For educators and many families, the “real” new year comes in September. The start of a fresh school year brings a mixture of emotions for students, caregivers and school staff alike — excitement, anticipation and, sometimes, stress. Setting a positive tone at the beginning can help ease the transition back to school.
Prioritizing mental health and well-being in both home and school environments can help create a foundation for a successful and supportive year. And there’s work to be done: K-12 respondents to a Pew Research Report acknowledged they could use more parental support in a variety of areas.
As schools and districts aim to institute best practices on campus, they recognize the value of consistency across all student environments and are increasingly reaching beyond the classroom to engage with caregivers. Let’s explore the importance of home-school communication and practical tips on how to partner with caregivers and families to promote positive practices that span from school to home.
The value of bridging the home/school divide
Educators and families agree: A unified approach between school and home creates better adherence to positive habits and routines, reduces confusion, and fosters a sense of security and stability for students. After all, most learning takes place outside the school walls, so it’s critical to embrace caregivers’ crucial role as partners in the school ecosystem.
The 2024 School-Family Communications Report (PDF) found that more than three-quarters of families recognize the importance of school-home communication, yet almost half didn’t perceive communication as being frequent enough.
By communicating effectively with parents and guardians, you can motivate them to reinforce school-based strategies at home to better support students’ development and well-being, creating a supportive environment that benefits students’ overall growth and success.
The impact of tone in school communication
Have you ever heard (or used) the expression, “it’s not what you said, but how you said it.” I know I’ve used that with my own teenagers when they have come off sounding a bit snippy in their response to me.
That’s the case for school communication as well. If the tone is inadvertently off, the recipient may shut down, and the message won’t get through. The right tone can make caregivers feel welcome and valued, encouraging active participation in their child's education. Conversely, a tone that's perceived as cold, authoritarian or dismissive can lead to misunderstandings and reduced engagement.
The acronym “AIS” can help hit the right tone:
Approachable: Use a conversational style that’s warm and friendly, but still professional. For example, start emails with a personal greeting and use words like “we” and “our” to create a sense of shared purpose. Closing with an invitation for feedback or questions can make communications feel more like a dialogue than a directive.
Inclusive: To create a sense of belonging for all members of the school community, use gender-neutral terms and be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Inclusive language helps ensure that all recipients feel seen, respected and part of the conversation.
Supportive: School communications should underscore that you are partners in developing these wonderful human beings. A supportive tone conveys empathy, understanding and a willingness to help.
Four key domains for nurturing physical and mental well-being
Caregivers are the cornerstones of a child’s early learning as they introduce and model healthy behaviors. There are four key areas where you can remind them to be particularly vigilant:
- Emphasize healthy habits.
Instilling health and wellness basics is essential for kids’ overall development and long-term health. In addition to encouraging nutritious meals and ample exercise and free play, don’t overlook the importance of adequate sleep. The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health uncovered a number of areas where parents said their child is delayed in getting to sleep, whether it’s staying up too late to play, noise from other rooms or their child being worried or anxious. Transitioning from a relaxed summer schedule to the early morning school wakeup call can be a challenging process, so suggest they start adjusting sleep schedules a few weeks before school begins. - Promote attendance.
You likely have recognized an increase in absenteeism in your school; studies show that chronic absenteeism has been on a worrisome rise. Impress upon caregivers that children can’t learn if they’re not in school, and while they should never send them to school if they are actively sick, missing days can impede their learning and confidence. - Reinforce healthy social media and screen time habits.
It’s no secret that the ubiquity of phones and social media can take its toll on today’s youth; in fact, a study from The Pew Research Center found that more than 70% of parents said they worry their kids have too much screen time. Reigning it in can be challenging, but phone-free zones are good for all of us. Check out some tips on setting guidelines here. - Watch for signs of mental distress.
Today’s youth are increasingly experiencing anxiety and depression — mental health conditions that can and should be treated. Early intervention is critical, making it essential for both school personnel and student caregivers to watch for signs and symptoms.
For resources on supporting students’ mental health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) details signs/symptoms, treatment and prevention resources on their website. Pearson also offers a robust Mental Health Resource Center that offers free resources for schools and districts, including this recent blog on how educators can help students build resilience.
Educators and caregivers, supporting student well-being together
As the new school year approaches, now is the time for educators and caregivers to build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling experience. By working together, they can promote academic achievement through a cohesive and nurturing approach that allows students to thrive.