Staff Bulletin - February 2007 :: San Diego Unified School District

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February 2007

Previous Issues

Family Friendly Schools

For years, the district has had procedures for parents to express dissatisfaction with a teacher or staff member, but no formal way for them to say thanks.

That’s changed.

Now, through the Super Service Commendation forms and drop-off boxes –sitting on the front counter of most schools – parents have a way to let the district know when they’ve had an excellent encounter with their child’s teacher, site staff members and principal. The boxes are the first – and most visible – part of the district’s new Family Friendly Schools Initiative.

“We’ve had a process for complaints, but this is the first time we have a process for compliments,” said Edward Caballero, administrator of the Parent, Community and Student Engagement Office.

The commendation forms allow parents to nominate teachers, counselors, principals, custodians, support personnel and other staff members to receive special recognition from the district.

“We want to honor those school employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide friendly assistance to parents,” said Superintendent Carl Cohn.

But the Family Friendly Schools Initiative is much more than just a way for parents to reward outstanding service by teachers and staff. It’s part of a larger effort to promote family engagement and improve school culture and climate. On behalf of its students, a Family Friendly School welcomes, honors and provides connections between families, the school staff and the community.

“When people come together and say ‘we’re going to do this for our kids,’ lots of great things happen,” said Dorothy Harper, the district’s associate superintendent.

Part of a nationwide movement to strengthen the connection between schools, their families and communities, San Diego Unified’s effort is one of the largest undertaken. The program emphasizes six critical areas: school climate and customer service; effective communication and family outreach; parent involvement; adult learning; school decision making; and cultural competence.

Following a mid-February kickoff event, training is now available on how to fine-tune school operations to welcome families to our campuses. Beginning next January, participating schools can be certified as a Family Friendly School.

For more information on the program, contact Edward at ecaballero@sandi.net or (619) 725-5519.

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Staff Bulletin is published monthly for employees of the San Diego Unified School District.
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