Eagle Ridge
Academy recognizes that electronic mail (e-mail) is a valuable communication
tool that is widely used across our society. Staff members are provided with
school e-mail accounts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
communication both within the organization and with the broader community. As we all know, parent-teacher communication
plays an important role in the success of students at all levels. In the past, this communication has been much
more infrequent and often occurred only at designated times, or when teachers
contacted parents regarding issues with their children. Email has changed the way parents and teachers
communicate. Email does have the
advantage of being more timely communication, but it also restricts verbal and
non-verbal cues. The lack of these cues
in human communication often leads to misunderstanding. I feel it is important to educate parents and
teachers in how to use email effectively in order to benefit students.
Email is most
effective in communicating simple, concrete information. Communicating about grades, assignments,
tests, inquiring about homework missed due to absence, etc. are good
examples. It is also quite effective at
scheduling dates and times for meetings. Emails about simple behavior problems
or issues that require little explanation can also work, but if follow up is
needed it is best to happen by phone or in person. Sometimes those simple
behavior communication emails are great at allowing parents and teachers to
deal with small issues immediately and show students that teachers and parents
are on the same page. Communicating about student problems is challenging in an
email. Nonverbal cues and tone are
important when communicating on these topics in order to prevent
misinterpretations or negative perceptions.
Also, communicating sensitive or confidential information via email is
not allowed at Eagle Ridge Academy (whether between teachers and staff or
parents and staff) communication on these things must be in person or via the
phone. Email can be an effective way for
parents and teachers to communicate because it is incredibly convenient, but it
is important to remember the easy way is not always the best way.
Finally, the
Eagle Ridge Academy expectation is there is about a 24 hour turnaround in
answering emails (upon receipt) with the exception of weekends. If a parent emails a teacher on Friday
afternoon, Saturday or Sunday, that email may not be received until Monday and
quite possibly might not receive a response until Tuesday. When in the classroom the expectation is that
the teachers are engaged with their students and not at their desks answering
emails. Sometimes a teacher has only one
time a day to check email and if an email is lengthy an answer may not be
possible until after school. Making sure
we are all on the same page in regards to email communication is critical to
student success at ERA.
Upcoming
Events
-Rocking the
Ridge is THIS Saturday (9/28). If you
are able to volunteer for an hour or two, the PTO would LOVE your help! Please check out the volunteer link on the
ERA website homepage. Hope to see you
there!
-Information
about the Book Fair is coming home this week.
Please check your child’s folder/backpack. The volunteer link for the Book Fair is now
open on the ERA website homepage.
-The
conference sign up page is open on the ERA website. Here is a link. http://www.eagleridgeacademy.org/parent-teacherconferences.html Conferences are next Thursday and Friday
(10/4 and 10/5). Please remember there
is no school for students on those days.
Have a wonderful
week!
Mrs. Baier
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