Classroom Support Program
A list of tips for organizing classroom volunteer programs.
Ongoing
5-Minute Ideas for Family Engagement
Quick family engagement ideas for schools, from phone calls to postcards.
Alissa Christensen
Five simple ways for staff to connect with families. Bring the ideas to a staff meeting or inservice day and let your team pick the one that fits best.
Why try it
Build stronger school-home connections in just a few minutes. Each idea gives staff an easy way to recognize a student or family, whether through a phone call, a handwritten note, or a shout-out on a bulletin board.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Share the ideas
Bring the five ideas below to a staff meeting or inservice day. Introduce one idea a month, using it as an icebreaker or exit ticket.
2
Decide as a team
Have staff discuss the options, pick the one that fits your school right now, and decide who will lead it and when to start.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Positive phone calls
Staff call families with a positive update about their child's progress or achievements, strengthening the connection between home and school.
Personalized postcards
Staff send a postcard to a student highlighting a recent success, effort, or something unique about them, using the included postcards. Families often read them together at home.
Thank you cards
Staff write a thank-you card to a family who volunteers, donates supplies, or supports a school event, naming the specific way the family helped.
Community spotlight board
Staff kick off a bulletin board in the front lobby with shout-outs about students and families, then invite families to stop by and add their own.
Newsletter spotlight
Add a family spotlight section to the school newsletter and ask staff to nominate a family making a positive impact, whether through volunteering, supporting events, or another meaningful contribution.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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