Making Connections

The Importance of Introductory Calls

Starting the year with a positive connection can pave the way for successful communication throughout the school year. This isn’t just a formality; it’s an opportunity to lay a solid foundation between you, the teacher, and the parents of your students.

Let’s be honest, whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, those introductory calls can stir up a little anxiety.

So, when should you make these calls? What should you say? And most importantly, what’s the goal of this outreach?

We’ve spoken with Mrs. Rochel Zimmerman and Mrs. Chumi Levitansky from Torah Umesorah’s 3+3 New Teacher Training, and they’ve offered some fantastic insights that can help ease those nerves.

Getting Ready:

Schedule a date and time in your calendar.
Ideal timing: before the school year or early September
Decide how and when parents should contact you if the need arises, so that you can communicate this to them during the call.

Making the Call:

Make calls between 9 am and 4 pm, or between 8 and 9:30 pm.
Each call should take 2-5 minutes, though more time may be needed for certain calls.
Write a list of talking points for yourself
Keep a communication log (such as The Role Book) or a pen and paper handy to take notes during the call.
If the call goes unanswered, leave a message if possible.

Suggested Talking Points:

Introduce yourself (use your first name if comfortable).
“Hello, this is Shani Kaufman, and I will be your Shifra’s English teacher this year.”

Specify that this is a quick call and ask if this is a good time.
Share your excitement about getting to know their child
Ask about any important information regarding their child
Is he/she called by the name on the list?
What’s the best way to contact you if needed?
Is there anything that is individual to this child that would be helpful for me to know?
When the parent responds, listen in a manner that shows complete focus. Use a professional tone to ask for clarification when necessary.
Provide your contact details (best phone number and availability)
Close with a positive message (e.g., “Looking forward to a wonderful year, IYH!”)

Keeping Communication Logs:

Write down relevant information that the parent shares
- The TU Role Book is an excellent record-keeping resource.
- Best phone number to reach parents
- Preferred name for students
- Examples of important information
  - Allergies, sensitivities, health issues, medication
  - Academic, behavioral or Social concerns
  - Upcoming or recent Family changes such as move, divorce, baby, weddings
  - Professional help, therapy or tutoring that the child gets. (You may ask if they want you to be in touch with the tutor, and take down the number)
  - Seating suggestions based on any of the above.
If the parents share Anything specific for the teacher to keep tabs on, ask if they want you to reach out with updates, and how often.
For your own records, set an approximate follow-up date or date for next nachas call.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Behind the Desk to Director’s Chair

The elementary school teacher’s guide to putting on a class performance Siddur play, Chumash play, Purim play, Tehillim play, Birchas Yaakov performance, Rosh Chodesh assembly, seventh-and-eighth grade performance… Most elementary school teachers have one of the above written into their contracts. Opinions and feelings, when we took a poll, were mixed. Excellent advice was a’plenty. Read, enjoy and get equipped! The Upsides Nechama is a sixth grade teacher who’s been running her annual class play for many years. She sees firsthand the positive outcomes of the efforts she invests to make a beautiful performance where every student can truly shine. “A lot of girls really have hidden talents. Giving a girl the responsibility to take charge can show you a side of her you never knew existed. Pushing a shy student to take a role you know she is really capable of can open her up, turning her into

No Work and All Play…?

Kvetches, thoughts and tips on teaching through play season by teachers like you. Join ‘em The majority of teachers shared roughly the same game plan: Don’t fight them – show genuine interest and share in their excitement. Hindy acknowledges that teaching during production season is definitely compromised teaching. “It’s not just the missed class time – it’s a serious lack of focus.” Still, she believes that these few weeks mean the world to so many students and create their fondest high school memories. “Make peace with the reality of play season and lean into it,” she advises. Liba says that when she gives her students time to talk about the play, they feel like she’s “in on it”. She finds that the more she connects with their performance, the better they snap back into real learning in her class post-play season. Of course, she tries to attend either the

Chazak, Chazak, V’Nischazek!

A Siyum Summary The standard celebration for completing a perek or significant amount of learning is the ubiquitous siyum. Aside from serving as a major incentive for students to keep on learning with vigor, the siyum makes an important statement to our talmidos: Every part of Torah is precious, valuable, and immeasurably special – and your hard work to gain knowledge and understand is a simcha to be celebrated. If planning a siyum for your class is still a challenge, you’re not alone. Class dynamics, time, school policies and a host of other factors can make it a daunting task. Read on for valuable pointers from teachers who have their siyum systems down to a science. The White Shirt What’s a siyum without a white shirt? It’s important to keep track of the date – if Rosh Chodesh is the same week, it can be challenging for mothers laundry-wise.

Mommy and Me Workshops

Mommy & Me Day is a special opportunity to welcome mommies into the classroom and celebrate the powerful connection between home and school. It gives mommies a meaningful peek into what happens during the school day, while helping children feel supported, confident, and excited about their learning experience. Why is a Mommy and Me Day important? Strengthens home–school connectionWhen mommies step into the classroom, they better understand the school’s values, routines, and learning goals—creating a true partnership. Builds children’s emotional securityChildren feel proud, confident, and safe when their mommy is part of their school world, which supports emotional development. Encourages meaningful parent involvement Mommies experience hands-on activities and gain ideas they can continue at home. Enhances social and language skillsShared activities promote communication, cooperation, and expressive language in a natural way. Creates joyful, lasting memoriesPositive school experiences tied to family build warm associations with learning