Vance Charter School Communication Plan 2012-2015 Common Ground for Uncommon Success Sean Connolly, Principal Jo Smith Read, Curriculum Director
2 Introduction This Communication Plan describes the school s practices for: Communicating the purpose of the school, including the process for revising the school Mission Statement, and What steps the school takes to ensure on-going, two-way communication with internal and external stakeholders. School Purpose Mission Statement The mission of Vance Charter School is posted prominently in the school s entry foyer, administrative offices, and in classrooms throughout the building. It is also on the school s home page at www.vancecharter.org. The Mission Statement, coupled with the charter, serve as the foundation for all activities undertaken by the school. It will be reviewed by staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders in conjunction with the charter renewal application process that will take place in 2019. Belief Statements The Vance Charter School Belief Statements are a companion to the Mission Statement and serve to guide implementation of the instructional and extracurricular programs. They are posted prominently in the school s entry foyer, administrative offices, and in classrooms throughout the building. It is also on the school s home page at www.vancecharter.org. They will be reviewed by staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders in conjunction with the charter renewal application process that will take place in 2019. On-going Communication Internal Communication Employee and Board Communication Communication between and among the school s board members, administrators, and staff members is critical to implementing a high-quality educational program. The following guidelines will apply to internal communications.
3 Board of Directors Communications The administration and the faculty representative to the Board of Directors will bring items of interest from other staff members as necessary to each meeting. The Board of Directors will publish minutes of monthly meetings on the school web site. Minutes are also kept on file with the Administrative Assistant. The faculty board representative and the administration will transmit information from the board to staff members as necessary. Administrator Communications The Principal and the Curriculum Director will use the internal e-mail system to accomplish on-going day-to-day communication with other staff members. The Principal will hold regularly scheduled meetings with grade band and specials class representatives. Staff meetings will be held on a regular basis, typically once a month or more often as required by specific circumstances. The Curriculum Director will distribute a staff newsletter by e-mail regularly. The Principal and Curriculum Director will make announcements and provide opportunities for dialogue at staff meetings. Employees are welcome to speak directly with either administrator by appointment or on a drop-in basis if time permits. Student Communication Communication between the administration, teachers, and students is important to assuring that students receive information and understand the mission of the school. Students also need to understand that their perspective is valued and each individual is encouraged to make his or her needs known to adults. General information will be shared daily through daily announcements, which will include the Pledge of Allegiance. Students are encouraged to speak directly with their teachers as necessary to assure that they anticipate expectations, offer input, and seek clarification when they do not understand. Students are encouraged to speak directly with the Principal and the Curriculum Director as needed. They may make an appointment or, in appropriate circumstances, and with the permission of their teacher if they must leave class, they may speak with the administrator on a drop in basis if time permits.
4 The administration and the teachers will use the Student Council as an advisory group to seek student input to decisions. External Communication Parent Communication The charter establishing Vance Charter School and the beliefs guiding the school s practices reflect the high value of parent participation in their children s education. Board of Directors Communications Parents who wish to communicate directly with the Board of Directors should register to make public comments in advance of the monthly board meetings. Teacher Communications Parents are encouraged to access the Parent Assist Module (PAM) in NC Wise to monitor their children s grades and attendance records. Parents who have questions about content of classes, grading, homework, or other classroom based issues are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher to seek clarification. Contact should be made during non-instructional time. A parent may request and schedule a conference with a teacher. Parents should not expect to be able to hold immediate unscheduled conferences with teachers. Administrator Communications Parents who are unable to find answers to questions about classroom issues through discussion with the teacher may make an appointment with the Principal or Curriculum Director to seek additional clarification or express their perspectives. Parents who need to speak with the Principal or the Curriculum Director are encouraged to contact them by telephone or e-mail. They should make an appointment to arrange a personal meeting in order to assure that the administrator has adequate time set aside for the discussion. The Principal will distribute a parent newsletter to disseminate information about the school on a regular basis. The Connect Ed system will be used to deliver targeted communications through telephone and e-mail. The Friends of Vance Charter (FOVC) board will serve as an advisory body when parent input is needed to help guide decision making.
5 Community Communication Support from and involvement of community members and institutions is a rich source of resources for the school. Board of Directors Communications Notice is given through news media and the Vance Charter School website with regard to general monthly board meetings inviting the community to attend and comment publicly. Such notice is also given with regard to the lottery and enrollment process. The lottery and enrollment process is further communicated through area daycare facilities and the posting of advertisements throughout the local area. The administration strives to foster mutually beneficial relationships between Vance Charter School and local community entities. Teachers, staff, and parents are encouraged to invite members and businesses of the community to become involved with Vance Charter School, volunteering and forming partnerships for the betterment of Vance Charter School s students.