This document provides tips for effective parent communication from a school principal. It outlines 5 tips for communicating early and often with parents, using various forms of communication like email, newsletters, and phone calls. It also lists 7 tips for successful parent-teacher conferences, which include being prepared, focusing on solutions, and listening well. Finally, it offers words of wisdom for communicating respectfully with students and parents, such as treating kids with respect, keeping parents informed, and remaining professional at all times.

1. EFFECTIVE PARENT
COMMUNICATION
W. Scott Rhodes, Principal East Henderson
High School

3. 5 TIPS TO EFFECTIVE PARENT
COMMUNICATION
1. Communicate early and often.
2. Start conversations with something
positive.
3. Make a positive phone call home in the
first month of school.
4. Use various forms of communication.
5. Be a good listener

4. TYPES of COMMUNICATION
● TWITTER
● E-mail
● Teacher Website
● Monthly News Letter
● Personal Phone Call

5. 7 TIPS for Successful Parent/Teacher
Conferences
1. Be prepared
2. Smile
3. Set expectations
4. Seek common ground
5. Focus on solutions
6. Be a good listener
7. Never take things personal

6. WORDS OF WISDOM
● Treat kids with RESPECT at all times.
● You never have to apologize for the things you
don’t say.
● Don’t say something to a student that you wouldn’t
say in front of their parent.
● NEVER let bad news beat you home.
● Do what you want to do least, first.
● Keep a parent contact log

7. WORDS OF WISDOM
CONTINUED ...
● Never allow parents to say, “I DIDN’T KNOW”
● NEVER yell at students
● NEVER use sarcasm
● NEVER argue with a student
● Be professional at all times
● Don’t take the spotlight off of your student and put it on
yourself.
● It’s not about who’s right, it’s about doing what’s right.

8. “Be the teacher you
would want your child
to have.”