Communication
School Newsletter Our weekly school newsletter for parents, The Link, goes home at the end of each week. The purpose of The Link is to share information with parents each week. Parents can find out the school-wide news by reading this newsletter or visiting the school website at: www.our-savior.org.
Classroom Newsletters and Papers Each teacher regularly returns graded papers and keeps parents informed of individual classroom news and information. Important information about field trips, upcoming tests, special projects, memory assignments, and other details are shared, normally on a weekly basis.
Reports of Progress You'll be getting regular reports, both formal and informal, about your child's academic progress and other areas of growth and maturity. A phone conversation with your child's teacher, or an informal conference arranged by appointment, is sometimes more helpful than a written report. You're encouraged to contact the teacher when you have a question about your child. (Note: teachers are glad to talk with you before or after school as long as it doesn't interfere with their other duties or arrangements. You may need to call the teacher first to set a time convenient for both of you.)
Formal, structured reports are also issued for the four academic quarters. These written assessments attempt to communicate important elements of the student's progress:
Midterm Reports for 1-8 are formal reports sent home with children in grades 1-8 near the middle of each quarter, to give a preliminary indication of how the child is achieving up to that point in the quarter. These midterm reports do not contain as much detailed information as the end of quarter report cards, and are not kept in the student's permanent file.
Report Cards for K-8 are issued after the end of each quarter. These assessments are intended to measure the child's progress compared to the expectations of the teacher and the school (not necessarily in relation to other children in the class), and are used to report growth in academics, classroom and school habits, and attitudes.
Formal Reports for Preschool Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring. Written communications about the child's progress are frequently sent home. The teachers welcome questions or comments from parents about the child. Please feel free to arrange an appointment with your child's teacher outside of class sessions.
Concerns and Disagreements In cases where you feel you have a complaint or serious disagreement with your child's teacher, please follow these guidelines based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:
1. As soon as possible arrange a time to talk to the teacher individually and explain your concerns. Many problems that seem serious can be quickly and easily straightened out. (Please do not attempt to come to the classroom unannounced. The teacher cannot discuss serious matters while busy with students.)
2. If you are still dissatisfied, contact the principal and explain your concern. If it appears desirable, a joint parent-teacher-principal conference can be held.
3. If you feel the issue is still not resolved, contact the chairperson of the Board of Christian Education. This is the group responsible for the overall supervision of the school.
There are many wrong ways to deal with concerns, including these:
-- gossiping to other parents
-- complaining about the teacher or the school in front of your children
-- skipping one or more of the important steps listed above
-- allowing anger or frustration to grow without addressing your concern appropriately
All of us are concerned about the same thing: your child's quality Christian education. Disagreements will happen, but they can be appropriately handled and resolved.