Communication Plan
There are many stakeholders involved in education. As a teacher, it is important that I work to build and strengthen the communication between these stakeholders and myself. Communicating with students and parents is obviously important to insure that each of us understands what needs to be done in order for the student to be successful in my class. Since many music programs have been cut from schools in recent years, it is important to establish a good rapport with the principal, other teachers, janitors, secretaries, and community in order to gain their support of my music program. Establishing a clear connection for communication with all stakeholders will encourage the teamwork and collaboration needed to better the education of the students.
Students:
- Before the school year starts, I will mail a letter/postcard in August to incoming 6th graders, welcoming them to the school and choir program. Click here to see an example document. It is important for me to make that initial connection with the new students early, to begin forming a bond with them.
- During the school year, I will post reminders of important information and dates on the choir blog. Once a month, I will update the home page with a summary of what the choirs have been working towards or what they have accomplished during the month. As needed, I may also post recordings of sectional rehearsal for extra practice. Click here to see an example blog.
Parent(s)/Guardian:
- Before the school year starts, mail a letter to parent(s)/guardian(s) of all students, introducing myself, providing my contact information, and informing them about the handbook their student will receive. Click here to see an example document.
- During the school year, I will post important information and dates on the choir blog. Once a month, I will update the home page with a summary of what the choirs have been working towards or what they have accomplished during the month. Click here to see an example blog.
- Throughout the year, I will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student via phone or email to discuss positive and negative behavior. Click here to see an example document of how I will get updated contact information.
- The Choir Boosters is a non-profit, parent-run organization that supports and assists the choir program. It consists of a dedicated group of parents who meet once a month to discuss, plan, and organize choir fundraisers, uniforms, and chaperones for off-site choir events. I attend the meetings, however, they are planned and run by the Booster parents. All parents are welcome to be a part of the Booster fundraisers, as it is a great opportunity for them to be more actively involved in their child’s school activities.
Principal/Superintendent:
- Prior to each concert, I will email the Principal and Superintendent an invitation to attend and support the choir program.
- If an issue with a student arises, I will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student via phone or email. If an issue becomes serious, I will type up a summary of the situation and/or forward the email conversation to the principal. If necessary, I will set up a meeting with the principal and parent/guardian.
Teachers
- A week before an MSVMA (Michigan Schools Vocal Music Association) event such as Choral Festival or Solo & Ensemble, I will email a list of the involved students’ names to alert the teachers of the upcoming absences. The email will also explain the importance of this event and include an apology for the inconvenience it may cause them.
- A week before, I will email all the teachers an invitation to attend and support their students who are involved in the choir program. I will also ask for volunteers to chaperone each choir during the concert, as it is easier to supervise when you are familiar with the students.
Community
- I will communicate with the community by making use of popular social networks. At the top of the choir blog, I have links to the Facebook choir page and the choir’s Twitter account. Click here to see an example of this on an example blog. Throughout the year, I will tweet or post an update of what the choir is working towards or what they have accomplished. I will also use these network sites to notify the community about upcoming performance dates.
Music Teachers:
- I will email the other music teachers in the area to set up monthly PLC time after school. During this time, we can discuss important topics such as benchmarks, music selections, and how to encourage more support for school music programs.
Secretaries/Custodians:
- Throughout the year, I will take each choir to the main office to perform a song for the secretaries in appreciation for all they do.
- Additionally, I will have my students sign a thank you note for the after-school custodial staff that helps to keep our choir room clean. These actions will teach my students the importance of acknowledgement and gratitude.