is conscious of self and others and is aware of not only what he/she is saying, but also how it is said and how others are responding. This includes paying attention to learning style when planning for, facilitating and participating in group meetings. Responding to others in their own language forms is one manifestation of this norm.
f. Presuming positive intentions: Assuming that other's intentions are positive promotes and facilitates meaningful dialogue and eliminates unintentional put downs. Using positive intentions in your speech is one manifestation of this norm.
g. Pursuing a balance between advocacy and inquiry:
Pursuing and maintaining a balance between advocating for a position and inquiring about one's own and others' positions assists the group to become a learning organization.
Q: Who is the Steele Communications Team and what do they do?
A: The Steele Communications Team was commissioned by the Principal last spring. We have used the term "Committee" interchangeably with "Team," and that created some confusion. There is a PTA Communications Committee, which is unrelated to us, so in the future we will refer to this group as the Steele Communications Team. The current team members are Gene Boyer, Eldijana Bjelcic, Charlie Leckenby, Glynna Baker, and Lori Eronimous. It is our mission to assess Steele's communication needs, implement efficient communication tools, and supervise the overall communication process at Steele. Overarching priorities include convenient and non-intrusive access by the Steele community to information about Steele's events, news, and needs; neutral oversight of communications directed at the Steele community; reasonable limits on the frequency and length of communications directed at the Steele community; and confidentiality of the all-school mailing list. Any time you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us, steelestallionpress@gmail.com.
This Page was last update:
Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:54:43 AM
This page was originally posted: 2/27/2009; 8:51:59 AM.
Copyright 2009 Steele Elementary
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