7 Tips for Better Parent Communication

1. Be Consistent and Predictable

Timing matters. A weekly cadence builds trust and engagement.

Practical Suggestions:

• Set a specific day and time each week for school-wide updates (e.g., every Friday at 4 PM).

• Use a branded template or format so parents recognize it immediately.

• Stick to a rhythm—even during slower weeks—to maintain consistency.

2. Use Short, Multi-Sensory Formats

Some read, others listen—few want long emails. Provide options for people on the go.

Practical Suggestions:

• Offer short-form audio updates (like ZipCast) parents can listen to during the drive to school or while running errands.

• Create bite-sized segments, infographics, or bullet-point summaries with invitations to longer format documents and more in depth resources

• Avoid large blocks of text—use headlines, icons, or short paragraphs for clarity.
  

3. Make It Personal and Relational

Your voice matters. A short “fireside chat” and stories build trust and human connection.

Practical Suggestions:

• Have the head of school or key leaders record 1–2 minute weekly messages. Leadership is about building trust!

• Share brief stories from classrooms, faculty highlights, or parent/student testimonials, even glimpses into the leader’s own experiences.

• Use informal language to foster warmth—imagine speaking across a coffee table or a front porch conversation.
  

4. Don’t Just Inform—Inspire and Invite

Go beyond logistics. Cast vision, spark curiosity, and link to community events or deeper content.

Practical Suggestions:

• Connect calendar items to the school’s mission or values (“Here’s why this matters…”).

• Regularly include a “Did You Know?” section linking to podcasts, readings, or school culture insights.

• Encourage participation in events by painting a compelling picture of what parents will experience or gain. Testimonies from past events works well.
  

5. Lead with What Matters Most

Don’t bury the lead. Highlight the top 3 things parents need to know right at the top.

Practical Suggestions:

• Use a bolded “Top 3 news you need” section at the beginning of your message.

• Put important dates, deadlines, or decisions right up front—no scrolling needed. 

• Train staff to communicate with clarity: one message = one main takeaway.
  

6. Combine Communication Channels

Anchor communication on a lead platform and support it with other formats (e.g., emails, newsletters).

Practical Suggestions:

• Choose one central platform (e.g., a weekly ZipCast) and make it the communication “home base” that points to additional resources (newsletter).

• Reference at public events (like chapel or parent meetings) your main communication channels “I hope everyone saw this week…”

• Ensure consistency of tone and branding across all formats—different channels, one voice.
  

7. Make It Actionable

Every message should answer: What should I know? What should I do?

Practical Suggestions:

• End each update with a simple checklist or “What to Do This Week” section. 

• Use bold or bullet points to highlight calls to action (e.g., RSVP, sign up, send forms) and put all actionable items in one place.

• Avoid vague phrasing—make next steps clear and time-bound (e.g., “Submit by Tuesday at 9 AM”).