An Ode to Parent-School Collaboration

A parent recently wrote to me describing her wonderful working relationship with her son’s school:

“I truly cannot say enough positive things about our experience within the xxx district.  Along our journey each building principal/assistant principal/administrator has truly listened to our concerns and offered xxx the most optimal placement.  Additionally, the professionalism and compassion of the teachers, the nurses and assistants has been amazing and they genuinely care about xxx’s emotional, academic and social success.  Of importance as well has been communication with the teachers which is frequent and timely.  For example, before school started I had wanted to speak with xxx’s teacher but she was away on vacation at the end of the summer.  I e-mailed her the weekend before school started to share with her that I would be returning to work Tuesday (9/5) and would be in meetings all day.  I was concerned that I would miss her call and asked her to call me at anytime, it didn’t mater when.  Mrs. xxx was kind enough to contact me Monday (9/4)  at 10:45 pm upon her return and she spoke with me for at least an hour to discuss his current status, 504 plan and anything that she could possibly do to make him feel comfortable.  This is not an isolated example, each one of xxx’s teachers from kindergarten on up have always been this wonderful and we’re so fortunate to be a part of this community.”

There are so many elements critical to a collaborative relationship that this mother describes having with her son’s educators.  The one that stands out to me is “Listening.”  She feels listened to and understood, and by extension it sounds like her son does, too. I wish I heard this type of scenario described more often.