5 Messages to Send to Families in the First Weeks of School

As the back-to-school season kicks off, you’re not just meeting a new group of students—you’re also introducing yourself to a fresh set of parents and caregivers. Establishing strong communication from the start is key to turning these families into trusted allies in their children’s education. While finding common ground can sometimes be challenging, breaking the ice with effective communication early on can set the tone for a successful school year. Here are five essential messages to send during the first weeks of school using SchoolStatus Connect and Smore Newsletters.

1. Introduce yourself and the tools you’ll be using

The first step to building a strong relationship with families is a warm introduction. When setting up Connect, start by making an announcement that introduces yourself and explains the tools you’ll be using to stay connected throughout the year. Be sure to include clear instructions for families on how to download the app, send messages, and sign up for conferences. It’s also important to let them know that downloading the SchoolStatus Connect app is optional, as they’ll still receive text messages without it. Adding a personal touch, like sharing a fun fact or hobby, can help make you more approachable and relatable.

For more detailed information on inviting families and setting up Connect, check out this comprehensive guide.

2. Share pictures from the first day of school

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially on the first day of school. Take a photo of each child as they embark on this new journey and share it with their family. This simple gesture can reassure parents that their child is adjusting well and enjoying the experience. It’s a great way to show that you’re invested in each student’s well-being and create an immediate connection with families. However, it’s important to remember the safety implications of sharing student photos online. Before you post, consider these 4 Tips for Safe Back-to-School Photos to ensure that you’re protecting the privacy and security of your students.

 3. Send a back-to-school night invitation

Hosting a back-to-school night is a fantastic way to foster a strong home-school connection early on. To ensure a great turnout, schedule the event well in advance and use Connect to send out invitations. This event provides parents with a glimpse into their child’s daily environment and offers them the opportunity to share any questions or concerns. SchoolStatus Connect will also prompt parents to RSVP and send them automated reminders.

Enhance your back-to-school night by creating a visually appealing invitation using Smore Newsletters. This tool allows you to craft professional and engaging newsletters that will grab parents’ attention and boost attendance.

4. Share a glimpse of learning from the classroom

Involving families in the learning process from the beginning is crucial for building an engaged and supportive community. Send regular messages about  topics discussed in class and suggest questions families can ask at home to reinforce the lesson. This proactive approach helps establish a strong partnership between home and school, ensuring that parents are actively involved in their child’s education.

Consider incorporating these updates into a weekly newsletter created with Smore and sent to the classroom feed via Connect. This not only keeps parents informed but also makes it easier to maintain regular communication throughout the school year.

5. Share student success

Nothing builds trust and engagement like sharing positive news. Use SchoolStatus Connect to highlight a student’s accomplishments or a memorable moment in the classroom. Whether it’s recognizing a “Student of the Week” or celebrating a “Lightbulb Moment,” these positive messages can make a significant impact. Parents will appreciate knowing that their child’s hard work and achievements are being noticed and valued.

Why not take it a step further and feature these success stories in your weekly Smore Newsletter? This not only reinforces positive communication but also keeps the momentum going with regular, uplifting updates.

Ace Your School-Home Communication

Learn practical strategies for engaging families that you can implement right away!

Download Now

The Power of Consistent Communication

Establishing a habit of frequent communication early in the school year sets the stage for success. With Connect, sending quick notes and updates is effortless, ensuring that parents stay informed no matter which platform they prefer—whether it’s email, mobile app, or text. Plus, the platform’s ability to translate messages into parents’ preferred languages or notify you if a paper copy is needed makes it even more inclusive and effective.

This year, enhance your communication strategy with SchoolStatus Connect and Smore Newsletters. Together, these tools can help you build a strong, engaged, and supportive community of parents, paving the way for a successful school year.