Hi Reader,

There is something so exciting about a fresh classroom, a new group of students, and all of the possibilities that come with the first few weeks of school.

But before the year gets too busy, I want to encourage you to do one simple thing that can make a BIG difference in your relationship with parents.

Make sure the first thing parents hear from you is something positive about their child.

It can be so easy for our first communication with a family to happen when there is a problem such as a behavior concern, missing assignment, or a difficult day. And while those conversations are important, you don't want the first time a parent hears from you to be because something went wrong.

Instead, start building that relationship right away.

One of my favorite things to do during the first or second week of school is send home a little note for each student telling their family why I love having their child in my classroom.

It doesn't have to be long. It could be something as simple as, "I love how curious Zyon is," or "I can already tell how kind Bryce is to his classmates."

The goal isn't to write something perfect. It's to let parents know, "I see your child, I appreciate your child, and I'm so happy they are in my classroom."

Let's be honest, there may be a few kids who need that positive note headed home on DAY ONE. 😂

I created FREE Back to School Teacher Notes that you can use for this! Just print one for each student, write a personal note about why you love having them in your classroom, and send it home during those first couple of weeks.

It takes just a few minutes, but it can help set the tone for your relationship with that family for the entire school year.

Start with the positive. Build the relationship. Create the partnership.

Then, when you eventually need to have a difficult conversation with a parent, they already know that you care about their child and want the very best for them. That foundation can make those harder conversations feel very different. Click below to download.

💌 Back to School Teacher Notes.pdf​

As you head into this new school year, I hope you remember that the little things you do in those first few weeks can have a BIG impact.

And speaking of starting the school year...

I have something VERY exciting coming for Passport Adventures this year, and I'll be sharing the announcement in next week's email! I've been working behind the scenes, and I cannot wait to finally tell you about it. 🌎✈️

Let me know what else you do at the beginning of the year to help build positive relationships with your school families. I'll share those ideas in next week's email if I get enough responses.

Have a wonderful week!

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