Central Continues To Work On Stronger Communication

Since becoming superintendent/elementary principal of Central we have developed a parent survey given during fall conferences.  This survey collects feedback from our stakeholders and helps us in making decisions to improve all aspect of the Central Community School District.  In 2013/2014 we collected around 50 responses, in the 2014/2015 survey we collected 100 responses.  This doubles the previous year's survey and I hope is a sign that our "customers" are seeing that we value their input.

While most of the survey questions were very positive, one question in both years of the survey has remained a concern.  That question is: I feel communication between parents and teachers is strong.  In both years of the survey, this question has only gotten a 35% yes answer.  During our January 15th professional development I shared this data with our staff and we had much discussion on why the low score and how we could work on improving this score.

Many of us owned the fact we sometimes don't do the greatest job of updating our class site, blogs (it has been January since I last posted here), and social media outlets.  We have all agreed to make a concentrated effort to improve on this, and because of that you will see a couple changes in the way we communicate:

1. Central now has a Facebook page.  If you haven't been following, please do!  We post a ton of information and pictures of our students engaged in learning.  Please become a follower and share our page with others.
2. Our district website is another great source of information.  Our technology committee is also researching other district sites as we look to improve our website for the 2015/2016 school year.  Through our district website you can get anything from board policy to teacher class websites.  You can even link directly to my Blog!
3. Recently I approved the purchase of a program called Planbook.  This program will allow parents to see each teacher's lesson plans.  This program also allows teachers to attach important information to the daily lesson as well as align to the Iowa Core State Standards.  

I will also continue to use School Reach to send important updates.  I know this can be a little overkill when you receive an email, text message, and phone call.  Still, we want to make sure you are getting the information you need.  

Please feel free to comment back on my Blog with other suggestions we can use to improve our communication or email me directly.  I look forward to hearing from you and working together to strengthen Central Community School District.