Typically, kindergarten orientation had school staff front and center, giving information to the parents. Similarly, parents had been left out of their child's transition to middle school. We want to create opportunities for parents to be able to ask their questions, for teachers to get to know their families and to make conversation two-way and the seeds of trust.
We improved upon an event that already exists: kindergarten orientation. In the past it had been largely informational. Teachers presented and parents listened. We wanted to switch the dynamic and convey to parents that we wanted to learn from them. The superintendent grilled hot dogs and that sent an entirely new message: We are here to enjoy each other as people. In this more relaxed atmosphere, parents met other parents and their child's teacher, and met each other in comfortable and more personal ways. The teachers were the listeners, learning about the hopes and dreams that parents had for their children.
We are excited that our family-school engagement work will start to expand to the high school. In the spring we followed Hot Diggity Dog with a revamped middle school orientation. Transitioning students AND their parents participated in a one-hour, low-key evening of food, walks through classrooms and comfort building in the new setting. Teachers like the new approaches to kindergarten and middle school transitions. In its second year of implementation, Hot Diggity Dog more than doubled participation, from 70 to 180 parents. Importantly, our school team will keep asking how we can help and continue having fun through the journey.
Get to know your team first, get to know each other and just talk. This is how we built rapport and a common vision — the advancement of our students. And, we have learned to constantly ask, "What can we do that helps the school community?," and taken our lead from the parents we survey or hear from. Planning realistically is crucial too. It's ok to start small and let something grow.
