This month, beginning teachers are learning the importance of early positive contact with families, and mentors are being coached to model that partnership mindset. As principal, you can set the tone for how family relationships are approached across the school.

Focus on building positive, collaborative partnerships where families feel like you’re on the same team. Make time for visible presence at drop-off, pick-up, events, and in the community. Plan family events that are truly social and relationship-based—not just academic or behavior-focused—to build trust for later, more challenging conversations. Consider “outside the box” approaches like hosting events in neighborhoods, partnering with other schools for joint events, or using community spaces to remove barriers. Your visibility at these events sends a clear message: you value families and see them as an integral part of the school community.

September Principal Newsletter

Action Step Prompt:
Choose one “outside the box” family engagement idea to pilot this semester.

Make sure you check out your access to The Principal Academy resources and supports!