It’s that time of year for SMART goals, so I’ve been reflecting on areas in which I need to improve. While there are so many to choose from, I’ve decided that this year I’ll be focusing on improving my communication with parents. It’s a big goal, so I’ve broken it down into some very actionable steps. In fact, I can already check most of them off my to-do list! ![]() Step 1: Parents need to know who I am and why I’m here. So I spent a ridiculous amount of time updating my School Counseling brochure and making a tri-board. At Open House, instead of putting up a few signs pointing to my office and waiting there for people to show up (or not), I set up a table right in the foyer. I had the tri-board, copies of the brochure, a stack of my business cards, some of my “self-calming and mindfulness tools” for people to take (pool noodle stress fidgets and Starburst candies), and a sign-up sheet for my parent e-newsletter. Which brings us to... Step 2: Parents might like to hear about what I’m up to at our school: what concepts and strategies I’m teaching in different classes, what kind of groups I’m running, and what school-wide initiatives I’m helping to organize. I decided I’ll write a parent e-newsletter they can subscribe to. I’ll also include tips and resources for them to help their children develop social-emotional skills. I’m planning on publishing the newsletter once a trimester. That’s not as overwhelming as a monthly commitment, and I can always do more than that if I'm so inclined (I won't be). I haven’t sent the first one out yet because I’m still trying to figure out Mailchimp, but I have set up a link for people to subscribe on my Google Drive. Don't sign up there, but if you want to get a copies of the newsletter when they go out, e-mail me and I'll put you on a non-school list. ![]() Step 3: For some parents, even signing up for my e-newsletter might feel risky. So I’ve set up a professional Facebook page and Pinterest account, which allows them to “lurk” without interaction or commitment if that's what they're comfortable with. ![]() Finally, Step 4, which is related but not directly: I’m collecting data to assess how I’m coming on my SMART goal. I’ll track the number of followers I have on my FB and Pinterest accounts on the last day of every month, as well as note how many posts or pins I made that month. I also, of course, will track the number of people who subscribe to my e-newsletter. At the end of the year it will take about 10 seconds to compile that data into a sweet little line graph to upload to Teachpoint. Having a goal this public is either going to be really motivating or really embarrassing. We’ll have to wait until June to see which!
12 Comments
8/11/2017 05:41:50 am
Thanks for sharing. I'm looking to do more outreach as my third year as a school counselor. These are awesome ideas and I would love to subscribe to your e newsletter!
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Laurie
8/11/2017 07:11:19 pm
Thanks, Kandice! Best of luck with your own parent outreach. Let me know if you come up with any other ideas.
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Sherry
8/24/2018 08:33:10 am
I love that brochure! Have you considered making an editable version for teacherspayteachers? I'd buy it. :) Thanks for sharing!
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Laurie Mendoza
8/27/2018 03:34:04 pm
Thanks, Sherry! No, I hadn't considered putting it on TpT. If you want to give me your email address, I'll just send you the file.
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Sherry
8/27/2018 05:00:09 pm
It’s scarducci@ycsd.york.va.us
Emma
9/19/2018 07:45:32 am
I love the brochure! Would you mind emailing me an editable version?
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April
7/5/2023 08:58:37 am
Would you also email the copy to me as well! Thank you
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Erin
8/8/2019 12:09:44 pm
I am a first year counselor and stumbled upon your page. I have officially book marked it because just glancing at it, it is going to be a great resource!! Thank you for the time and work you have put into it for people like myself!
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Beatriz
3/27/2022 08:57:53 pm
Great Brochure!!
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Alicia
9/12/2022 06:24:39 pm
These are all great ideas! Absolutely love the brochure you created. Would you mind sharing the editable version for the brochure?
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11/15/2022 05:01:15 am
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