Mini-Series Part #4 — 3 Things I’m Doing to Plan for Connecting with Parents

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Welcome to the podcast. In today’s podcast, I’m talking about three things I’m doing to plan for connecting with parents this school year. That’s all coming up next, right here on The Principal’s Handbook.

Speaker:
Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Tune in each week as we delve into strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness.
From tackling daily challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership together. Join me in fostering your sense of purpose as a principal and reigniting your passion for the job. Welcome to a podcast where your well-being is the top priority.

Welcome back, everyone. Today we are in part four of a mini-series where I am talking about three things I’m doing to plan for connecting [00:01:00] with parents.

Just a little bit of background—I’ve been doing this mini-series as I transition into a new role as a principal in a new building. I thought it might be helpful to share different ways I’m planning to:

• Prevent student behavior

• Support staff

• Prepare for instructional leadership

• Connect with parents

That’s all part of this mini-series. You can check out the last few episodes—I’ve been releasing one each day this week. Whether you’re transitioning to a new building or staying in the same one, it’s a great way to think about how you’re starting the school year.

You’re probably already doing some of these things, but it might be a good refresher. Today, we’re talking specifically about building connection with parents. I’m sharing three strategies I’m using as a new principal.

If you’ve already been in your building for a long time, you’ve likely built strong relationships with families. That was something I loved about my last building—I was there for eight years and really got to know families well. That connection helped tremendously when handling discipline or supporting students academically. Parents trusted the school—and me as the leader.

1. Be Present and Visible at Key Events

This seems obvious, but it’s a mistake when principals aren’t truly visible and engaged with families.

Some principals say, “I’m more of an introvert, I just wait for parents to say hello to me.” But I want to encourage you—regardless of your style—to muster up the energy to be as present and approachable as possible.

When there’s an event in your building, your goal is to connect. Walk around. Greet families. Answer questions. Let people see you. Have open body language. Make eye contact. Show that you’re approachable.

And avoid the temptation to stay in your office during events. Parents should see you out and about, engaging with them.

If you’re new or nervous, have a few conversation starters ready:

• “How was your summer?”

• “What have you all been up to?”

• “I’m so excited you’re here!”

These little conversations build trust and connection from day one. That’s my plan for our open house—I want to be present, greeting families, and helping them feel comfortable approaching me.

2. Communicate Clearly and Proactively About Expectations & Procedures

This used to be one of my weaknesses as a principal. But COVID forced me to become much clearer, and working alongside a very detail-oriented principal also helped.

You want parents to know:

• How to drop off and pick up their child

• What to do if their child is sick

• Who to contact about recess issues

• What the expectations and consequences are

• How to navigate the school system

You have to spell it out clearly—don’t assume they know!

In my own experience as a PTA parent, the biggest complaint I heard about schools wasn’t discipline—it was lack of communication. Parents want to feel informed, especially at the start of the year.

Clarity reduces anxiety. The more clear you are, the more confident and trusting parents will feel.

Here’s how I plan my communication:

• A welcome letter before school starts

  • Include a map, drop-off/pick-up instructions, info about you as principal

• A weekly family newsletter with key updates

• Info about attendance policies, safety protocols, and upcoming events

Parents love knowing events in advance—I try to send out dates early because I’m a parent too, and I appreciate that kind of planning.

Also, make communication:

• Clear

• Concise

• Easy to read

I often send one-pagers with bullet points because most people are skimmers (myself included!). A full handbook is useful, but the key info should be in a simplified, accessible format.

And yes—paper still matters in some districts. I’ll be using both digital and paper communication depending on the needs of my school community.

One more idea: send out a FAQ sheet. Include:

• Common questions

• Contact info

• Recess/discipline protocols

• Important reminders before events

The more proactive communication you provide, the less confusion and anxiety there is later.

3. Create Opportunities for Ongoing Parent Engagement

At this point, I’m not mapping out every event, but I’m thinking ahead about how I want to engage families throughout the year.

Parent engagement builds community and strengthens school-home partnerships.

I’m reflecting on what worked in my previous building and how that might look in this one. Some ideas:

• Math game night with board games that families can use at home

• Curriculum nights where each classroom features a different subject

• Literacy workshops to support at-home reading

• Cultural celebrations—our family loved these at my kids’ school

• Family fun nights that get people into the building

• Volunteer opportunities that give parents a role in school life

Also, collaborate with:

• Teachers

• PTO or PTA

• Family engagement teams

When it comes to curriculum nights or academic events, having teachers involved is powerful—parents like to hear directly from them.

Another idea to consider: forming a Parent Advisory Group or adding a parent rep to your Building Leadership Team. It gives voice to parents and builds leadership capacity.
Just make sure the parent you select understands confidentiality and will be a strong, positive contributor.

Quick Recap

Here are the three things I’m doing to build stronger parent connections:

1. Be visible and present at open house and other events

2. Communicate proactively about expectations and school logistics

3. Plan for ongoing engagement through the school year

I’d love to hear your strategies too! If you use something different, email me at barb@barbflowerscoaching.com. I’d love to learn what’s working in your building.

If you love the show and you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, scroll down in your app and leave a review. It helps other school leaders find the show.

And remember—you have the power to shape your life according to the mindset you choose.

I hope you have a great week, and I’ll see you back here next [00:11:00] time.