Home School Communication Guide
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Parents often ask how they can best communicate their questions or concerns to their child's teacher. While individual teachers may have their own preferences, which they will share with parents, the following guidelines should help you to reach the appropriate staff member in the timeliest manner.
Change in Dismissal Plans:
Any variation from your child’s daily routine requires a note from home addressed to the teacher. Please do not email teachers regarding the schedule changes. Teachers often do not have the opportunity to check email mid-day and cannot ensure that your message will be received. We realize that emergencies arise, but please try to keep last minute schedule changes to a minimum. If needed, please contact the office (240-740-0240 regarding the change in schedule (before 3:30 pm).
Questions or concerns about homework:
Teachers may not have access to their email after 4:00 p.m., therefor we recommend that if you have a question about what homework has been assigned, please check the school/teacher’s webpage if available or contact another parent/student. If you have concerns about your child's ability to do the homework assigned, you should email those concerns to the teacher, who may set up a telephone call or meeting, if warranted, or reply by email, if a simple reply is more appropriate.
Concerns about safety, discipline, or social issues:
Unless a situation requires immediate intervention by the principal, contact the teacher first, letting them know of your concern and giving them the opportunity to follow up and problem solve. If you would like to request a meeting or telephone call to discuss the problem, you can arrange it via email. When necessary, that staff member will initiate and facilitate communication with other staff members (i.e. principal, guidance counselor, lunch/recess aide) to resolve situations.
Concerns or questions about your child's academic performance:
If you have questions or concerns about your child's academic performance, we encourage you to reach out to the teacher via email, and briefly describe your concerns. If the teacher cannot respond with a simple email reply, and a discussion is warranted, the teacher will arrange a phone call or meeting with you. When necessary, that staff member will initiate and facilitate communication with other staff members (i.e. principal, guidance counselor) to resolve the situation.
Questions about bus transportation:
If you have questions or concerns about your child's bus route please contact MCPS Department of Transportation at 301-469-1029. Additional transportation information can be found at the MCPS Transportation website.
In general, we encourage you to use email and handwritten notes to share factual information or to arrange phone conferences or meetings with the staff. Be specific and brief in your communication, and include your own contact information. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. For more complex issues and for problem-solving, a call or meeting may be required. The partnership between parents and teachers requires support and encouragement.
We are part of a team with an extremely important objective -- the education of our children. We encourage communications that build a respectful, constructive, and informative dialogue between parents and teachers.