Where Communication Is:

Timely

• Boards and schools in the London Region have websites with up-to-date information for parents, families and community members. Materials are provided in alternate formats and languages. Community partners are used to facilitate timely and effective communication with families. Explanations of terms, programs and procedures are provided. A variety of communication tools are used: e-mail, monthly newsletters, literacy and numeracy nights, family nights, information sessions, transition meetings, school team meetings, case conferences, etc. Boards identify a contact person and specific communication procedures. [London Region Final Report]
• Teachers of junior kindergarten and kindergarten classes in Thames Valley District School Board send parents a monthly calendar with suggestions to develop phonological awareness skills in the home. Approximately 30 JK-K classrooms were randomly selected from low performing/targeted intervention schools and from schools in the middle to participate in a parent survey about the use of the calendars. Parents of kindergarten students consistently judged the calendars to be more useful (84%) than junior kindergarten parents (60%). Other results include: Ease of activities suggested—K (93%); JK (77%); Has student learned new skills?—K (64%); JK (40%); Has parent learned new skills?—K (77%); JK (60%). [Thames Valley District School Board Final Report]