Communication Audit and Program Review Board Accepted 4-21-11

A Review of the
Communications Audit & Program Review

Dripping Springs Independent School District
Board of Trustees Meeting

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
April, 2011
DSISD Board of Trustees and Central Administration Board of Trustees

Tim Kurpiewski Caroline Pekarek John Adams Alan Atwood Liz Ing Shelly Reeves Barbara Stroud President Vice President, Facilities Committee Chair Secretary, Finance Committee Chair Member Member Member Member
Central Administration
Mard Herrick, Ph.D Greg Jung Dwane Shropshire Ron Hill Kathy Leopold Christina Wiswell Mary Ellen Fernandez Charles Rainey Debby Theis Howard Ballard John Crowley Dan Davis John Livingston Jack Modgling Dale Whitaker Superintendent Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations Director of Human Resources Director of Technology Student Services Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator Director of Financial Services Director of Community Services Director of Athletics Director of Child Nutrition Director of Plant Operations Director of Transportation Services Director of Intervention and Academic Support District Information Officer
2 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
Table of Contents
DSISD Mission, Vision, & Strategic Planning Priorities.........................................................................................1 DSISD Program Review Process Introduction........................................................................................................3 Communications Audit and Program Review Committee......................................................................................4 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................................5-8 Communication Program Vision....................................................................................................................6 Communication Program Mission....................................................................................................................6 Communication Program Description..............................................................................................................6 Program Review Goals.......................................................................................................................................6 Program History..................................................................................................................................................7 Communication Review Team Documents........................................................................................................7 Program Data Collected and Reviewed..............................................................................................................7 Communication Audit and Program Review Recommendations, Goals & Strategies......................................9-14 Campus and District Communication Review Data.......................................................................................15-119 Inventory of Existing District Communication Methods and Tools.................................................................16 Campus Communications Review......................................................................................................................17 Dripping Springs Elementary Campus Communication Review............................................................17 Rooster Springs Elementary Campus Communication Review..............................................................18 Walnut Springs Elementary Campus Communication Review...............................................................19 Dripping Springs High School Campus Communication Review..........................................................20 Dripping Springs Middle School Campus Communication Review........................................................21 DSISD Website Data....................................................................................................................................22-25 Other School District Communication Professionals Interview Summaries...............................................26-30 Summary of Open-Ended Comments: Spring 2010 District Survey.........................................................32-35 Summary of Open-Ended Comments: Spring 2010 District Survey..............................................................36 Parent, Staff & Student Survey Summary...............................................................................................37-111 Parent Focus Group Response Summary..............................................................................................112-120 Demographic Data Summary................................................................................................................121-123 Appendix...............................................................................................................................................124-130 Summary of Meeting: Communications Review Team 9-20-2010.................................... ..................125 Concepts for Use in the Communication Program Review Process.....................................................126 Notes from Communication Review Team Meeting: 10-18-2010........................................................127 Summary of Meeting: Communications Review Team 11-1-2010.......................................................128 Summary of Meeting: Communications Review Team 11-15-2010.....................................................129 Summary of Meeting: Communications Review Team 12-13-2010.....................................................130 Communications Review Team Meeting Summary: January- March 2011...............................................132 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 3
DRIPPINGS SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

To inspire and equip students to be lifelong learners and positive contributors to the world. We partner with parents and the community to provide a superior education for every student.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Strategic Planning Priorities 2009-2014

Communication & Customer Service yy DSISD is committed to conveying information in a thoughtful, clear, and concise way through multiple channels. yy DSISD is committed to responding to concerns and inquiries in a positive, professional, and respectful manner in order to establish and fulfill our commitment to the community. Curriculum & Instruction yy DSISD is committed to providing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum combined with student centered instruction, which will promote active student learning and success. Facilities yy DSISD is committed to providing safe and secure facilities for all stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner. Personnel yy DSISD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and fostering individuals who are committed to each student while pursuing overall excellence and personal growth. Planning yy We believe that planning is a collaborative process that anticipates, is flexible, effective, and produces superior results for all students. Technology yy DSISD is committed to developing and implementing a technology plan that utilizes all available resources, meets the evolving needs of teaching and learning, and ensures effective collaboration and communication with all stakeholders in the greater school community.
DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 1
District Goals yy DSISD will continue to create a shared understanding of and commitment to the Dripping Springs Learning Model. yy DSISD will continue to provide a safe and healthy environment that is emotionally and physically conducive to learning. yy DSISD will maintain an appropriate overall financial condition through effective planning and efficient management of financial resources. State & Federal Requirement Goals yy DSISD is committed to continuously improving District performance and each Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) performance criterion. yy DSISD is committed to continuously improving District performance on the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS). yy DSISD is committed to efficiently and effectively using state compensatory education funds to improve the performance of special populations and at-risk students. yy DSISD is committed to continuously improving District performance and each Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) performance criterion. yy DSISD is committed to continuously improving District programs for students with special or unique educational needs including students receiving services for Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Dyslexia, Section 504 and English Language Learning. yy DSISD is committed to continuously improving District Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and efficiently and effectively using Carl Perkins Grants funds. yy DSISD is committed to effectively and efficiently using No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Title funds including Title I, Part A-School-Wide Program, Title I, Part C-Migrant Education, Title II, Part A- Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting, Title II, Part D-Technology, Title II- English as a Second Language, Title IV, Part A- Safe and Drug Free Schools and Community Programs, and Title V-Innovative Programs, to improve the performance of all students. Critical Strands: Items that must be considered as we plan to address each priority and goal yy District Growth yy Changing Demographics yy School Finance
DSISD Program Review Process Introduction

DSISD Program Review Philosophy
The Dripping Springs Independent School District believes that program review and evaluation based on predetermined criteria are essential for continuous improvement in support of our mission. Evaluation of programs and services is important to: maintain focus maximize available resources reveal strengths/weaknesses establish program standards foster trust collaborate with stakeholders maintain a systematic, on-going process
Purpose of the Program Review

To continue to provide creative, challenging, and enriching opportunities for all Dripping Springs ISD students.
Model for Program Review Process Steps

1. Review the DSISD philosophy supporting cyclical program review. 2. Review the 3-5 year program review cycle. Develop a program description, vision, mission, and goals/intended results. 3. Prepare an evaluation design, including evaluation questions, standards, and methodology. 4. Prepare data grids and data collection instruments, directions and data collection time frame. 5. Collect data and begin preparation of required spreadsheets and summary graphics. 6. Analyze data collected to determine the extent to which each goal/intended result has been achieved. 7. Select program improvement strategies that will guide future program development efforts and will result in improved services/outcomes. 8. Prepare a final report to guide decision makers and determine best strategies for the report dissemination.
Communications Audit & Program Review Committee Members

The Dripping Springs ISD believes that our continuous improvement philosophy is essential to the future success of our students, programs, and the District. It is the dedicated volunteer service of students, parents, community members and staff that allows us to conduct these program reviews. We would like to acknowledge the members of the Communication Audit and Program Review Committee for their hard work and dedicated service to the students of DSISD through this process.
Kelly Coffey Kim Cousins Nannette Erickson Shellie Foster Tod Freeman Sarah Freeman Jennifer Godwin Kim Gravell Virginia Hassell Erin Hays Dennis Lane Andrea Lorenz Chuck Rainey Shelly Reeves Cindi Wade Leslie Wallace Ramona Welch Dale Whitaker Rhonda Whitman Kent Willis Greg Jung Dr. Mard Herrick
DSMS Counselor DSHS Principal & DSISD Parent WSES Parent DSISD Community Member DSMS/DSHS Parent DSHS Student DSHS Parent DSHS Assistant Principal & DSISD Parent DSES Parent WSES Teacher RSES Parent DSHS Teacher Director of Financial Services DSISD Board of Trustees Member & Parent Technology Instructional Coordinator RSES Teacher DSES Teacher Communication Audit & Program Review Coordinator RSES Principal WSES/DSMS Parent Assistant Superintendent of C&I & Facilitator Superintendent & Facilitator
Communications Audit & Program Review Executive Summary
Communication Program Vision

To explore and engage in effective communication that strengthens the partnership among schools and the community to enhance an exemplary education for all students in Dripping Springs.
Communication Program Mission
We proactively foster clear, cohesive and meaningful two-way communication through a variety of methods, reaching all segments of our growing community.
Communication Program Description

Communication permeates all levels of the school district and campuses and is evident in many forms, such as teacher-parent conversations, presentations to local community groups, training of staff, interaction with media, and posting of information on the district website. The purpose of effective communication is to achieve understanding through clear and concise sharing of information, responsiveness to feedback from stakeholders and outstanding customer service. Every individual and group that comes into contact with the school district is a target audience, including but not limited to: students, parents, staff, Board members, residents, media, elected officials, civic groups and alumni. Every employee at both the campus and district levels who interacts with stakeholders must strive to communicate effectively. Improved communication was identified as a component of the 2009 strategic plan. This program review will serve as the communications audit that was recommended in the strategic plan and is another step in the districts ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
Goals we hope to accomplish in this program review:

yy yy yy yy yy Explore effectiveness of two-way communication flow and consider recommendations for improvement. Examine consistency issues in manner and methods of communication districtwide. Identify areas where customer service can be improved and develop ways for accomplishing that. Identify current technology enhancements that can be used for timely and easily accessible communication. Review communication with subgroups of our population to determine how they can be better served.
Program History
Dripping Springs ISD values strong communication with members of the Dripping Springs community, including parents and other district stakeholders. The priority of communication/ community service was clearly identified in the 2009 Strategic Plan. Two goals related to this priority were: yy yy DSISD is committed to conveying information in a thoughtful, clear, and concise way through multiple channels. DSISD is committed to responding to concerns and inquiries in a positive, professional, and respectful manner in order to establish and fulfill our commitment to the community.
Following the completion of the strategic plan, district administration introduced several vehicles for reaching the community. These included Coffee with DSISD events that joined parents, campus leaders, and district staff at various locations; Fact or Fiction, a publication addressing rumors and providing accurate information; quarterly newsletters directed at the community and staff; and a completely redesigned website. The strategic plan also recommended a communications audit to help the district evaluate which communication methods were most effective and how the overall approach could be improved. This audit has been tied in with the cycle of program reviews the district conducts each year. Another element in the strategic plan was creating a professional position to unify and guide district communications. A District Information Officer joined the staff in August 2010 and has moved forward with previously established programs, added new tools, and coordinated this audit/program review. In addition to coordinating many of these communication methods, the District Information Office serves as the point of contact for all media requests.
Program Data Collected and Reviewed

yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy yy Spring 2010 District survey results on communication-related questions Spring 2010 District survey open-ended comments (communication/customer service) Website usage data Communications inventory from each campus (principal interviews) Interviews with school district communications professionals (2 handouts) Parent survey results Parent survey open-ended comments Student survey results Student survey open-ended comments Staff survey results Staff survey open-ended comments Spanish-speaking parent survey results Spanish-speaking parent survey open-ended comments Focus group summary Spanish-speaking parents Focus group summary secondary parents Focus group summary elementary parents District demographic data List of current district communication methods
Communication Audit & Program Review Recommendations, Goals & Strategies
Communication Audit & Program Review Recommendations, Goals & Strategies Summary
Goal 1 To ensure consistency across the district for basic communications standards. 1. Simplify communication methods/tools between the district and its stakeholders for improved effectiveness. yy Inventory communication tools that currently are available for district use. yy Evaluate benefits of each communication tool. yy Determine if any communication tools/methods can be combined or reduced. yy Inform parents and other stakeholders what communication tools/methods are used by the district and how they can be accessed. yy Provide training for staff and parents on use of communication methods/tools as needed. yy Record training sessions to be used as on-line tutorials. yy Explore conversion to routine electronic dissemination of information (on-line folders) for all campuses. 2. Train staff in customer-friendly techniques. yy Train campus front office personnel and Central Administration staff in professional and positive meet-and-greet skills. yy Train staff on conflict resolution communication strategies. yy Reinforce importance of e-mail etiquette to staff each year. yy Provide reliable and consistent talking points on key issues to front office staff for use in responding to inquiries. yy Periodically share updates, reminders or suggested readings with staff. 3. Develop a minimum standard of communication expected of employees. yy Develop basic expectations for teacher and campus websites, including weekly updates and standard elements. yy Encourage teachers to make contact with parents on a regular basis via e-mail/ Skyward messages, potentially reinforcing or linking to information posted on teacher websites. yy Provide teachers with customizable template messages for use in parent e-mails. yy Require that certain pieces of information (position, campus, phone, e-mail) be standard in all staff e-mail/Skyward messages.
yy Re-train employees on tools available in FirstClass e-mail system such as inclusion of original e-mail in replies and automatic spell-check. yy Reinforce clear and reasonable guidelines to staff regarding the return of phone calls and e-mails. Goal 2 To explore ways to use current technology including the DSISD website to promote simple and effective flow of information between the district and the populations it serves. 1. Implement on-line registration to improve communication efficiency and accuracy. yy Notify parents of registration procedures and timeline. yy Provide instruction to staff and parents. yy Accommodate special population segments (Spanish-speaking, non-Internet). 2. Improve the Notifications section of the district website. yy Evaluate the existing categories for clarity, efficiency, and consistency of use. yy Provide a description/definition for each category. yy Streamline categories and remove those not being used. yy Refresh training for designated staff to provide updates and maintain sections. yy Publicize the features and provide instruction to parents and other users. 3. Identify ways to make the district website more user-friendly. yy Conduct a usability study of the website to identify potential areas for improvement. yy Implement a customizable parent portal in conjunction with the Skyward system. yy Create a general information page with definitions, contacts, and links to pertinent resources. yy Simplify url addresses by adding re-directs to campus, teacher and program pages. yy Notify campuses of simplified url addresses. 4. Use technology tools to gather input from stakeholders on key issues affecting the district. yy Investigate the creation of a Hot Topics section of the website where information on major issues can be presented. yy Use e-mail or website to collect feedback on designated topics. yy Consider use of mini-surveys or polls on hot topics to gain immediate feedback.
11
5. Explore the use of multimedia on the district website. yy Determine the most efficient method for providing on-line video (external vs. internal hosting). yy Produce a Welcome to the District video. yy Investigate the use of video tutorials. yy Add video clips highlighting events, programs and presentations at both the school and district levels. Goal 3 To improve communication between the district and special population segments that are difficult to reach with standard methods. 1. Improve communication between home and school for Spanish-speaking parents. yy Provide a list of bilingual contacts at each campus to Spanish-speaking families (as well as any other native languages) at the beginning of the school year. yy Identify volunteers who are willing to assist with translations in various languages. yy Inventory which documents are provided in Spanish and determine if additional documents should be translated. yy Provide additional parent meetings for ESL families when appropriate. yy Inform parents at all campuses about the availability of the Parent Resource Center at Dripping Springs Elementary. 2. Assist families who do not have Internet access. yy Generate a list of parents from each school who need paper copies of e-mail/website correspondence. yy Develop a method for distribution of paper copies appropriate for each campus. yy Make available a computer in the front office or computer lab at each school that parents can use to access school or district website and print school-related documents as needed. 3. Strengthen communication to facilitate a seamless transition between elementary/ middle school and middle school/high school for students and parents. yy Schedule an opportunity for student representatives from destination campus to talk to incoming students in the spring. yy Publicize and promote attendance at Parent Information Nights and other orientation programs.
yy Invite eighth-graders to visit the high school in the spring and experience some of a typical school day. yy Develop a checklist for students and parents to follow in preparation for upcoming transitions. 4. Create a welcoming process that introduces new families to the district and its communication methods in a positive way. yy Add a resource page on the website for families who are new to the district. yy Hold kindergarten parent orientation and building tour before the start of school, possibly in combination with Meet the Teacher Night. yy Explore the possibility of offering a boot camp for new kindergarten parents. yy Inform new parents about district communication methods with a handout summarizing available tools and by presenting information at orientation activities. yy Identify volunteers at various campuses/grade levels to serve as family mentors for families who move into the district during the year. yy Develop an age-appropriate New Student Guide for students who move into DSISD. Goal 4 To explore new opportunities for partnerships and innovative communication techniques. 1. Explore opportunities with social media networks and develop a presence on at least one platform. yy Research other districts use of social media. yy Determine which platform(s) offer the best opportunity for use by DSISD. yy Develop a time frame for implementation and a plan to manage updates. yy Monitor new trends and adjust district use, as appropriate. 2. Develop partnerships with local businesses and community groups. yy Consider creation of a DSISD brochure for new and prospective families and businesses sponsored by local business/organization. yy Develop a speaker/mentor bank. yy Research local organizations whose goals and/or programs align with the districts mission to identify partnering opportunities
13
3. Initiate district participation in community events. yy Identify key community events at which to have a district presence (i.e., Founders Day, Christmas on Mercer Street, Pound House Fall Festival, etc.). yy Increase frequency of performances (musical, service, etc.) by student groups from all campuses (K-12) at events and local facilities, such as the Senior Center. 4. Increase communication and promote district/school events to the community. yy Redefine and rejuvenate the Senior Citizens Gold Card program. yy Establish a method to disseminate information about major school events between campuses. yy Explore ways to package events included on the websites district-wide calendar and make selections customizable to families.
Campus & DISTRICT Communication Review Data
15
Inventory of Existing District Communication Methods and Tools

yyMonthly community newsletter Inside DSISD yyPlacement of laminated newsletters at Senior Center, YMCA, Community Library yyMonthly staff newsletter Campus Connections yyFact or Fiction (e-mailed and posted periodically upon submission of questions) yyAnnual stakeholders report (Sent to all registered voters and property owners) yyDistrict brochure (quick facts, overview of programs) yyWebsite news updates yyMessages through Skyward yySkylert phone calls/e-mails for emergency info yySpecial events highlighting district (MS & HS dedication) yyPublicity of campus events yySharing of photos, news releases, accomplishments with local media yySharing of news and recognitions with local websites (Drippin Things, DS Babble, Dripping Springs Life) yyDevelopment of talking points on various topics or issues yyNomination for awards, recognitions yyPoints of Pride fact sheet yyDS Parent Dialogues once-a-semester open-ended discussion with group of parents from all campuses yyDS Teacher Dialogues once-a-semester open-ended discussion with group of teachers from all campuses yyCoffee with DSISD district-wide gatherings yyCoffees with principals on all campuses yySpeaking engagements at civic organizations, Chamber, realtors network, etc. yyTopical parent meetings as needed (GT, Special Ed, ACE, curriculum, etc.) yyDistrict-wide committees and teams (SHAC, review teams, Long-Range Facility Planning Team, DWEIC)
Campus Communications Review

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW--DSES
Do you use: Printed newsletters from school with general updates Printed newsletters from PTA with general updates Routine email updates to parents Skyward Message Center Email messages to parents for important announcements Skyward Notify Me updates to email or phones (text) using district website Website updates under NEWS section of school homepage Coffee with principal type events Parent Advisory Council of some type (other than PTA) Printed letters to parents Other parent meetings/events (other than assemblies/performances): General PTA meetings w/administration in attendance Meet the Teacher (with general introduction to school) Parent Orientation (with general introduction to school) OTHER (PLEASE LIST): Mini meetings in the parking lot daily! YES _____ __X__ _____ __X__ ____ ____ __X__ __X__ __X__ NO __X__ _____ __X__ _____ __X__ __X__ _____ _____ _____
What have been a few (2-4) of the most effective and well-received communication methods you have used with your parents? Donuts With Diane Newsletter on website Are there any communication initiatives your campus has implemented that you feel did NOT work? Parent information meeting for Title I (better when combined with other event) Some PTA-sponsored parent trainings have low attendance Are there ways district-level personnel could better support your communications? No; having contact person (Communications) at Central Office is very helpful and reassuring
17
CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW-RSES

Do you use: Printed newsletters from school with general updates Printed newsletters from PTA with general updates Routine email updates to parents Skyward Message Center Email messages to parents for important announcements Skyward Notify Me updates to email or phones (text) using district website Website updates under NEWS section of school homepage Coffee with principal type events [6 times/year] YES __X__ __X__ _____ _____ _____ NO _____ _____ __X__ __X__ __X__
_____ __ X_ (do update EVENTS) __X__ __X__ __X__ _____ _____ _____
Parent Advisory Council of some type (other than PTA) Printed letters to parents Other parent meetings/events (other than assemblies/performances): With PTA, 2 family events on per semester the In and Outs of School OTHER (PLEASE LIST):
Thursday on-line folder: have link emailed to parents through teacher lists, also provide hard copies to those who request What have been a few (2-4) of the most effective and well-received communication methods you have used with your parents? Principals newsletter Thursday on-line folder (538 families; only 40 want hard copies) Are there any communication initiatives your campus has implemented you feel did NOT work? Relatively small turnouts for Talk Time with Principal and Ins and Out of School first year; the principal still feels it is important to offer as these were started based on feedback from parents.
Are there ways district-level personnel could better support your communications? How? Recommends going district-wide with on-line Thursday folder Parent Advisory Council suggested on-line distribution of packets from Meet Teacher Night
CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW--WSES

Do you use: Printed newsletters from school with general updates Printed newsletters from PTA with general updates Routine email updates to parents Skyward Message Center Email messages to parents for important announcements Skyward Notify Me updates to email or phones (text) using district website Website updates under NEWS section of school homepage Coffee with principal type events Parent Advisory Council of some type (other than PTA) Printed letters to parents Other parent meetings/events (other than assemblies/performances): Spanish-speaking parent meeting (annual) & Spanish-speaking coffees OTHER: Principal copies PTA Exec Board on weekly updates that go to staff YES _____ __X_ _____ _X (rarely) _____ _X__ _X__ _____ _X__ __X__ _____ _____ __X_ _____ NO _X_ _____ __X_
What have been a few (2-4) of the most effective and well-received communication methods you have used with your parents? PTA email blasts Spanish-speaking parent meetings
Are there any communication initiatives your campus has implemented that you feel did NOT work? All reach different segments of population. May be a good idea to have some evening coffee-type events for parents.
Are there ways district-level personnel could better support your communications? If district had a relationship with pastors around the city providing emails regarding events, etc. This would be especially effective for Spanish population.
19
CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW-DSHS

Do you use: Printed newsletters from school with general updates Printed newsletters from PTA with general updates Routine email updates to parents Skyward Message Center Email messages to parents for important announcements Skyward Notify Me updates to email or phones (text) using district website Website updates under NEWS section of school homepage Coffee with principal type events (4 per year) YES _____ _____ __X__ __X__ _____ __X__ __X__ _____ _____ NO __X_ __X_ _____ _____ __X__ _____ _____ __X__ __X__
Parent Advisory Council of some type (other than PTA) Printed letters to parents Other parent meetings/events (other than assemblies/performances) OTHER (PLEASE LIST): Weekly web updates 4 principal letters a year electronic
What have been a few (2-4) of the most effective and well-received communication methods you have used with your parents? Skyward message center, especially to address major issues that come up Main page of school website Marquee Flat screen TV in school with announcements (students)
Are there any communication initiatives your campus has implemented you feel did NOT work? Coffee-type meeting (turnout) Are there ways district-level personnel could better support your communications? How? No
CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW- DSMS

Do you use: Printed newsletters from school with general updates Printed newsletters from PTA with general updates Routine email updates to parents Skyward Message Center Email messages to parents for important announcements Skyward Notify Me updates to email or phones (text) using district website Website updates under NEWS section of school homepage Coffee with principal type events Parent Advisory Council of some type (other than PTA) Printed letters to parents Other parent meetings/events (other than assemblies/performances) Informational meetings such as what parents need to know about alcohol & drugs Informational meeting on Big Decisions curriculum and sex education OTHER (PLEASE LIST): Notify Me updates for parents who have requested this; dont push it out. YES __X___ __X__ __X___ __X___ __X___ __X___ __X___ _____ __X___ NO _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ __X__ _____
What have been a few (2-4) of the most effective and well-received communication methods you have used with your parents? Message Center mass email (limited use, not overused) Website each year parents use more, pass that on to others Communication Guide Are there any communication initiatives your campus has implemented that you feel did NOT work? Previously sent hard copy of newsletter sent home, but unsure if parents actually received it; sense was that this was better when sent electronically (The Magnet)
Are there ways district-level personnel could better support your communications? Video person shooting campus events to post on campus website
21
DSISD Website Data

The server currently does not track site traffic; however, the district will update its privacy policy and will begin using Google Analytics. Currently, we are only able to provide information on search and subscription statistics.
Top Searches for the First 8 Weeks of School, August 23- October 16, 2010
Search Term band football bell schedule calendar skyward football schedule nevin Homecoming transportation Fredrickson Library fred holden ybarra cogdell bixby map pta mathews attendance TIGER Stadium ar wahlers eduphoria ericblume uil moffit freeman spelling city camp champions woodruff Number of Searches 125 83 73 73 69 65 58 51 48 44 44 43 34 33 32 31 31 31 30 29 29 28 28 27 27 27 25 24 24 23 23
Search Term teachers Think Central troppy blume cheerleading schedule volleyball Gardner hanson choir destiny family access football tickets "POSSIBLE STUDENT INFO REMOVED" dunn folsom handbook koske lunch menu raimond clubs course catalog electives kidzklub welch calender dress code fredrick kaatz student handbook athletics dance football games high school football schedule homework lunch menu yearbook cheer gifted and talented haas
Number of Searches 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 20 20 18 18 18 18 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 16 16 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 23
Search Term love meet the teacher moodle tiller Botts Bus football roster haydon needham paulamathews pay scale safari safari montage school calendar summer projects walsh
Number of Searches 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Subscriptions to Notify Me Categories

Category Athletics Community Newsletter Curriculum & Instruction DSHS Counselors Employee Nofications RSES Thursday Folder Number of Subscribers 290 440 365 105 1 72
Subscriptions to News Flash Categories

Category Curriculum & Instruction DS Elementary Home Page DSHS Counselors DSHS Home Page DSISD Athletics DSISD District DSISD Transportation DSMS Home Page Employee News Rooster Springs Home Page Walnut Springs Home Page Current Items 1 1 0 5 2 11 1 7 0 3 0 Number of Subscribers 295 142 73 179 208 82 93 206 0 172 127
Subscriptions to Calendars
Category Dripping Springs Elementary Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs Middle School DSHS Athletics DSHS Counselors DSHS Library DSISD Community Ed DSISD District Calendar Employee Calendar Rooster Springs Elementary Walnut Springs Elementary Current Items 46 139 158 478 7 10 1 98 0 189 139 Number of Subscribers 0 108 0 240 69 59 251 0 0 0 1
25
Other School District Communication Professionals Interview Summaries
Summary of Interviews with School Communications Professionals

Conducted by Tod Freeman and Nannette Erickson/November 2010 Districts originally were identified based on overall reputation in the area of district communications and/or ideas presented at previous TSPRA (Texas School Public Relations Association) workshops. Communications Professionals who were interviewed: Helen Williams, Director of Communications, Highland Park ISD Tamerah Ringo, Director of Communications and Public Relations, Coppell ISD Steve Stanford, Director of Communications, Katy ISD Kari Hutchinson, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Comal ISD Elaina Polsen, Director of Public Information, Clear Creek ISD Size of Districts: Coppell: 9,915 students; 840 teachers. Katy: 60,000 students, 4,120 teachers Highland Park: 6,649 students; 400 teachers Comal: 16,614 students; 1,098 teachers Clear Creek: 37,472 students; 2,629 teachers Mission Statements: None of the schools have a distinct, official communications mission statement that is separate from the district mission. Coppell: The mission of the Coppell Independent School District, as a committed and proven leader in educational excellence, is to ensure our learners achieve personal success, develop strong moral character, and become dynamic leaders and global citizens with a zeal for service by engaging each individual through innovative learning experiences led by a visionary staff and progressive community. Highland Park: With an unyielding commitment to excellence, will provide an exceptional academic program that recognizes the unique potential of each student and integrates the intellectual, social, cultural, and physical aspects of learning. While informal in nature, the Communications Director shared some communications mottos they use: Be bright, be brief, be gone, and A steady diet of good news cures all woes. Katy: In partnership with parents and community, the Katy Independent School District, as a premier district in the state of Texas, seeks academic excellence for each student to pursue a productive and fulfilling life through a balanced curriculum aligned with quality instruction and assessment of achievement. Comal: The mission of Comal Independent School District is to provide extensive learning opportunities for all students to ensure they become contributing members of our society. Clear Creek: The mission of the Clear Creek Independent School District, a diverse community unified by a spirit of exploration and excellence, is to develop students who will lead the way to the future by educating and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the 21st Century through a system characterized by meaningful community relationships and a comprehensive curriculum facilitated by a highly qualified team committed to Courage, Collaboration, Innovation, and Self-Direction.
27
Do you have a separate communication plan in place or is it part of a strategic plan or district improvement plan? Coppell: Our communications plan is part of our district strategic plan, which is done every five years. However, everything we do in the district is about communications whether its finance or curriculum, bond campaigns or members of the media its all touched by this office. Highland Park: As required by law, we have a strategic plan every five years; development is facilitated by Cambridge Strategies out of Dallas. We initiated a parent satisfaction survey, but this wasnt good on tracking year to year, so we introduced an annual satisfaction survey at the end of the school year (past four years). See: http://www.hpisd.org/Default.aspx?tabid=8942. Katy: The plan is at least 5 years old and outdates our new superintendent; they are due to work on an updated plan. Comal: Development of strategic plan is driven through reliable data compiled by the Superintendents Cabinet. Communication is tied in the strategic plan. Clear Creek: Provided a sample of the districts recent communications plan. She stressed the importance of measuring school/community needs. What are some unique initiatives that your district has implemented to improve communication with parents? Katy: They have completely moved to electronic communications and eliminated print publications. They use a system called Constant Contact, which provides instant metrics. For example, they can instantly see not only the click-through rate, but also the open rate for emails. Each campus has an eNews program. District-wide communications are mainly used for bond issues, and so forth. Katy still prints a beginning-of-the-year packet (8 pages) that includes quick info, contacts, etc. that parents will need during the year. Theyve consolidated all campus calendars to help with parents of children on different campuses. Coppell: They believe the most important vehicle for improving communications with parents (and staff) is one-page e-newsletters. External e-newsletter goes out every Friday to about 15,000. The staff newsletter goes out once a month. Last year, they started monthly Brown Bag Lunch public forums that are videotaped and posted on the website (even offer shuttle service in a 15-passenger van to get to Admin building due to parking limitations). They have cut down beginning-of-the-year paperwork to 5 pages; the rest is online. Coppell has a Key Communicators group consisting of PTO presidents, board presidents, booster club presidents, elected officials, civic boards, even the community college (open to people that serve in leadership roles in the community) who get a key ring and a notebook at the beginning of the year, and then twice a year attend a State of the District presentation led by the superintendent. The superintendent has two e-newsletters Supt.s Scoop (to the community) and Supes On (staff). Highland Park: They do a very popular FAQ on the district website that answers many of the recurring questions the community asks. They also have a good weekly e-newsletter that is full of links, videos a great example of community- and faculty-generated content. This once was posted online, but because of photos and privacy issues, its now subscription only. Comal: Hot News is a weekly email to parents and community; system is updated every other year during summer registration and with first-day packet. Parent Link is automated program with phone and email contact information that allows for specialized call lists (expensive). Clear Creek: Parent Portal/Google Dashboard is available for all parents. Dashboard can be customized for each family. They can click on each child to get grades, lunch accounts, etc. Also, other important information comes up pertaining to childs school, participation in various activities.
Are there some standard forms of parent communication that are expected of all campuses/teachers to provide on a regular basis? Highland Park: Most regular communication is electronic progress reports, meet the teacher notes, daily emails to parents, gradebook systems (all using Skyward). They were one of the first districts to use online registration; parents can log on and update student data. They can also order yearbooks, contribute to a foundation, buy school t-shirts, sign their child up for AP testing, etc. Katy: The teachers use standard email to communicate with parents. They do have a parent portal where parents can get real-time grades from the teacher grade book. Coppell: This year the communications team wrote templates to help keep material fresh for individual school websites. Some principals are great about updating their websites regularly, while others need prodding. By providing them with some material, they can update their sites and customize to their campus. Each campus has its own campus e-group, as does the PTO. Comal: ParentLink (telephone), email groups, PTA communications, marquee and flyers are standard. Teachers must have a website and it is part of their evaluations. Teachers are expected to follow a 24-hour guideline to respond to parents. Study Whiz provides notes and PowerPoint lessons for upper grades to reinforce classroom leanring. Clear Creek: No, but their parents have requested some minimum standards. The Parent Portal and Dashboard help fill their needs. What are some initiatives that your district has implemented to improve communication with staff? Highland Park: They use-news that can be targeted to specific groups. They used to have a district-wide e-group, but it was abused by staffers sending out non-school news (now that needs to be approved). Coppell: Did not have anything unique to share. Katy: This is an area they plan to work on. They can do email blasts, but try not to over-use that method. They do have an intranet site, but it needs workstaff uses it mostly for downloading forms, not for information or news. Comal: Telephone tree, email blasts, and fact-to-face meetings. Clear Creek: Nothing unique or different. How have you incorporated social media into your communication plan? What do you use? Do you engage in two-way dialogue or use the mechanism to disseminate info? Katy: They have a Facebook page to post news, but dont allow comments. If comments are posted, they are deleted immediately. As of November, they were connected to about 1,500 people in the community. Coppell: They tested social media with Facebook for the districts 50th anniversary. They now have both Facebook and Twitter, and introduced a Youtube Channel recently. When the middle school was nominated for an Intel School of the Future award and a student group went to Washington D.C., the group leader tweeted updates. The only caveat with social media is that is has to be educationally relevant. Highland Park: Some of their principals use Twitter. They do have more than 200 e-groupseverything from cheerleader parents to football parents, to district-wide groupsthat are managed by staff sponsors (some are delegated to a parent who must sign a form before being given access, stating the forum is for official school use and the distribution list wont be shared). Comal: Facebook was recently started and they have had good response only used for pushing out information. Clear Creek: Tomorrow Begins Today program created to help students and parents in transition years (6th, 9th). They created a blog called Education Matters on Facebook in January to post responses to negative press.
29
Whats working especially well? Highland Park: People really like the e-newsletter. Because its community-generated, they really feel a part of it. In the Community section, the local library can include a blurb on something theyre doing, or if a community member with cancer is in need of a bone marrow transplant, we will promote that. We even have a Sad News sectionthe community cares about the passing of students, faculty and parents. If the immediate family wants us to do so, well let the community know. Katy: Katy ISD Update is the district-wide electronic news and the campus-level counterpart is called eNews. This is their main communications tool as they stopped hard copies 8 years ago. They also have an automated call system, which it is used sparingly on the district level (school closures, etc.). They just finished up a bond election and are focused on transparency, reach and engagement, crisis communications plan, improving their website, and tactical things. Coppell: When Dr. Tuner (superintendent) started, they invited key leadership from the community to the press box during sporting events. They solicited local restaurants to cater it and sent out invitations. For each home football game, they invited a different group of community influencers. These have been really powerful networking events that get the community involved in the district. They also take a very active role in the communitytheres not a civic organization in our district that doesnt have someone from the superintendents cabinet involved. Principals also are very active. No responses for Comal and Clear Creek. Any steps to reach out to community members/parents who dont have online access? Coppell: They have had principals out in the community, knocking on doors in trailer parks, club houses, etc. Their philosophy is to go to where the people are, which means a lot to hard-to-reach population segments. Their district has large Spanish, Middle Eastern and Asian populations. If they need to reach them with something important, they rent a club room in their community. They also communicate by sending home hard copies with elementary students. Katy: For district-level information, they dont do a lot of paper. They have a 97% saturation rate with electronic distribution. Nearly all of their economically disadvantaged population has online access. No responses for Highland Park, Comal or Clear Creek.
Summary of Open-Ended Comments Spring 2010 District Survey
31
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATION RELATED QUESTIONS FROM SPRING 2010 DISTRICT SURVEY
33
35
SUMMARY OF OPEN-ENDED COMMENTS FROM SPRING 2010 SURVEY

Team members sorted through all responses on open-ended questions from the Spring 2010 parent survey to identify patterns and compile suggestions that seemed to bubble to the top. In addition to many suggestions for improvement, many respondents offered praise for various aspects of district and school communications. Many of the open-ended comment simply stated strong communication or something to that effect. Some key points that were noted include: yyMany who made positive comments about communication noted improvement in the past year. yyMany commended new website. yyMany commended Skyward/Family Access. yyParent-teacher communication is at the heart of perceptions regarding communications. yyPositive comments about friendliness of office staff and/or administrators. yyMany indicated they felt welcome at the school. Several comments offered ideas for improvement at the school or district level (many overlapped). The following summarizes key points that were made by multiple respondents: yyParents noted inconsistency among teachers regarding class webpages; those that were maintained and complete are very much appreciated. Some items that parents desired were: info on students progress, assignments, and upcoming tests. yyParents shared importance of being alerted when a student is not doing well as soon as possible through direct communication from teachers. yyWhile many respondents stated their appreciation for the districts efforts to add new communications methods, several stated they would still like to receive some printed information as opposed to putting everything on-line. It seemed that this preference even came from people who DO have Internet access. The message seemed to be that a variety of communication methods was desired, including personal contact. yyTransition years (especially to middle school) seem to be difficult for parents as the methods of communication shift. They seem to lack a sense of preparedness (which reaches beyond the scope of communication). yyA welcoming atmosphere at the school is very important to parents and some respondents did not feel their campuses provided that. yySome respondents shared their desire for more information on fundamental district information: mission, goals, long-range plans. yyA desire for more divorce-friendly communication was noted. yySome requested more opportunities for input on the front end of district decisions. yyThere seemed to be confusion by some regarding where to find things on the website, how to be notified of announcements, etc. yySome respondents expressed a specific desire for more information on athletics (scores, schedules. etc.) yySome respondents requested that announcements are made sooner (events, etc.) yySome parents felt they lacked information about new programs. While this information is likely available on the website, it may be difficult to find. 36 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
Parent, Staff & Student Survey Summary
37
Survey Results & Analysis

The Communications Program Review Team conducted a survey of parents, staff, and students as a part of the review process. The committee determined the specific questions and response scales for student (Grades 3-12), parent, and staff surveys. The survey was conducted online from November 2 through November 12, 2010. An email announcing the survey was sent to all students, parents, and guardians in DSISD, posted to the Family Access system, an announcement was also included in district and campus newsletters, and posted to the Student Access System. The committee received 1,160 responses to consider. The analysis and review of the survey results was an important component of the program review. Each comment and suggestion made within the scope of the program review was considered by the committee. The following graphs and comments are a summary of the responses. Open-ended comments appear as submitted, with the exception of redacted names when individual staff members were identified. In addition, some comments that were completely unrelated to communications were removed; this occurred mostly in student surveys that referenced areas such as menus, extracurricular activities, etc.
DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review Parent Surveys 2010

1 What school/s does/do your child/ren attend?
180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
Communication Audit & Program Review Parent Surveys, Fall 2010
Dripping Springs Elementary School
Rooster Springs Elementary School
Walnut Springs Elementary School
Dripping Springs Middle School
Dripping Springs High School
Dripping Springs Elementary School Rooster Springs Elementary School Walnut Springs Elementary School Dripping Springs Middle School Dripping Springs High School
Count 78 117 82 136 155
How many years have you had a child attend Dripping Springs schools?
14.0% 12.0% 10.0%
8.0% 6.0%
4.0% 2.0% 0.0% <1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 23
<1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 23
Percent 1.9% 2.5% 12.5% 12.5% 12.9% 10.9% 10.6% 6.1% 5.6% 4.0% 3.5% 4.4% 4.0% 2.9% 1.3% 1.5% 1.7% 0.2% 0.6% 0.2% 0.2%
39
Howcourteousandhelpfulisthefrontofficestaffatyourchild'sschool?
70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don'tknow AverageRating
Count 274 127 55 8 1 12
Percent 57.4% 26.6% 11.5% 1.7% 0.2% 2.5% 4.43
Howcourteousandhelpfularetheadministratorsatyourchild'sschool?
45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 201 142 55 23 4 52
Percent 42.14% 29.77% 11.53% 4.82% 0.84% 10.90% 4.21
Howcomfortableareyousharingideasandconcernsatyourchild'scampus?
Count 52 201 142 55 23 4
Percent 10.9% 42.1% 29.8% 11.5% 4.8% 0.8% 3.84
Howhelpfulwoulditbeiftherewasonlineregistrationthateliminatedpaperformsatthebeginningoftheyear?
80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 345 55 40 8 7 23
Percent 72.2% 11.5% 8.4% 1.7% 1.5% 4.8% 4.59
41
Howoftendoyougetteachercommunicationsaboutacademicprogressorclassroomeventsfromthefollowing sources?
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow
Email
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow AverageRating
Percent 40.8% 28.4% 15.6% 10.3% 4.6% 0.2% 3.91 Percent 29.1% 17.2% 16.0% 12.5% 15.3% 9.9% 3.36 Percent 17.8% 16.7% 22.9% 18.4% 19.8% 4.4% 2.94 Percent 23.8% 17.1% 22.5% 19.2% 15.8% 1 7% 1.7% 3.14
SkywardMessageCenter
Website
HardCopies
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don't Don tKnow AverageRating
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don't Know 42 DSISD
Communication Audit &
Percent 2.4% 5.0% 10.0% 29.4% 51.7% 1.5% Program Review 2010-2011 1.75 AverageRating
Phone
Conferences
5Frequently
Percent 4.8%
1Never Don't Don tKnow AverageRating
15.8% 1 7% 1.7% 3.14 Percent 2.4% 5.0% 10.0% 29.4% 51.7% 1.5% 1.75 Percent 4.8% 12.9% 28.2% 23.4% 28.4% 2.4% 2.41
Phone
Conferences
43
Howoftendoyougetschoolcommunicationsaboutcampusprogramoreventsfromthefollowingsources?
40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow
Email
Percent 36.3% 25.1% 17.8% 11.5% 8.3% 1.1% 3.7 Percent 18.2% 14.9% 18.0% 17.5% 20.8% 10.5% 2.91 Percent 19.1% 19.3% 25.3% 16.2% 15.5% 4.7% 3.11 Percent 24.6% 17.6% 19.6% 20.4% 15.9% 2 0% 2.0% 3.15
Website
HardCopies
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don't Know 44 DSISD
Percent 11.3% 12.9% 20.4% 21.8% 24.7% 8.9% Program Review 2010-2011 AverageRating 2.61
Marquee
Newspaper
5Frequently
Percent 1.8%
15.9% 2 0% 2.0% 3.15 Percent 11.3% 12.9% 20.4% 21.8% 24.7% 8.9% 2.61 Percent 1.8% 3.8% 9.1% 17.7% 57.4% 10.4% 1.6 Percent 7.2% 11.2% 27.8% 28.9% 21.9% 3.1% 2.51
Marquee
Newspaper
Neighbors/friends
45
Howoftentoyougetinformationaboutthedistrictasawholefromthefollowingsources?
50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never
Percent 16.7% 17.5% 22.7% 22.3% 17.1% 3.7% 2.94 Percent 11.8% 10.6% 19.5% 20.8% 26.6% 10.6% 2.55 Percent 13.0% 21.4% 28.2% 17.8% 14.8% 4.9% 3 Percent 5.3% 12.1% 20.8% 27.8% 30.2% 3 8% 3.8% 2.32 Percent 2.2% 4.7% 13.0% 26.1% 44.6% 9.4% 1.83 2.5% 3.8% 12.3%
Don'tKnow
Email
Website
HardCopies
Marquee
46 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review Newspaper 2010-2011 Percent

5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes
30.2% 3 8% 3.8% 2.32 Percent 2.2% 4.7% 13.0% 26.1% 44.6% 9.4% 1.83 Percent 2.5% 3.8% 12.3% 20.6% 51.7% 9.2% 1.73 Percent 2.9% 10.5% 25.6% 30.1% 27.6% 3.3% 2.29
Marquee
Newspaper
Neighbors/friends
47
10 Howoftendoesyourchildshareinformationwithyouaboutclassroom/schoolactivities?
40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never NoOpinion/Don't Know
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never NoOpinion/Don'tKnow AverageRating 11 Howwouldyouratethequalityofcommunicationsbetweenyourselfandyourchild'steacher(s)?

40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory
Percent 35.1% 30.3% 22.5% 9.9% 2.1% 0.2% 3.87
NoOpinion/Don't Know
5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don'tKnow AverageRating
Percent 24.6% 37.4% 24.0% 9.5% 2.9% 1.7% 3.72
12 Howwelldoyoufeelconcernsarefollowedthroughupon?
40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know

13 Howwouldyouprefertogetinformationfromtheschoolanddistrict?(Youmayselectmorethanoneanswer.)
Percent 22.4% 35.6% 20.8% 8.6% 4.0% 8.6% 3.7
120.0% 100.0% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0% 0.0% Email Skyward Message Center Website Letters(hard Textmessages copy) Marquee Socialmedia Newspaper (ifavailable)
Email SkywardMessageCenter Website Letters(hardcopy) Textmessages Marquee Socialmedia(ifavailable) Newspaper
Respondent Percentage 96.9% 44.9% 38.4% 29.0% 17.1% 9.0% 8.8% 4.0%
49
14 Whowouldyougotofirstifyouhadaconcernaboutsomethinginyourchild'sclassroom?
100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% SchoolBoard member Principal AssistantPrincipal Superintendent Someoneinthe administration offices Teacher
SchoolBoardmember Principal AssistantPrincipal Superintendent Someoneintheadministrationoffices Teacher
Percent 0.2% 2.1% 1.3% 0.2% 1.5% 94.8%
Open-ended comments appear as submitted, with the exception of redacted names when individual staff members were identified. In addition, some comments that were completely unrelated to communications were removed; this occurred mostly in student surveys that referenced areas such as menus, extracurricular activities, etc. 15. What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents? Dripping Springs Elementary Responses -Our son just started kindergarten, so we dont have a lot of experience with the district. I know that everyone we have come in to contact with at the school has been very helpful. His teacher is great and has helped our child with some social problems. She kept us aware of what was going on and we worked together to help remedy the situation. It was a very positive experience for us overall! I do look on the website all the time. I guess my one recommendation would be to keep the calendars more current. I rely on them a bunch. Thanks! -More mass emails and texts -More email for school wide and district wide events - we would participate in more MS and HS events if we knew about them! -Give the teachers enough time in the morning to address their emails that might have been sent the night before. Often, I send an email to [teacher name redacted] and no action is taken till the end of the school day when its too late to send something home or speak to my child. Sometime our concerns are are addressed many days later. -Utilize more email that pushes people to the web for more information. Print less physical handouts. If parents have an issue or want to give praise about a teacher, provide a mechanism to do so. In general, teachers at DSES do an incredible job at keeping parents updated through weekly newsletters, the Thurs. take-home folders, and their websites. -Its really pretty good. The transportation department could be better about posting or otherwise publishing routes and times at the beginning of the year and as they change. DSES is excellent with their communications and interaction with parents. Seems to be lots of concern for students and support from both faculty and administration. Kudos to them. -Enact some design guidelines, create all forms and documents using those standards, enforce version control of those documents, and utilize electronic communication when possible. I currently get a hodge podge of communication in various formats and from various sources which creates confusion around the importance, relevance, or clarity of the content. Consider communication a vital part of the DSISD brand. Get some professional marketing assistance. -More emails -As my son is on PPCD and Bilingual PRE-K we would like to schedule more conferences meeting with the teacher, ST and OT. -As a new family to Dripping and its school, I feel a lot is taken for granted on communication or recurring events at the schools. More often than not, I feel surprised by events or volunteer opportunities, albeit attending several PTA meetings a year and going to the website frequently. -Make it easier to apply for grades on-line. Its an on-line function that you have to submit paper work and go to the school to get access to. -Have more frequent opportunities to talk with the teachers
51
-I would like to feel less like I am bothering the teacher when I have an issue I would like to discuss. The conference times are very short and can be unsatisfactory if one has concerns. I would like to be encouraged to email the teacher for regular updates about classroom performance without feeling like I am adding to her already overloaded schedule. Also, I am not sure who I should speak with about different issues. A list outlining who would be the best contact for various issues would be great - eg. problem with bullying teacher first then school counselor?; issue with the bus or with parent pick-up - who do I call?, do we need to send a note for absences if we have emailed the teacher and copied the front office person in charge of attendance? Concerns about learning disabilities - what are the resources? That sort of thing. -Communication is lacking regarding bigger picture items for example: How the cafeteria/food service works, improvements and goals. What are the goals of the school, measurable, steps being taken. How is curriculum decided, and why......for example: when I recall elementary school, we started at 8:30, had PE and recess everyday, along with music and art a couple of times a week. End of school day was around 3...and we were high ranking school...far majority of children went on to highly nationally recognized competitive private schools (scholarships or advance placement type public schools) starting in 6th grade. Whats different? Now longer school days, less physical activity..... -Update electronic calendar (timely!) -I am happy with the present communications. The teachers have been great about weekly class newsletters via email. (I dont know what Skyward is - guess we dont use it?) -There are some communications that I was pleased to get from the district via text message, esp when the school closed early due to snow. I like when teachers send emails concerning weekly/monthly newsletters or list of the weeks work and spelling words. There are times such as when this information contains spelling words for the younger grades that a hard copy is much easier to have and refer to to assist my children with their homework. There are still some teachers that do not use email regularly which makes it strange when you are used to communicating that way. Im glad that a note to the teacher or the parent in the students binder always seems to work. -At the school level I am very satified with the quality of the staff and the information provided. I have no trust in the DSISD transportation staff in providing information or having any concerns about my childs safety while in their care. -Create a classroom calendar with key dates by subject (e.g. when reports cards come out, fall fair, donuts with dad, etc...) Send home a form at the beginning of the year that allows parents to opt out of all the paperwork that is sent home if they include an email address. Send out the updated calendar every six weeks or so and email reminders as needed. For events that required more detail than the calendar can provide (e.g. data, time, subject) have the detail information available on the website & links embedded in the calendar and reminder emails. To create the calendar, one version should be made early on at the campus level. Then that version is passed down to the schools and updated. Then it is passed down to the grades and updated. Then passed down to the classrooms and updated. This can all be done in MS Excel or Google spreadsheets (which are free & dont require a license). Thanks for everything you do! Ill be happy to help anyway possible [contact info redacted] -Overall the communication process between staff and parents seem to be working well. -Emails are great and hard copies are great. When it comes to scheduling events give more notice and think about working parents schedules. -Provide documentation/paperwork support to teachers so teachers can focus more and more of their efforts on addressing the various learning needs of their students (more individual attention for struggling learners and more challenges for easily bored learners (time for more communication with family members regarding these issues should flow out of the time freed up with regard to documentation/paperwork. 52 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
-Meet the teacher night before school starts needs to be about meeting the teacher and learning what will happen in the classroom, not about filling out forms. Also, parents that are new to the school or new kindergarten parents should be offered an orientation session either before school starts or during the first week of school. -less paper copies -Streamline the method for campus and district communications. An automated email alert for district messages posted to Skyward or the website would be helpful. Skyward is great for monitoring individual grades and progress. -I would love to know how to help my child more at home but it is hard when the parents are clueless about what is going on in the class. I love her teacher, dont get me wrong but she has 19 kids to keep up with and that is to many. Think central is at this time not taking my childs codes and I have emailed the Teacher for help. I feel like the parents have to be several steeps ahead of what they are doing in class just to keep up. Extra updates on how my child is doing. I need to know ASAP if she is falling behind on something. -Less paper (doesnt always make it home with student), more information via electronic means. I am already very happy with the communication at my school, but I am also a very involved parent who volunteers in the classroom and gets to know the teachers and administrators. -Use small, focesed parent groups to help develop, vet, and implement communication procedures at all levels and venues. -Eliminate the paper! -I think things are working well as is. Text messages would be helpful because I would see those immediately and they stay easily accessible. I dont really want more emails because they get lost in the mix. I am not consistent about checking for news on websites. -Use all forms of communications to pass information that are appropriate for the grade level. I.E. elementary works well with e-mail and hard copy but not so much with website whereas we need more hands on time with the kids, middle school and high school does not work well for hard copy so email, text, and even some website is useful. I love the high school PTAs weekly blast even though I dont have a child in high school yet. Dont use only one form or very little info gets out. Thanks for asking. -#4. DSES courteous and helpful, DSHS courteous, helpful, but have had less experience at this point. #6. Better yet, no paperwork if nothing has changed. Think about 16 packets filled out when nothing but a phone number has been added. #12. Each year is different with different teachers. In the past, I have felt like sincerely having a concern isnt enough, one has to become a sqeaky wheel, and I dont have that kind of time. #14. I would have my child address the issue if possible with the teacher, then I will follow up if my child feels like their concerns were not addressed. -I would like more consistency with teacher communications - weekly newsletters with important dates & etc. It varies greatly by teacher. -First, it is hard to answer these questions when I have children at two different schools - I think the schools are different in many areas (middle school tends to use more family access/email where the elementary school uses more papers home - I really prefer family access/email. -I tend to only receive missing assignment notices from the Math teacher in the middle school, it would be great if all the teachers would use the same alert system to notify parents when their child has missed an assignment. I am ranking here as a consolidated result from two campuses, the elementary campus does a better job of communicating with us then the middle school who we rarely hear from unless something is wrong. I would say by far the elementary campuses tend to have closer communication with parents than the middle and high school campuses. DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 53
-Elementary school I have great communication with the adminstration and the teachers. If something comes up, we address that day either directly with the teacher in person or via e-mail. At the middle school, I havent spoken with a teacher, but rely on skyward. I did ask one question about my daughter being counted absent when she went to the nurse and received a very curt reply that didnt answer my question at all. However, I will not ask any questions to the [name redacted], but seek to get my questions answered elsewhere to avoid the rudeness. I like the district website. There is so much on there, we need a parent orientation on where to find information on it and all its wonderful features. The Marquee is wonderful for events, even if other campuses are hosting them. The red ribbon parent education would be great on a marquee to invite the entire community. I think the district should get with the PTA and publicize more on what is going on at the district level, with other campuses, and improvements that are being made. Thank you taking the time to do the survey! Good Luck! -The ID thing at the front desk, when the front desk knows us and our child is still ridiculous. I will always find that offensive after volunteering all these years. The ability to treat us parents as a know community seems like a reasonable request. I think [administrator name redacted] does not understand that we are a small community that likes to be friendly. [] belongs in a larger school district. He does not communicate with us well or reflect the majority of the people that live out here, values. -Make teacher websites updates mandatory for all teachers and updated by Monday morning. Put a weekly update on each campuss webpage. Put more details on calendar items. Try to use email more and less paper at the option of the parent. -Have meetings in the evening instead of during working hours. -Doing a fine job, especially since Skyward started to identify which of my children were the subject of the email. If the beginning of year papers could be saved digitally for use in the following years, that would be my only request. 15. What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents? Dripping Springs High School Responses -#4. DSES courteous and helpful, DSHS courteous, helpful, but have had less experience at this point. #6. Better yet, no paperwork if nothing has changed. Think about 16 packets filled out when nothing but a phone number has been added. #12. Each year is different with different teachers. In the past, I have felt like sincerely having a concern isnt enough, one has to become a sqeaky wheel, and I dont have that kind of time. #14. I would have my child address the issue if possible with the teacher, then I will follow up if my child feels like their concerns were not addressed. -Doing a fine job, especially since Skyward started to identify which of my children were the subject of the email. If the beginning of year papers could be saved digitally for use in the following years, that would be my only request. -Compile a district list-serve of parent e-mail addresses. -Personal emails are always great....lets the parents know they are making a personal effort to communicate and not just a mass email or such. -Encourage teachers to communicate regularly with parents so that parents would feel comfortable approaching them with issues or concerns. -Fix reporting of grades on Skyward such that there is an accurate record of whether a particular assignment/ quiz/test is missing or has not been recorded yet -nothing.. Its all perfect 54 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
-Make twitter/text available for grades/assignment updates. Some teachers need to post grades faster. -Put the school newspaper on the Web-site, including student blogs and forums. That would give parents more insight into what the students are discussing. -I am very satified with the level of communication I have with the staff and teachers. Family Access is a great way to keep informed and I have received prompt replies to my emails. The only suggestion I would have is that enough hard copy, new student manuals be on hand at the beginning of the school year... Online downloadable manuals are fine for folks that have high speed internet, but are not workable for those of us who are on dial up. Maybe a one page handout of these two issues could be available. -I think communication with parents is fine. Because there are lots of different venues to communicate everyone has access to that information. -be more accessible. teachers shouldnt say I meant to call you last week. when there is a problem with student. -Satisfied -I use Family Access weekly.I would suggest that you discuss with the teachers how they can more easily or willingly use the emails with families or the Message Ctr. Few do regularly. They probably dont feel they have the time and dont believe anyone is reading. I communicate by email with my childs teachers directly when I have a concern and have always had very good response from each of them including my sons counselor. I find [name redacted] pretentious and unapproachable. Would not go to the administrators unless I had a serious problem. Office staff at the HS has always been very courteous and helpful. -I emailed all my daughters teachers at the beginning of the year about her strengths & weaknesses due to her dyslexia and got responses from 2. I have sent direct questions to 2 teachers and didnt get a responce at all. Some teachers seem very open to communicate, others dont seem to have the time. -I think the district is trying. I am one of a few parents in my circle of friends that actually go to the website to sign up for the alerts read the alerts even if they dont apply to me/my child. Heard that high school announcements would be on website, but havent seen those yet. -Nothing. If you communicated more, I wouldnt be able to keep up. It could diminish the urgency from the necessary messages being sent. Thanks for everything you all are doing! -Have all teachers send emails about content, homework and events for the week through emails to all their parents. -Update on family access is totally hit or miss. Some teachers update info there consistently, others never. -Send emails regarding volunteer opportunities for our kids. Email would be the best form of communication for district events. -Nothing. I think the communication channels are operating effectively. I really like the superintendents true/ false letter that he puts out. Its good open, honest communication. -Teachers need to be more consistent updating their website of lesson plans for the week. -Love the idea of text alerts. I dont go to the website unless I am specifically looking for something. The email newsletters are great too! -I think communication between parents/school is overall quite effective, however, I do not feel this is true for the PayPam portion of the school administrative functions. Having had an issue with an error in this system regarding an incorrect charge for a meal, I was not really pleased with the efforts I put in and the results I got basically no response on the part of the school in spite of multiple calls. Phone calls should be returned. DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 55
-more email -complicated -moving in the right direction with e-mail notifications, thats more consistent than paper(hard copy) of items. Question #14 should have listed school counselor as an option. That is who we have turned to when theres been any issue in the classroom. -Have a communications page on the school website. There are issues that Id like to discuss and I would feel more comfortable communicating in writing than in person. -the school has gotten to big and has lost the interaction with the parents. It seems the teachers are not willing to be in touch with the parents. With the exception of a few teachers. -[counselor name redacted] does an awesome job of communicating effectively, positively and getting back to parents in a timely manner. I think the school as a whole does a good job. There are some teachers that could use some help in this area. -Be open to parent concerns. The frequent answers given is it is campus/district policy Teachers and administrators do not appear to understand the rationale for what they do. Listening to parents could open up room for needed policy changes -anything would be an improvement -More information posted on Website, -Fix Skyward so the teachers get their messages. -I have received emails from [teacher name redacted]; I have never received any other email from any 9th grade teacher. The only thing I know about what is going on at the high school is from my child... -Treat parents with more respect - actually listen to the concerns before a decision is made. -Weekly communication emails with that weeks agenda from each teacher. A few of the teachers do that now and it is very helpful. I am able to put the test and such on my calendar at work and keep up with my childs assignments. -I think for the most part, the school and district is making information available to parents. -Incent teachers to keep skyward up to date. Ask teachers to reach out to parents and schedule parent conferences. Ask counselors to be more active in the students lives. Ask counselors to be more active in scheduling and conducting meaningful parent conferences. I can deduce from question 14 that some parents are going all the way to the top if there is an issue in a classroom. Short of felony criminal activity I think there should be a well established chain of command and well documented processes that should be followed and it should start with an option that isnt even listed, such as have your student talk to the teacher about the issue. If that doesnt resolve it have a documented escalation process in place. -PLEASE make teachers input grades and project/test info. into skyward more frequently. Often my 2 boys grades/assignments show as missing or zeros due to teachers being permitted up to 10 working days to input grades. This puts me behind the 8-ball when confronting them in a timely manner about making up poor or missing assignments and grades... I am contacting teachers, but often dont get clear or accurate responses. -The communication has been great. -I think the High School does a very good job overall. I did like the Fact or Fiction Email newsletter. Bring it back please. Also, I would appreicate better communications for the School board; outbound communication. It feels like they prefer to hide and work behind the scenes, but we all have to live with their decisions. Ive never see an opportunity to provide input. -Improve district and school websites. The DSISD website is not user friendly. 56 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
-Include text messaging. -All teachers should keep their wbsites updated weekly. -When a parent has what is a real concern to them, please dont push them off with we cant discuss that now or you need to wait till next year. There is no reason that most questions cant be answered immediately. -LESS PAPER...its such a waste. Email or phone calls. -I think they do a fine job with the emails. -improve skyward grading system, in being consistent. Different teachers do not add any grades until the term is about to end and some enter in false grades, which then is a big surprise at the end of the term, when the system is down until the reporting period has ended. When asking of teachers of this, they get very annoyed. This is unfair for the parents and the students. Improve communication/consistency, and fairness. Some teachers are very hands on and others do not seem like they care. -I think you are already doing an outstanding job!! -Make sure reports on students work are up to date. -1. Just Communicate. Even just a short mass email once every other week from teachers regarding how things are going would be helpful. I have received... well...no communication regarding my child and his progress (even though he failed at one IPR) from any of his 6 academic or 1 extracurricular teachers. Am I to assume that no communication is GOOD communication-because I havent heard anything, nothing is wrong? When I know this not to be the case. In order not to be a helicopter parent I would like to not have to hound my child for a status update regarding problem areas. 2. On that same vein, please dont approach conversations and communication as though I am (or a parent is) about to complain about something youve done and summarily get defensive-More often, personally, Im concerned that my child needs to apply himself, or does not understand the expectation, and just need to check in to see that hes doing his part. ...and by the way, to teachers: thanks for ALL that you DO for our kids! Your very hard and demanding work is NOT unappreciated! :-) -Meet the teacher night is a joke - no time to talk to a teacher, information given is superficial. Would like to get evaluation of my child as a student in each class in the middle and end of the semester. -Have classroom teachers actually communicate with parents via telephone or email. -Have teachers actually communicate with the parent if child is starting to fail or work is not getting turned in and come up with plan with the child especially IF THEY ARE SPECIAL EDUCATION. -Require teachers to return emails. Have teachers send a weekly email with assignments due, classroom activity, etc. -It would be good if all teachers could communicate concerns with parents by email or phone. -I think communication is handled well right now. -HS so far has been above average. MS below average and I am not at all pleased with some teachers. Some are arrogant and not helpful... HS quite different. Principal easy to access and super fast, courteous replies. -There is always room to improve. I am very happy with out teachers and administrators overall. Skyward and emails is a great communication vehicle. Thank you, -Teachers are the best first line of communication, but only some teachers actively send out email updates to parents or even bother to post anything current on their websites. Some teacher websites still have last school years information posted, and some only post the beginning of school information. I like to be able to check online about whats going on in the classroom - homework and due dates, test schedules, etc. That is the only way parents can help verify that their kids are on track. DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 57
-In Skyward, set the reply-to email field to be the sending teachers email address, so that we can reply directly to the teacher. Also, automatically include a direct link to the teachers website in the signature of every teachers email. Many of them just say check the classroom website and I dont want to go rooting through the website to find it. One click to get there would be very helpful and easy. -I think the communication is pretty good at this school district. At this time, I think the methods that are being utilized do an adequate job to keep us informed. -Every teacher post all handouts on webpage with explanation notes to help parents help children with missing assignments, homework, or absent days make up work, etc. Post weekly schedule of assignments on webpage. Many times an assignment is only mentioned to the student, the student does not understand, they ask the parent to help or dont mention it at all, then its a day late even if they have to go back to class to ask for help, its still late. Grades are effected when late, even though they just didnt understand what to do to even get started. -Consistency of emails. I dont want to have to login to a site to find out whats going on. Emails are the most convenient, but allow for multiple email accounts. Some teachers send things almost daily and some I have never received any communications from. -Make sure all the teachers use their websites to inform parents what is going on in the class, so the kids can access that for any info they need. Some teachers dont post anything on their website. -It would be great for email to communicate to us as well as each school. We have had numberous occassions where one school was hosting an event and the other school did to. We have to split our time in order to make both. I know it is probably a nightmare to get all schools to communicate and set times, but it would be nice for families with more than one child. -Make it mandatory that each teacher have the same basic info on their webpages (standardize them)...they vary incredibly from helpful to no help at all. Athletics provide very little information, except when parents ask for more. They rely only on kids to get messages to parents. They need to e-mail parents similar to what the band does. -Doing a fine job, especially since Skyward started to identify which of my children were the subject of the email. If the beginning of year papers could be saved digitally for use in the following years, that would be my only request. -It would be good if all teachers could communicate concerns with parents by email or phone. -I think communication is handled well right now. -HS so far has been above average. MS below average and I am not at all pleased with some teachers. Some are arrogant and not helpful... HS quite different. Principal easy to access and super fast, courteous replies. -There is always room to improve. I am very happy with out teachers and administrators overall. Skyward and emails is a great communication vehicle. Thank you, -Teachers are the best first line of communication, but only some teachers actively send out email updates to parents or even bother to post anything current on their websites. Some teacher websites still have last school years information posted, and some only post the beginning of school information. I like to be able to check online about whats going on in the classroom - homework and due dates, test schedules, etc. That is the only way parents can help verify that their kids are on track. -In Skyward, set the reply-to email field to be the sending teachers email address, so that we can reply directly to the teacher. Also, automatically include a direct link to the teachers website in the signature of every teachers email. Many of them just say check the classroom website and I dont want to go rooting through the website to find it. One click to get there would be very helpful and easy.
-I think the communication is pretty good at this school district. At this time, I think the methods that are being utilized do an adequate job to keep us informed. -Every teacher post all handouts on webpage with explanation notes to help parents help children with missing assignments, homework, or absent days make up work, etc. Post weekly schedule of assignments on webpage. Many times an assignment is only mentioned to the student, the student does not understand, they ask the parent to help or dont mention it at all, then its a day late even if they have to go back to class to ask for help, its still late. Grades are effected when late, even though they just didnt understand what to do to even get started. -Consistency of emails. I dont want to have to login to a site to find out whats going on. Emails are the most convenient, but allow for multiple email accounts. Some teachers send things almost daily and some I have never received any communications from. -Make sure all the teachers use their websites to inform parents what is going on in the class, so the kids can access that for any info they need. Some teachers dont post anything on their website. -It would be great for email to communicate to us as well as each school. We have had numberous occassions where one school was hosting an event and the other school did to. We have to split our time in order to make both. I know it is probably a nightmare to get all schools to communicate and set times, but it would be nice for families with more than one child. -Make it mandatory that each teacher have the same basic info on their webpages (standardize them)...they vary incredibly from helpful to no help at all. Athletics provide very little information, except when parents ask for more. They rely only on kids to get messages to parents. They need to e-mail parents similar to what the band does. -The moment there is any type of issue the parents should be contacted - by phone, home/cell and e-mailed with a request for a return reply to ensure proper contact was made and questions answered / discussed etc.... -High school and middle school teachers - keep websites current with assignments/homework -Just right -I think all schools should communicate the same. It would be hard to keep up with how each school will communicate. -I think youre doing a fabulous job at keeping parents informed from kindergarten thru high school. I have no complaints.
59
15. What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents? Dripping Springs Middle School Responses -email prompts in advance of 24 hrs notice, would be helpful kids dont share the details -The communication with the school is fine - up through the principals, even. However, some decisions appear to be made at the district with little ownership of the teachers/school, and those are dead ends. The district is not responsive to parents as a group at all - implementing finals week at the middle school with no advance warning, announcing yet another standardized tests for all 8th graders just one week before - again, with no known input or opportunity to discuss with parents why/why not. -Just because the kids are in middle school, doesnt mean we dont want to hear from the teachers, have conferences, or at least SOME sort of feedback about our children from the teachers. I want to know more about what goes on in class, etc. -I really like the skyward communications. They are very helpful. I never get hard copies, nor do I remember to check the website. Thanks. -Email and phone calls for me are the best communication. Having teachers websites available is also great but all of the teachers dont use it. -All teachers should maintain a website, and answer my email when my child is out ill. I get very angry when ignored! Some teachers are great about that! -For the most part, I like the level of communication. There are logistics I think are time/energy sinks. Like, at registration for incoming students, giving us the website to register for transportation. Then when we go home and access the website, we have to take the form back to the school. Having the forms available at registration would be much more streamlined. There was lots of unnecessary paper there that could have been used for these forms. Also, that new students did not get maps unless they were 6th graders. Whats with that? They were all new students to that facility. A visual would have been helpful. -1) Use multiple channels for the same message. 2) Dont send e-mails from Sky-Admin that I cant reply to and dont have a clickable link to reply to- I have to type in teacher e-mail address every time or go through multiple steps to get it off the website. 3) Use facebook and Twitter 4) Communication is two-way: indicate somehow that you hear concerns and feedback and what you are doing about problems. -Make web page user friendly. Often find myself having to search entire website to get to information Im needing. -update teacher/admin pages daily -There are plenty of options already offered that are satisfactory -I think skyward family access should be stressed more at the elementary level. I was a little bit unprepared for how comprehensive this form of communication would be moving into middle school. I would also like to see a parent conference during the first 9 weeks of sixth grade. -Start communicating. When you tell us at the beginning of every year that the weeks assignments will be posted on your website, POST THEM. -Better communication would be a start. And by that I mean any communication at all. Some teachers are excellent at communicating. Some teachers dont communicate at all. There is no happy medium. They either do it or they dont. Very frustrating. -The new principal and assistant principals have made a tremendous improvement at the middle school. 60 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
-Have the teachers keep parents updated with email and Skyward postings on a weekly basis. -Each year there is usually one teacher that stands out as the one teacher that really communicates well with parents. That teacher will send out quick email reminders about homework, long term assignments, book reports, test, etc. As a busy parent I always appreciate this form of communication. These emails are not long but show the extra effort of the teacher to communicate and keep parents informed. These short emails are a spring board for me and my child. It opens up communication and keep all of us on the right track. I really wish that more teachers did this. -More notice of upcoming events. More personal communication with teachers - they only use skyward as a means of communication. Currently, my child went from a B in PreAP Math to an F - I have not had any personal communication with the teacher. I feel it would be appropriate for that teacher to make contact with me but it looks as though I will be the one initiating that conference. At the elementary level the teachers are the first to express concern to the parents. There seems to be a disconnect at the secondary level. -Teacher names redacted] are the only teachers that I receive emails from. Ive never heard from any other 7th grade teacher or coach. It really sets them apart from the other teachers when they take that extra step. I have am proactive in checking Family Access on my own to stay in touch. -Talk with staff about effective communication with students and parents. I feel that when I voice concerns, a wall is immediately put up, and the communication abruptly ends. If the parent has talked with the teacher and does not feel the communication has been effective, I dont feel like I have other options. The reason being, if a parent goes to the principal to discuss problems with a teacher, the problems are usually not resolved, and the problems for my child escalates. I have talked with other parents feeling the same way about approaching teachers with our concerns. -Standardize communications from entities, based on source or user preference: District sends email, teachers use social sites, etc., or umiv er salize through all portals. -I think that using as many communication methods as possible is a plus for DSISD...I have been very pleased w/ the increase in communication over the years. I appreciate the pushing of information out to us...Skyward Message Center. Emails from teachers and the responses from teachers via email have been great. Thanks. -I think you already have the parents/teacher communication system accomplished. -In my opinion, Dripping Springs School District has a good communication method and I havent had a problem with it yet. -I think that the communication have been great. -Keep up the good work! -I dont get any notices about school activities. I would love to participate but have no knowledge. Where do I to get this? -continuing to address rumors would be helpful....i always like the info on rumors at the website. I would also like to be able to express my opinion without my child being the recipient of potential repercussion. This is mostly in regard to athletics. -Phone calls...recorded messages are good. -So far this year I cant think of anything. I am very happy with the resources for obtaining information regarding my daughters school activities and schoolwork. -Teachers could be more open and approachable. Middle school is a huge transition for students and parents, and sometimes teachers/school personnel can make parents feel inadequate for not knowing answers or wanting to ask questions. Make parents feel more welcome.
61
-It would be good if all teachers could communicate concerns with parents by email or phone. -I think communication is handled well right now. -HS so far has been above average. MS below average and I am not at all pleased with some teachers. Some are arrogant and not helpful... HS quite different. Principal easy to access and super fast, courteous replies. -There is always room to improve. I am very happy with out teachers and administrators overall. Skyward and emails is a great communication vehicle. Thank you, -Teachers are the best first line of communication, but only some teachers actively send out email updates to parents or even bother to post anything current on their websites. Some teacher websites still have last school years information posted, and some only post the beginning of school information. I like to be able to check online about whats going on in the classroom - homework and due dates, test schedules, etc. That is the only way parents can help verify that their kids are on track. -In Skyward, set the reply-to email field to be the sending teachers email address, so that we can reply directly to the teacher. Also, automatically include a direct link to the teachers website in the signature of every teachers email. Many of them just say check the classroom website and I dont want to go rooting through the website to find it. One click to get there would be very helpful and easy. -I think the communication is pretty good at this school district. At this time, I think the methods that are being utilized do an adequate job to keep us informed. -Every teacher post all handouts on webpage with explanation notes to help parents help children with missing assignments, homework, or absent days make up work, etc. Post weekly schedule of assignments on webpage. Many times an assignment is only mentioned to the student, the student does not understand, they ask the parent to help or dont mention it at all, then its a day late even if they have to go back to class to ask for help, its still late. Grades are effected when late, even though they just didnt understand what to do to even get started. -Consistency of emails. I dont want to have to login to a site to find out whats going on. Emails are the most convenient, but allow for multiple email accounts. Some teachers send things almost daily and some I have never received any communications from. -Make sure all the teachers use their websites to inform parents what is going on in the class, so the kids can access that for any info they need. Some teachers dont post anything on their website. -It would be great for email to communicate to us as well as each school. We have had numberous occassions where one school was hosting an event and the other school did to. We have to split our time in order to make both. I know it is probably a nightmare to get all schools to communicate and set times, but it would be nice for families with more than one child. -Make it mandatory that each teacher have the same basic info on their webpages (standardize them)...they vary incredibly from helpful to no help at all. Athletics provide very little information, except when parents ask for more. They rely only on kids to get messages to parents. They need to e-mail parents similar to what the band does. -I would like more consistency with teacher communications - weekly newsletters with important dates & etc. It varies greatly by teacher. -First, it is hard to answer these questions when I have children at two different schools - I think the schools are different in many areas (middle school tends to use more family access/email where the elementary school uses more papers home - I really prefer family access/email.
-I tend to only receive missing assignment notices from the Math teacher in the middle school, it would be great if all the teachers would use the same alert system to notify parents when their child has missed an assignment. I am ranking here as a consolidated result from two campuses, the elementary campus does a better job of communicating with us then the middle school who we rarely hear from unless something is wrong. I would say by far the elementary campuses tend to have closer communication with parents than the middle and high school campuses. -Elementary school I have great communication with the adminstration and the teachers. If something comes up, we address that day either directly with the teacher in person or via e-mail. At the middle school, I havent spoken with a teacher, but rely on skyward. I did ask one question about my daughter being counted absent when she went to the nurse and received a very curt reply that didnt answer my question at all. However, I will not ask any questions to the [name redacted], but seek to get my questions answered elsewhere to avoid the rudeness. I like the district website. There is so much on there, we need a parent orientation on where to find information on it and all its wonderful features. The Marquee is wonderful for events, even if other campuses are hosting them. The red ribbon parent education would be great on a marquee to invite the entire community. I think the district should get with the PTA and publicize more on what is going on at the district level, with other campuses, and improvements that are being made. Thank you taking the time to do the survey! Good Luck! -The ID thing at the front desk, when the front desk knows us and our child is still ridiculous. I will always find that offensive after volunteering all these years. The ability to treat us parents as a know community seems like a reasonable request. I think [administrator name redacted] does not understand that we are a small community that likes to be friendly. [] belongs in a larger school district. He does not communicate with us well or reflect the majority of the people that live out here, values. -Make teacher websites updates mandatory for all teachers and updated by Monday morning. Put a weekly update on each campuss webpage. Put more details on calendar items. Try to use email more and less paper at the option of the parent. -Have meetings in the evening instead of during working hours. -Doing a fine job, especially since Skyward started to identify which of my children were the subject of the email. If the beginning of year papers could be saved digitally for use in the following years, that would be my only request. -I like the idea of getting things online. I like how the middle school tells us through skyward when we need to know things. I dont remember to check the website. Im hoping that when we get all communications online, now that Rooster is going green that they will tell us when to check. -I feel great about Skyward. I wouldnt change a thing concerning communication. -The Skyward system is great. I wish that more teachers would use it. At the middle school, my daughters Spanish teacher does an excellent job communicating with parents. However, we have very poor communication with the coaches for athletics. It is a great system... as long as everyone uses it to its fullest potential. -Encourage all teachers to update their websites weekly. Use e-mail more frequently instead of paper. Consider posting a grade-level specific calendar, with dates for projects (science fair, for example), field trips, etc. -Consistency between campuses, alerts about athletic events, tryouts etc..and academic things. -I am happy with the current level of communication dont change anything -More online communication - teachers should update websites regularly. Texts as an option also.
63
-Couldnt be happier with Rooster Springs! The following comments pertain to DSMS; We address problems first & directly with teacher, then even in conference, and the solutions to be implemented are not applied consistently day to day from class to class. The Acting AVP has been outstanding as has our childs support staff. But improvements vary widely from teacher to teacher. Interestingly music teachers and coaches/ teachers are the best at multitasking in the current environment. The more intellectual type teachers have the most issues with communicating with us and implementing said solutions. Communication on the campus level has been sub-par at best. Glitches in Skyward, email notify etc. -I cannot open newsletters on the district website. They hang up and never open. I love the teachers web pages at the elementary, but they are out of date. The teachers have so much on their plates already. It seems making them keep up a website is too much. Maybe there should be a grade level site that includes info for all the activities coming up. The middle school is great with Skyward. It would be nice to be able to use Skyward for everything like forms, newsletters, schedules, calendar, payments for field trips, t-shirts, etc. The district website is hard to navigate. I cant aways find info such as dates for lunches, programs, etc. The calendar option on the website is terrible. It is very hard to navigate, hard to read and is not user friendly. Consolidation into one computer accessed site for everything would be ideal, i.e. Skyward. -In elementary, send email in addition to hard copies. My child often forgets them. -I think that administrators (at the district offices) should listen more than they talk. I also think that their is an honesty issue with these same administrators. Be honest, listen and take input seriously!!! -I think that our website if very unattractive and often emphasizes the wrong things. I look at other districts websites and they show stories about what is happening on the campuses, what classrooms are doing, positive stories that make parents feel good about their childrens school. Our website has no student pictures and the only stories are about something related to bonds or financial ratings or a couple of kids who won some prize. Im very tired of reading about the select few who win honors. Id much rather read about learning and events in the schools and see pictures of students in engaged in learning. I also very much dislike the Fact or Fiction newsletter. I believe that it actually spreads rumors! Several times I learned about a rumor from reading Fact or Fiction. I havent seen any difference in DSISD communications since you all hired a communication director. I hope that she will begin to spend time on campuses, take pictures, and get the good stories of DSISD out to the public. I would recommend that she look at surrounding districts websites-Lake Travis and Hays Consolidated both would be good starts. My childrens teachers and school administrators are all very good communicators-positive and helpful. I love DSISD-Id like to see the district do a better job of telling their story. -Email is the best way! That has improved. Maybe text emergency situations. -I have missed several event at the Middle School level do to a lack of communication. I would love it if I received an email about important events like open house, dedication, meet the teacher, new student orientation, etc. -Send out a weekly school update verbally to all parents. There is a system used by at least one middle school in Austin with this type of communication. It has proven to be very effective. -Send out a weekly school update verbally to all parents. There is a system used by at least one middle school in Austin with this type of communication. It has proven to be very effective. -High school and middle school teachers - keep websites current with assignments/homework -Just right
15. What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents? Rooster Springs Elementary School Responses -More teacher communication. -Allow the parents to have access to their children in ways other than volunteering. If I am not volunteering, I am not allowed in the school, unless it is to have lunch with my child. -Less bureaucracy -Ask and pay attention. Avoid summary questions across roles and years. The majority of teachers have been excellent at home/school communication. It seems that the administration and office staff are closed to parents concerns unless you are a stay-at-home mom who goes to the school often. Not everyone has that option. Knowing should not rely on being in on the gossip. The questions above are difficult because most teachers are excellent with their communication, some are not. The one who was not great, was awful at home/school communication. Likewise, one front desk assistant is a great communicator while the other is highly preferential to moms who volunteer regularly at the campus. -Send home paper Thursday folder notices unless parents opt out and choose web access instead of the other way around. -I like paperless, but would prefer to have link sent to me via email, vs. me remembering to visit the website (I wont) Thank you -More face time with teachers before or after school. With not being allowed in the school in the morning or after school there is no face time with teachers without a conference. -I believe D.S. is doing a great job. I enjoy getting communications through email from the teachers and school. I also like having access to a very helpful rooster Springs website. I still like getting hard copy information as well. -Teachers attempt to communicate on their teacher websites but it has been my experience that they dont keep up with it. Sometimes we get specials calendar a week late, sometimes not at all. I also would rather teachers send me an email than to have to check the website every day for new information. -We are new to R.S. and have experienced the unfortunate mess in [teacher name redacted] classroom. Communication with [teacher name redacted] was extremely unsatisfactory. However, [teacher name redacted] has tremendously improved the situation. -I think that personal communication is lacking in our school. There is very limited ability to connect with the childrens teachers due to limited access. -Send more information home through teachers to children to parents. -Keep sending out info... Make school atmosphere more welcoming to parents. More pleasant staff to greet all parents that come to the school. -Because each school has different events that are not published on the district calendar, I would love to see a school specific calendar posted on each schools website. This way if I miss communications or write something down wrong it would be easier to find. It should include after school activites as well as events (such as gobble,day book fair, and pta meetings) during the school day. -Have it clearly posted on the schools website who to contact in the office for transportation changes/ questions, absences and volunteer clearances. -I like the idea of using Skyward since that shows up as an email. If there is an email with links to updated websites, thats fine too. -Give the parents more access to the curriculum so we can help prepare them more at home. DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011 65
-Text messages are a great idea! Follow through with ensuring that parents receive important hard copy information. -Overall, we are VERY pleased with communication...this is our fisrt year at a DSISD school. -Provide as much electronic communication as possible. The school is wonderful at communicating with parents. The district itself could be better about communicating transportation topics (the website is seldom up to date) and district-wide changes. -Communicate activities as early as possible. This would help me to have time to adjust my schedule so I could attend. -So far so good for us. -Actual follow through on communication would be great at an administrative level. We seem to lack communication from admin to teachers which makes follow through impossible. Accountability for communication would be appreciated as well. -have a consistent platform for communication. I appreciate the weekly teacher e-mails of their newsletters. Or their weekly updates to their teacher webpages. I appreciate their use of e-mail. -Rooster Springs now has gone green, I think that is a great idea, less paper copies! -Use more on-line tools. Fill out paperwork and request for school activities on line. ie, thanksgiving lunch, etc. -Continue to develop the ability to sign-up for specific notifications via e-mail from school and district level -Rooster Springs is truly a superior school. However, I have seen several instances of questionable communication. when a new policy is put in place, it doesnt seem like everyone is on the same page from the start. The recent change in the child pick-up policy is one example. This could have had disastrous consequences, and needs to be thought through clearly before implementation. -Look for relevant ways to communicate. Meaning communicate with parents the way they communicate with each other....Facebook, text, email, links to web site etc. -like the social media medium and continue with email as a primary means of communications -Communicate through email more or leave blast voice messages. There are so many activities that your communication should not rely so much on the child bringing anything home -Nothing at this time. Im glad the school is going to a paperless system for school info sheets and news items. I hope all campus do this. -New orientation for new parents to DSISD. Info on websites the students use. -Allow for parent-teacher interaction. At Rooster it often seems difficult to contact the teachers as the front office requires an appointment but wont help/allow me to contact the teacher to set one up. Also the dismissal procedure is cumbersome and forces small children and parents to remain out in the elements unnecessarily. -The main website for the DSISD district needs a better FAQ section. As a first time parent enrolling a Kindergartner, I was shocked at the very limited amount of information there was. I pretty much felt I put my son on the bus on good faith hed make it back to me at the end of the day. It was very scary having such little knowledge of how the school works.
-You keep asking how often I currently receive info. It seems like you should ask how often would I like (i.e., desired frequency) information. Right now, info comes from too many sources - PTA email blast (which is a great source of school and RSE PTA info), teachers, Skyward, [administrator name redacted], etc. You have email alerts that we sign up for from your home page, but then there are also Skyward alerts. It is completely unclear as to the difference in these sources or purposes. The URLs on your website (probably because of your content mgmt system) are cryptic. I hate having to always go to your site and then to schools / RSE / ... to find whatever Im looking for. It would be so nice to type in www.rses.org or some other easy URL that would automatically redirect to your current district site. -Send less hard copies, and communicate more via e- mail. -I love the go green for the Thursday Folders at RSES. We should do this will all communications including Community Ed. -Very happy with Rooster Springs -RSES has done a fabulous job at streamlining the communications with families. I love going green. Also, Family Access is terrific even at the elementary level. I feel part of the the educational process. Thanks for this. -The moment there is any type of issue the parents should be contacted - by phone, home/cell and e-mailed with a request for a return reply to ensure proper contact was made and questions answered / discussed etc.... -I like the idea of getting things online. I like how the middle school tells us through skyward when we need to know things. I dont remember to check the website. Im hoping that when we get all communications online, now that Rooster is going green that they will tell us when to check. -I feel great about Skyward. I wouldnt change a thing concerning communication. -The Skyward system is great. I wish that more teachers would use it. At the middle school, my daughters Spanish teacher does an excellent job communicating with parents. However, we have very poor communication with the coaches for athletics. It is a great system... as long as everyone uses it to its fullest potential. -Encourage all teachers to update their websites weekly. Use e-mail more frequently instead of paper. Consider posting a grade-level specific calendar, with dates for projects (science fair, for example), field trips, etc. -Consistency between campuses, alerts about athletic events, tryouts etc..and academic things. -I am happy with the current level of communication dont change anything -More online communication - teachers should update websites regularly. Texts as an option also. -Couldnt be happier with Rooster Springs! The following comments pertain to DSMS; We address problems first & directly with teacher, then even in conference, and the solutions to be implemented are not applied consistently day to day from class to class. The Acting AVP has been outstanding as has our childs support staff. But improvements vary widely from teacher to teacher. Interestingly music teachers and coaches/ teachers are the best at multitasking in the current environment. The more intellectual type teachers have the most issues with communicating with us and implementing said solutions. Communication on the campus level has been sub-par at best. Glitches in Skyward, email notify etc.
67
-I cannot open newsletters on the district website. They hang up and never open. I love the teachers web pages at the elementary, but they are out of date. The teachers have so much on their plates already. It seems making them keep up a website is too much. Maybe there should be a grade level site that includes info for all the activities coming up. The middle school is great with Skyward. It would be nice to be able to use Skyward for everything like forms, newsletters, schedules, calendar, payments for field trips, t-shirts, etc. The district website is hard to navigate. I cant always find info such as dates for lunches, programs, etc. The calendar option on the website is terrible. It is very hard to navigate, hard to read and is not user friendly. Consolidation into one computer accessed site for everything would be ideal, i.e. Skyward. -In elementary, send email in addition to hard copies. My child often forgets them.
15. What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents? Walnut Springs Elementary Responses -Walnut Springs is pretty good with communication. Front staff is usually very nice, and teachers respond appropriately when emailed. -I have no problems with the communication. I do prefer email or message center over other forms of communication for upcoming events so I can mark my calendar as soon as I get them. -Teachers need to follow up with parents after request is made, I have found that the teachers tend to say one thing to a parent and rarely follow through as they say they will. Another concern is the unrulely, chaotic cafeteria and feel that the there is not enough monitoring for the number of children that are in the lunchroom at a given time. Why is it that teachers can not eat in the cafeteria the same time that their classroom is eating lunch. - There doesnt seem to be a uniformity when communicating with parents. One teacher does it one way, another does it another. And all the ways are not equal. It would be nice to have ONE really good way that was consistent. Then if the communication was NOT there, we would miss it. Also, some of the communications that come home have incorrect dates. That makes it difficult to plan. -So far, no complaints. -Assume the parents are a blank slate. Parents will disregard information they already know but they may pick-up on items they would have otherwise missed. Additionally, the district could do a better job pushing information. A lot of information is sent at the last minute assuming parents are perusing the website in their spare time which isnt the case. -Our only concern is the way we have to convey parent pick-up and bus scheduling via email w /teachers. Because we have to change our schedule a lot, that puts a burden on the teachers. I wish there a better way to do this. -There is an overwhelming number of places that we are supposed to check regularly for communications. Lets see if I can even remember them all - there are at least 4 different teachers webpages that I am supposed to be checking regularly, 4 teacher newsletters, 2 grade level newsletters, 2 different wikispaces, blogs, skyward messages, skyward website, automatic emails from the district, Thursday folders, PTA newsletter emails, and PTA website. It is very time consuming scanning all of this for new information that we might need. Emails and Thursday folders that notify us of news, changes, events or other important pertinent information are very helpful but a general instruction for us to check the website regularly is too tedious. Also - TUESday folders are preferable to THURSday folders. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the variety of communications resources us parents are expected to utilize, I am glad to know that our teachers have all of these tools available and are capable of using them. There is probably a favorable side effect from this in that the students are seeing the teachers embrace technology and bringing it into the classroom. -WSES does a wonderful job communicating with us. -so far, I am extremely impressed with my sons experience at Walnut Springs. Teachers, secretraries, Janitorial staff, principals are all friendly and helpful. -I would be happy if ALL the forms that we have to be filled out at the initial meet the teacher night could (at a minimum) be identified and completed online so that we can print it out and bring it with us to class. It is very difficult to meet the teacher, check out your childs new classroom, and keep an eye on your child while filling out the endless forms that need to be completed that night. It is truly nothing more than SEE the teacher
69
night and fill out forms. We may just skip this night all together for the remainder of the years our child is in this school. -Please take another look at the parking/traffic flow situation. Its VERY difficult maneuver between Walnut Springs and the Child Development Center. -maybe a couple emails throughout the year regarding progress. nothing formal just a little info. to track behavior and progress and maybe give a few suggestions for things to work on at home to challenge your child even if they are excelling. -A parent/student orientation for Kindergarten and new incoming students. The back to school night/meet the teacher was not enough information for parents and Kinders that are not familiar with the DSISD, WSES and educational system in general. Many of my friends in other school districts throughout the US have mentioned that a Kindergarten Roundup/Orientation was very helpful in assimilating new students into the schools system. It also alleviates a lot of anxiety in the household when you know what to expect. For example, an introduction to the administration and layout of the school would be helpful. An explanation of the daily routing, PayPams, PTA, report cards etc would also be helpful. -Communications are continuously getting better. Embrace technology as it rapidly changes. Email and text seem to work well. -Have teachers send more e-mails and text messages -Get rid of [names redacted] both are complete failures to our kids and our school system. -Be sure to include both parents email (not just one) where applicable on all communications. Frequently messages are sent to only one parent when two email addresses are provided. Not safe to assume parents communicate effectively. :-) -Have one dependable source for all communication. Not having to look in too many different places for grading, assignments, pta, etc. information. -Send home information about school activities/ programs/ etc weeks before the day they are due. Too many times we receive a note in a Thursday folder, that our child has to prepare / buy/ create something for Friday. This is NOT enough notice, and it happens on a consistent basis. -Providing Spanish copies on all communication that comes from the district or campus; WSES does an excellent job of communication with parents! -Teacher has not responded to several emails I have sent regarding my first grader; conference went well but would like some acknowledgement of emails when I have concerns. -DSISD, at least on the elementary school level, specifically Walnut Springs, rates a D- as it relates to communicating with parents. Tell the parents to provide a prefered email address to send all communications. Make a list of the parents that dont have e-mail access, send only hard copies to those parents and send it separately from all the other stuff that gets sent home. -I think it is important that the teachers respond to parent emails and concerns within 12-24 hours. I know that can be taxing on the teacher, but not unreasonable when it comes to the parents concern about their child. I also feel (because I am going through it right now with one of my children) that parents should be allowed, if not encouraged to spend a day following their child ar at least a same grade level class around for at least a half a day in order to associate what the child says with an actual first hand view of what really goes on in the classroom. Do not hesitate to call with questions or concerns about my responses. [contact info redacted] -Please work on teaching my kids to be color blind not ignorant. please -Email is best for me -We think you guys are doing great! 70 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
-Per question 14, I went to the teacher, no help, followed through with the principal. Heavily rely on email. Very little email communication-so this should be improved. -The community coffees are great, there are not a lot of parents other than PTA who mostly come, but that yall even have them shows that you are willing to be put out there, so thanks for that and it will grow just keep doing what youre doing. Good Job DSISD! -I am from out of state. At our previous school, there was much more accessibility to my childs classroom. For example, when dropping off my child in the morning, I could take her directly to the class. This way, I was able to connect with the teacher, get a sense of what was going on in class, and also see other parents for a short time. I understand security at school is important, but I do miss the home-school connection we had before. -I think all schools should communicate the same. It would be hard to keep up with how each school will communicate. -I think youre doing a fabulous job at keeping parents informed from kindergarten thru high school. I have no complaints. -I think that administrators (at the district offices) should listen more than they talk. I also think that their is an honesty issue with these same administrators. Be honest, listen and take input seriously!!! -I think that our website if very unattractive and often emphasizes the wrong things. I look at other districts websites and they show stories about what is happening on the campuses, what classrooms are doing, positive stories that make parents feel good about their childrens school. Our website has no student pictures and the only stories are about something related to bonds or financial ratings or a couple of kids who won some prize. Im very tired of reading about the select few who win honors. Id much rather read about learning and events in the schools and see pictures of students in engaged in learning. I also very much dislike the Fact or Fiction newsletter. I believe that it actually spreads rumors! Several times I learned about a rumor from reading Fact or Fiction. I havent seen any difference in DSISD communications since you all hired a communication director. I hope that she will begin to spend time on campuses, take pictures, and get the good stories of DSISD out to the public. I would recommend that she look at surrounding districts websites-Lake Travis and Hays Consolidated both would be good starts. My childrens teachers and school administrators are all very good communicators-positive and helpful. I love DSISD-Id like to see the district do a better job of telling their story. -Email is the best way! That has improved. Maybe text emergency situations. -I have missed several event at the Middle School level do to a lack of communication. I would love it if I received an email about important events like open house, dedication, meet the teacher, new student orientation, etc. -Send out a weekly school update verbally to all parents. There is a system used by at least one middle school in Austin with this type of communication. It has proven to be very effective. -Send out a weekly school update verbally to all parents. There is a system used by at least one middle school in Austin with this type of communication. It has proven to be very effective. -High school and middle school teachers - keep websites current with assignments/homework -Just right
71
SUMMARY OF OPEN-ENDED PARENT COMMENTS

Multiple Responses/Emerging Themes (3 or more) and Sample Comments: Email is best, most direct way of obtaining info/push preferred over pull (29) yyI would rather teachers send me an email than to have to remember to check the website every day for new information. yyThe district could do a better job pushing information. A lot of information is sent at the last minute assuming parents are perusing the website in their spare time which isnt the case. Desire for more advance notice of events/district-wide calendar (14) yyWhen it comes to scheduling events give more notice and think about working parents schedules. yySend home information about school activities weeks before they are due. Too many times we receive a note in a Thursday folder that our child has to prepare/buy/create something for Friday. yyCreate campus calendar, then pass it down to the grades and classrooms for updates. Teacher Websites not updated often enough to be valuable (13) yyWhen parents are told at the beginning of every year that the weeks assignments will be posted on teacher websites, post them. yySome teacher websites still have last years information posted, and some only post at the beginning of the year. I like to be able to check online about whats going on in classroom, homework, due dates, test schedules, etc. Simplify use of Skywardeasier to sign up, all teachers post info, understand grading (10) yyMake it easier to apply to access on-line grading system; its an on-line system but you have to submit paperwork and go to the school to get access. yyUpdates on Family Access is totally hit or miss with teachers. Implement system for on-line completion of forms/registration (8) yyMeet the Teacher Night before school starts needs to be about meeting the teacher and learning what will happen in the classroom, not about filling out forms. yyMy only request would be for beginning-of-the-year papers to be saved digitally for use in following years. Teachers need to be more approachable (not defensive) when concerns are raised/follow-through (8) yyPlease dont approach conversations and communication as though I (as a parent) am about to complain about something youve done and get defensive; more often I am concerned that my child is not applying himself. yyStaff members need training on effective communication. I feel when I have a concern, a wall is immediately put up and communication abruptly ends. Use texting (8) yyText messages would be helpful because I would see those immediately and they stay easily accessible. yyEliminate paperwork, especially if no information has changed.
Need more standardized communication (7) yyEnact some design guidelines, create all forms and documents using those standards, enforce version control of documents, and use electronic communication when possible. yyStandardize communications from entities, based on source or user preference: ie. district sends email, teachers use social sites, or universalize through all portals. Teacher emails (quality of info/frequency) inconsistent (7) yyThere are still some teachers who do not use email regularly, which makes in strange when you are used to communicating that way. yyI would like more consistency with teacher communications weekly newsletters with important dates and upcoming programs. It varies greatly by teacher. Desire for more face-to-face interaction with teachers (6) yyAllow for parent-teacher interaction. It often seems difficult to contact the teachers as the front office requires an appointment but wont help me contact the teacher to set one up. yyThe school has gotten too big and lost the interaction with parents. Too many sources of obtaining information from school, district (6) yyI get a hodge-podge of communication in various formats and from various sources, which creates confusion around the importance, relevance or clarity of content. yyRight now info comes from too many sources: PTA email blast (which is a great source of info), teachers, Skyward, principal emails, etc. District urls are cumbersome (5) yyThe urls on the website are cryptic. I hate having to always go to the district website and then to schools to find whatever Im looking for. yyIt would be nice to type in www.rses.org or some other easy url that would automatically redirect to the current district site. Develop better orientation for kindergarten (5) yyAs a first-time parent, enrolling a kindergartener, I was shocked at the very limited amount of information there was. It was very scary having such little knowledge of how the school works. yyA parent/student orientation for kindergarten. Other school districts have a Kindergarten Round-Up that is very helpful in assimilating new students into the school system. It alleviates a lot of anxiety when you know what to expect. Publish list of go-to people on each campus for various topics (3) yyIm not sure who I should speak to about different issues (bullying, issue with bus pick-up, concerns about learning disabilities, etc.). A list outlining who is the best contact for various topics would be great.
73
Areas Identified Needing Better Communication: yyTransportation (6) yyAthletics (3) Other Topics Mentioned: Suggestions: yyConsider use of social networking media (2) yyEmails should include teacher address (2) and direct link to teacher website yyUse as many communication methods as possible yyExplain new policies better yyUse voicemail blasts for routine updates (not just emergencies) yyAdd more/better FAQ to district website yyHave teachers use Family Access for messages rather than email yyInclude both parents addresses on emails yyProvide Spanish translation for all printed material yyProvide paper copies of new student manuals yyPost volunteer opportunities (secondary) yyPut the DSHS school newspaper on-line Kudos: yyLike Fact or Fiction (2) yyCommunity coffees are great yyGreen actions at RSE well-received Anti-Kudos: yyAdministrators dont listen yyDisconnect between teachers and parents at secondary level (if student struggling) yyDont like Fact or Fiction (starts rumors) yyDistrict website focuses too much on district news, award winners; should have photos of kids at campuses yyWebsite is hard to navigate yyRaptor system shouldnt require ID to be shown when receptionist knows parent
Communication & Review Program Review DSISD Communication Audit &Audit Program Spanish Parent Surveys Spanish-Speaking Parent Surveys 2010 2010
1 A cual escuela/s asiste su hijo/s? (What school/s does/do your child/ren attend?)
14 12 10 8 6 4
2 0 Dripping Springs Elementary School Rooster Springs Elementary School Walnut Springs Elementary School Dripping Springs Middle Dripping Springs High School School
Dripping Springs Elementary School Rooster Springs Elementary School Walnut Springs Elementary School Dripping Springs Middle School Dripping Springs High School
Count 12 0 1 2 1
75
Por cuantos aos su hijo ha asistido a las escuelas de Dripping Springs? (How many years have you had a child attend Dripping Springs schools?)
35.0% 30.0% 25.0%
20.0% 15.0% 10.0%

5.0% 0.0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Percent 28.6% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% 7.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.1%
Qutanservicialycorteseselpersonalenlaoficinadeladireccindelaescueladesuhijo?(Howcourteousand helpfulisthefrontofficestaffatyourchild'sschool?)
100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know

4
Count 14 1 0 0 0 0
Percent 93.3% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.93
Qutanservicialycorteseselpersonaladministrativodelaescueladesuhijo?(Howcourteousandhelpfularethe administratorsatyourchild'sschool?)
Count 12 2 0 0 0 1
Percent 80.0% 13.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% 4.86
77
Qutancmodosesientecompartiendoideasypreocupacionesenlaescueladesuhijo?(Howcomfortableare yousharingideasandconcernsatyourchild'scampus?)
Count 9 2 3 0 0 1
Percent 60.0% 13.3% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% 4.43
Qutantilserasihubierainscripcionesenlneaqueeliminarantodoslosformulariosimpresosaliniciodelao escolar?(Howhelpfulwoulditbeiftherewasonlineregistrationthateliminatedpaperformsatthebeginningof theyear?)

50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 6 0 1 0 1 7
Percent 40.0% 0.0% 6.7% 0.0% 6.7% 46.7% 4.25
DelassiguientesfuentesConqufrecuenciarecibecomunicacindelmaestrosobreelprogresoacadmicoo eventosenelsalndeclasesdesuhijo?(Howoftendoyougetteachercommunicationsaboutacademicprogressor classroomeventsfromthefollowingsources?)

80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow
Correoelectrnico(Email)
Percent 14.3% 14.3% 0.0% 14.3% 28.6% 28.6% 2.6 Percent 28.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 28.6% 42.9% 3 Percent 14.3% 28.6% 0.0% 0.0% 28.6% 28.6% 3 Percent 71.4% 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% 14.3% 7 1% 7.1% 4.15 Percent 18.2% 9.1% Review 27.3% 9.1% 27.3%
CentrodemensajesSkyward(SkywardMessageCenter)
Sitioweb(Website)
Copiasimpresas(Hardcopies)
Telfono(Phone)
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never
DSISD Communication Audit & Program
2010-2011
79
14.3% 7 1% 7.1% 4.15 Percent 18.2% 9.1% 27.3% 9.1% 27.3% 9.1% 2.8 Percent 28.6% 21.4% 42.9% 0.0% 7.1% 0.0% 3.64
Telfono(Phone)
Conferencias/juntas(Conferences)
DelassiguientesFuentesconqufrecuenciarecibecomunicacindelaescuelasobreprogramasoeventosquese realizanenlamisma?(Howoftendoyougetschoolcommunicationsaboutcampusprogramoreventsfromthe followingsources?)

90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow
Percent 25.0% 0.0% 12.5% 0.0% 37.5% 25.0% 2.67 Percent 12.5% 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% 37.5% 2.6 Percent 80.0% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 13.3% 0.0% 2.4 Percent 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% 50 0% 50.0% 4.4 Percent 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% Review 50.0% 2 Percent
Sitioweb(Website)
Marquesina/sealamiento(Marquee)
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow

AverageRating
2010-2011
81
Peridico(Newspaper)
37.5% 50.0% 50 0% 4.4 Percent 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% 50.0% 2 Percent 30.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 30.0% 40.0% 3 Percent 10.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% 60.0% 20.0% 1.88
Peridico(Newspaper)
Vecinos/amigos(Neighbors/friends)
DelassiguientesfuentesConqufrecuenciaobtieneinformacindeldistritoescolar?(Howoftentoyouget informationaboutthedistrictasawholefromthefollowingsources?)
70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow
Percent 25.0% 0.0% 12.5% 0.0% 37.5% 25.0% 2.67 Percent 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 33.3% 33.3% 3 Percent 12.5% 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 37.5% 37.5% 2.4 Percent 57.1% 14.3% 7.1% 7.1% 14.3% 0 0% 0.0% 3.93 Percent 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Review 50.0% 50.0% 1
Sitioweb(Website)
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never Don'tKnow

AverageRating
2010-2011
83
14.3% 0 0% 0.0% 3.93 Percent 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 50.0% 50.0% 1 Percent 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% 40.0% 30.0% 2.57 Percent 0.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% 60.0% 30.0% 1.43
Peridico(Newspaper)
Vecinos/amigos(Neighbors/friends)
10
Conquefrecuenciasuhijocomparteconustedinformacinsobreelsalndeclases/actividadesdelaescuela? (Howoftendoesyourchildshareinformationwithyouaboutclassroom/schoolactivities?)
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never NoOpinion/Don'tKnow AverageRating 11
Count 10 2 1 0 0 1
Percent 71.4% 14.3% 7.1% 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% 4.69
Comocalificaralacalidaddelacomunicacinentreustedyelmaestro(s)desuhijo?(Howwouldyouratethe qualityofcommunicationsbetweenyourselfandyourchild'steacher(s)?)
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never NoOpinion/Don'tKnow AverageRating
Count 11 2 1 0 0 1
Percent 73.3% 13.3% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% 4.71
85
12
Sientequesuspreocupacionestienenseguimiento?(Howwelldoyoufeelconcernsarefollowedthroughupon?)
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
Count 8 4 1 0 0 2
Percent 53.3% 26.7% 6.7% 0.0% 0.0% 13.3% 4.54
Comoprefiererecibirinformacindelaescuelayeldistritoescolar?(Puedeseleccionarmasdeunaopcin.)[How 13 wouldyouprefertogetinformationfromtheschoolanddistrict?(Youmayselectmorethanoneanswer.)]
30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Correo electrnico (Email) Mensajesde texto(Text messages) Peridico (Newspaper) Marquesina/ Centrode sealamiento mensajes (Marquee) Skyward (Skyward MessageCenter) Sitioweb (Website) Redessociales comoFacebook (siest disponible) [Socialmedia(if available)]
Copiasimpresas(Hardcopies) Correoelectrnico(Email) Mensajesdetexto(Textmessages) Peridico(Newspaper) CentrodemensajesSkyward(SkywardMessageCenter) Marquesina/sealamiento(Marquee) Sitioweb(Website) RedessocialescomoFacebook(siestdisponible)[Socialmedia(ifavailable)]
87
14
Conquienacudiraenprimerinstanciasituvieraalgunapreocupacinsobrealgoenelsalnsesuhijo?(Who wouldyougotofirstifyouhadaconcernaboutsomethinginyourchild'sclassroom?)
70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Miembrodel consejoescolar (Schoolboard member) Director(a) (Principal) Asistentede(la) director(a) (Assistant Principal) Superintendente (Superintendent) Alguienenla Maestro(Teacher) oficina administrativa (Someoneinthe administration offices)
Miembrodelconsejoescolar(Schoolboardmember) Director(a)(Principal) Asistentede(la)director(a)(AssistantPrincipal) Superintendente(Superintendent) Alguienenlaoficinaadministrativa(Someoneintheadministrationoffices) Maestro(Teacher)
Count 0 1 2 0 3 9
Percentage 0.0% 6.7% 13.3% 0.0% 20.0% 60.0%
Open-ended comments appear as submitted, with the exception of redacted names when individual staff members were identified. In addition, some comments that were completely unrelated to communications were removed. 15. Qu piensa que podemos hacer de manera diferente a nivel del distrito escolar o de la escuela para mejorar la comunicacin con los padres? (What do you think we could do differently at the district or school level to improve communications with parents?) -Conferencios mas trecuentes con los maestros y padres de familia (Frequently confer with teachers and parents) -email, telephone, English & Spanish information -En mi opinion muy personal claro, me gustaria sobre todo en mi nina de 3rd grado, si fuera posible mandarma informacion en espanol. (In my very personal opinion of course, I would like more information in Spanish about my 3rd grade girl, if possible ) -informacion por escrito en lugar de correos electronicos que aveces no tengo tiempo de checar porque solo tenemos una computadora y ellos la usan para hacer sus trabajos (written information rather than e-mails because sometimes I have no time to check emails because we only have one computer and we use it for our jobs.) -Pienso que como latinos nunca tenemos tiempro para ir a la escuala de nuestros hijos y por eso to pensaria que ustedes deben obligarnos a ir un poco mas seguido de sccuerdo a nuestro torarios a veces podemos ir temprano o a veces un poco mas tarde pero debemos tener mas obligaciones con ustedes miembros de la escuela y con nuestros hijos. Gracias. (I think that as Latinos we never time to go with our children and therefore to think that you should force us to go a little more often. Sometimes we can go early or sometimes a little later but we have more obligations than members of the school and our children. Thanks.) -Pinso que todo esta bien. Gracias. (All is well. Thanks.) -pues ayudando atraducir alas maestros que no ablan espanol para comunicarnos en nuestra idioma. (Help to translate for teachers who do not speak Spanish to communicate in our language.) -que ayuden atraducir alosque no ablan espanol porque es mas dificil si lomandan en ingles (Send information translated into Spanish. It is more difficult when sent in English) -Que medigan en espanol la conferencia conmigo paraentender mejor porque la ultima conferencia entendi muy poquito (Let Spanish a speaker in the conference to better understand me because I understood very little at my last conference) -Todo es extraordinario como reverie ser (Everything is extraordinary) -Trabajando juntos padres y maestros. (Working together, parents and teachers.)
89
Communication Audit & Program Review Student Surveys 2010

1 Howfriendlyandhelpfulisthefrontofficeandattendancestaffatyourschool?
Count 149 114 91 36 53 57
Percent 29.8% 22.8% 18.2% 7.2% 10.6% 11.4% 3.61
Howapproachableandhelpfularetheadministrators(principals,assistantprincipals)atyourschool?
25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 106 110 98 64 83 37
Percent 21.3% 22.1% 19.7% 12.9% 16.7% 7.4% 3.2
91
Howoftendoyoushareinformationyoureceiveaboutschoolprograms/classroomactivitieswithyourparents?
25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don'tknow AverageRating 4
Count 106 114 109 80 68 22
Percent 21.2% 22.9% 21.8% 16.0% 13.6% 4.4% 3.23
Howwouldyouratethequalityofcommunicationaboutclassworkandassignmentsthatyoureceivefrom teachers?
35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
Count 81 161 114 52 64 26
Percent 16.3% 32.3% 22.9% 10.4% 12.9% 5.2% 3.3
Howoftendoyougetschoolanddistrictinformationfromthefollowingsources?
70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never
PAorVideoannouncements
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
Percent 30.5% 12.5% 16.0% 17.8% 23.2% 3.09 Percent 31.7% 26.4% 20.4% 11.7% 9.9% 3.58 Percent 13.4% 13.8% 22.5% 19.8% 30.6% 2.6 Percent 13.6% 14.8% 25.6% 22.5% 23.5% 2.72 Percent 28.6% 17 9% 17.9% 18.4% 15.9% 19.2% 3.21 Percent 11.0% 9.3% 22.1% 13.8% Review 43.8% 2.3 Percent
Classroomannouncementsbyteacher
Website
Signsinhallway
OtherStudents
5Frequently 4Regularly R l l 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
Marquee
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never

AverageRating
2010-2011
93
CampusTVmonitors
2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
22.5% 23.5% 2.72 Percent 28.6% 17 9% 17.9% 18.4% 15.9% 19.2% 3.21 Percent 11.0% 9.3% 22.1% 13.8% 43.8% 2.3 Percent 11.4% 7.7% 14.8% 18.1% 48.1% 2.16 Percent 9.0% 7.7% 11.1% 12.1% 60.2% 1.93
OtherStudents
5Frequently 4Regularly R l l 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
Marquee
CampusTVmonitors
HighSchoolonly:StudentNewspaper
Whatisyourpreferredmethodforobtaininginformationaboutyourschool?(Youmayselectmorethanone answer.)
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0%
Classroomannouncementsbyteacher PAorvideoannouncements Otherstudents Signsinhallway Website CampusTVmonitors Socialmediasites(ifavailable) Marquee HighSchoolonly:StudentNewspaper
Respondent Percentage 52.2% 48.4% 35.3% 30.7% 25.4% 21.9% 14.0% 12.4% 11.7%
95
Howwouldyouratethequalityofinformationyoureceivefromyourschool?
35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
Percent 15.3% 25.4% 30.9% 9.5% 12.1% 6.9% 3.24
Howclearlyaretheschool'sexpectationsregardingconductandacademicprogresscommunicatedtostudents?
30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
Percent 25.4% 26.0% 19.3% 7.9% 13.0% 8.5% 3.47
Doyouhaveasmartphone?
70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Yes No
Yes No
Percent 38.2% 61.8%
97
Open Ended Responses

Open-ended comments appear as submitted, with the exception of redacted names when individual staff members were identified. In addition, some comments that were completely unrelated to communications were removed; this occurred mostly in student surveys that referenced areas such as menus, extracurricular activities, etc. Do you have any suggestions for the school district to improve communication with students? Some numbers: 592 middle and high school students took the survey. Of the total, 192 left the open-ended question blank. 102 said no, none, or some other form of no comment. More than 220 of the 298 remaining were irrelevant to communication. The remaining comments are compiled below.
Announcements
-before important announcements have a signal (i.e. a beep) because many people dont listen to announcements regularly :) -better announcements. support tiger football a lot better -better announcements. these are God awful. TIGER FOOTBALL!!!!!! -get louder announcements, so I can hear -get nicer teachers, make announcements in the morning, remind us morea bout stuff -I think that the front office should be more available to students and that they should do video announcements, which would be more enjoyable and only takes up part of the CATS class. -I think that they should make video announcements because many kids like that and it would be more fun. I think you could reward kids if they did something right b letting them be on the announcements. Thank you -I think the CATS teachers should do more with the students and communicate with them more often (well at least my CATS teacher...I dont know about the other CATS teachers) -i think the teachers need to make more announcements -i would like to se more teacher announcements and reminders -loud announcements -make announcements louder -make more announcements so we know whats going on -make teachers remind things for students in class most thing are just on the school website which some people dont have so if you dont have a computer you miss it and the teaches dont say anything about it either -Make the announcements better. and support TIGER FOOTBALL!!!!!!! more. -More announcements -Maybe, we should all have assigned laptops (like other schools) adn yuo can send out video mail to gaggle or another source and we can receive are information during CATS or classes when we have no work left. -more teacher announcements -try to improve the announcements so people might actually want to pay attention to them
TV
-My only improvement is that you put the information on the T.V.s in the Cafeteria because people often look up there but look up there, but then look somewhere else because they want to read information up there, but dont see any. They only see a menu which everyone knows. -info through tv monitors. - The information on the television isnt that helpful. Maybe they could make the info more like the announcements over the speaker. Also the marquee could be more helpful. -Dont waste money on unuseful things. Have a purpose to things such as the tvs. You put math problems like 8 + 7 = 15 Tell me what point that made. -Maybe you could put more things on the school TV monitor other than just the sports and math and science TV shows. Maybe you should put updates about our school so we would actually want to look at it more often. -The teachers need to give more clear, descriptive information of what they want from the students in their classwork. Direction needs to be improved between the teachers and the students. Also, I feel that with all of the great technology that we have at the school, we need to put it into use, for example, the T.V. monitors. It would be much more convenient to have reminders of upcoming events on the monitors during lunch instead of the jokes and stories. -Put more stuff on the marquee and the schools tv monitors. -put up more posters than just for the football games the tv monarters need to have a better news system for showing the news just to hook the watcher into watching the school news or mabey show world news or print out school news pappers so kids can know everything about the school yours truley [student name redacted] -Theater needs to get a tv for we get to see the announcements -We should have morning announcements on a T.V.in every room. Since we have some in the hallways -we should have tv in the class room so we can see the peopel that are talking to us. -tv moneters in class rooms for announcements and news -In elementry school every Friday some students did something kind of like a web show to show up coming activities and events. It would improve communications and will be like a nice reminder. -Thank you
Phones
- let us use are phones -give every kid an i phone -give everyone smartphones and ipads and free lunch -let kids have smartphones out and be able to use them during school -LET THEM USE CELL PHONES!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~!!!|11 -let us use our phone during lunch and passing periods -let us use phones at lunch and passing periods -texting
Newspaper/Newsletter
99
-By sending out a school newspaper. -I think that they could send out a newsletter. -the middle school needs a(n) newspaper -More ways to communicate other than announcements. Ex: more posters or a more active school newspaper. -You are doing a great job! But I dont recall the last time I heard information about the high school newspaper.
E-mail
-I would use their actual e-mails.. not their gaggle net account, or just a plain letter. e-mail their parents. If they dont have computer access, use letters i guess... Website -Post more information on the website, make the website easier to navigate, make the information more clear, make the information match, there have been instances where 2 sources said different things about the same event -Approachability of Teachers/Staff -I believe that the school administrators enforce the right rules and enforce the wrong ones. There is too much about trivial things that will happen anyway and they dont seem to care about the serious matters. I believe that school could do much better and frankly I am extremely disappointed. The staff needs to be more friendly as well. I get scared every time I try to talk to one of them, except the 4 lunch ladies. -I feel like I cant really talk to any of my teachers. They kind of make me nervous, almost like pressuring you. -Make the principal and staff more approachable.
Website
-I would use their actual e-mails.. not their gaggle net account, or just a plain letter. e-mail their parents. If they dont have computer access, use letters i guess...
Approachability of Teachers/Staff
-I believe that the school administrators enforce the right rules and enforce the wrong ones. There is too much about trivial things that will happen anyway and they dont seem to care about the serious matters. I believe that school could do much better and frankly I am extremely disappointed. The staff needs to be more friendly as well. I get scared every time I try to talk to one of them, except the 4 lunch ladies. -I feel like I cant really talk to any of my teachers. They kind of make me nervous, almost like pressuring you. -Make the principal and staff more approachable.
General
-Yes, I think we can improve our communications by assigning specific students to be in charge of spreading the word of any important news going on in the 6th grade. We could also just announce more news more often. Like announcing a specific type of news like 3-4 times a day. So that the news would get stuck in their head. We could also have teachers check the students agenda to make sure he/she has the right information for what ever is going on...We could also have more posters in the hallway to remind kids on what is going on in the 6th grade. We could assign some specific responsible students to make posters or even the student council. It does not matter just somebody to make the posters put it on the hallways walls and spread the news. We could also put the message on our digital news thing on our sign that says Dripping Springs Middle School. 100 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
So when the buses come by they always look at it too see whats going on, so they would see the news and again it would get stuck in their head. We could even have the school principle stand out in the front office saying like BIG TEST TOMORROW 6th GRADE! We could also have an adult sitting in the office and the student would come up to the adult and say 6th grade Pre-AP math and they would say... Test Tomorrow and they would thank them and walk away. Im just saying we need better communication with our student at Dripping Springs Middle School!!!! Thanks. -better yearbooks!!! -I think that the notes and papers they give out are not always given to the parents like they are supposed to be. I think it is more likely to get to the parent if the school would send emails and not as much paper. Many students just shove the paper in their bag and it shows up a month later. I also think the classrooms need better communication between the students for conduct. Just because the school tries and tries to come across as strict about the conduct- they NEVER do a harsh enough punishment for the students who make the other students in class distracted. -Do a better job! -Dont put fences up to disrupt the flow of students. -get better -Get the Marquee to say more stuff. -BE MORE CONSIDERATE OF STUDENTS FEELINGS. -Include more information about events and be very specific please. Sometimes we as students dont have very much information when it comes to events at the school or community. -Make things a little easier for the kids to understand, so that we will know exactly what the district is trying to tell us. -make things more entertaining -Maybe talk in person with students who are having trouble more. -maybe try get everyone to spread it around so all or everyone will know!!!! -more assembles, counselor one one with the class, more informative signs, parent to superintendent e-mails. -more communication -more counselor visits -not really just do more stuff -over haul -put it in terms that all us kids can understand, and not tell us pointless information that we already know -put out what they are saying more (do anything that will get peoples attention) -put stuff in students own words -um...have, like, the principle visit classrooms and talk, maybe. i dont know. better anouncement stuff. -you should probably give handouts for important things
Communication Audit & Program Review Staff Surveys 2010

1 How often do you get school information from the following sources?
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0% 60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0% 20.0%
10.0%
0.0% Never Seldom Sometimes Regularly Frequently
Email
Percent 87.1% 8.8% 2.0% 1.4% 0.7% 4.8 Percent 14.0% 6.3% 11.9% 27.3% 40.6% 2.26 Percent 36.1% 22.5% 27.2% 10.9% 3.4% 3.77 Percent 25.5% 23.5% 25.5% 17.9% 7.6% 3.41 Percent 40.7% 24.8% 18.6% 11.7% 4.1% 3.86 51.0% 24.8% 13.8%
OthercommunicationtoolsinFirstClass(likeinstantmessaging)
DistrictNews
Website
Meetingsinyourworkplace
102 DSISD Communication Audit Communication fromyour supervisor 2010-2011 Percent & Program Review
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes
17.9% 7.6% 3.41 Percent 40.7% 24.8% 18.6% 11.7% 4.1% 3.86 Percent 51.0% 24.8% 13.8% 9.0% 1.4% 4.15 Percent 62.8% 19.3% 13.1% 4.1% 0.7% 4.39
Communicationfromyoursupervisor
Coworkers
How often do you get district information from the following sources?
60.0% 50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
20.0% 10.0%
0.0% Never Seldom Sometimes Regularly Frequently
Email
Percent 54.0% 27.3% 12.7% 4.0% 2.0% 4.27 Percent 15.8% 10.3% 8.9% 16.4% 48.6% 2.28 Percent 38.5% 31.8% 23.7% 3.4% 2.7% 4 Percent 22.5% 29.9% 23.1% 19.1% 5.4% 3.45 Percent 25.7% 23 0% 23.0% 25.0% 21.6% 4.7% 3.43
OthercommunicationtoolsinFirstClass(likeinstantmessaging)
DistrictNews
Website
5Frequently l l 4R Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
5Frequently 4Regularly 3Sometimes 2 Seldom 104 DSISD 1Never
Percent 32.7% 29.3% 18.4% 13.6% Program Review 2010-2011 6.1% AverageRating 3.69
Coworkers
Percent
19.1% 5.4% 3.45 Percent 25.7% 23 0% 23.0% 25.0% 21.6% 4.7% 3.43 Percent 32.7% 29.3% 18.4% 13.6% 6.1% 3.69 Percent 33.8% 24.3% 21.6% 16.2% 4.1% 3.68
5Frequently l l 4R Regularly 3Sometimes 2Seldom 1Never AverageRating
Coworkers
Howwouldyouprefertogetinformationfromtheschoolordistrict?
100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0%
Email Communicationfromyoursupervisor DistrictNews Meetingsinyourworkplace Website Coworkers OthercommunicationtoolsinFirstClass(likeinstantmessaging) Socialmediasites(ifavailable)
Howactivelydoyouseeknewcommunicationmethodsforreachingparents?
Count 15 24 45 19 6 35
Percent 10.4% 16.7% 31.3% 13.2% 4.2% 24.3% 3.21
Howfamiliarareyouwiththemissionandgoalsoftheschooldistrict?
40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 48 57 31 10 0 4
Percent 32.0% 38.0% 20.7% 6.7% 0.0% 2.7% 2.7
Howfamiliarareyouwiththestaffhandbookanditscontents?
60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 5Very 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1NotatAll Noopinion/Don't know
Count 33 73 37 5 1 1
Percent 22.0% 48.7% 24.7% 3.3% 0.7% 0.7% 3.89
Howwouldyouratethequalityofcommunicationbetweenyourselfandyoursupervisor/departmenthead?
45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don'tKnow AverageRating 8
Count 63 53 18 8 7 2
Percent 41.7% 35.1% 11.9% 5.3% 4.6% 1.3% 4.05
Howwouldyouratethequalityofcommunicationbetweenyourselfandtheparentsofyourstudents?
45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 5Superior 4AboveAverage 3Average 2BelowAverage 1Unsatisfactory NoOpinion/Don't Know
Count 41 61 15 4 0 23
Percent 28.5% 42.4% 10.4% 2.8% 0.0% 16.0% 4.15
Ingeneral,howwouldyouratethecommunicationbetweenteachersandadministrationatyourschool?
Count 43 54 19 8 7 18
Percent 28.9% 36.2% 12.8% 5.4% 4.7% 12.1% 3.9
10 Howwelldoyouthinkthatstaffconcernsareaddressedbytheadministrationatyourschool/department?
Count 52 37 28 17 12 4
Percent 34.7% 24.7% 18.7% 11.3% 8.0% 2.7% 3.68
Open-ended comments appear as submitted, with the exception of redacted names when individual staff members were identified. In addition, some comments that were completely unrelated to communications were removed.
Staff Open-Ended Responses

Please share any unique initiatives you have implemented in the last year to improve communications with students or parents. -I am updating my web site daily now. -I do family conferences with Portfolio work samplings four times a year. These Portfolios also include photos that are labeled by the parents with the child at the family conference. It a joy to see all the parents and students overflowing from within the classroom at family conferences. Its a celebration of learning, hard work and familial love. I also do narrative reports on my students two times a year. -I dont do this, but I know of a teacher at our school that has a facebook group for her students (seperate from her personal page) wherein she can give advice on homework, announce quizzes etc. She finds it very effective. I would like to try it but fear how my administration would react. Would it be encouraged? Discouraged? On a side note, several employees are confused as to the communication chain of command. We have been told the general rule is to first talk to your department chair (mine at times, is difficult to do this with) then talk to your assistant principal, then the principal. Should this ALWAYS be the case? What if you have sensitive material that needs to be discussed? What if you fear your department chairs reaction? Ive been told in cases such as this it is ok to jump the chain of command. Is this true? My principal is VERY sympathetic to the needs of her staff and her door is always open to listen. It is one of the things I value most about her superior leadership skills. -I email a weekly newsletter to parents where I try to share the things we are doing in the classroom as well as important school information. -I see lack the of communication between teachers and the district office which has lead to very poor planning in the new school, waste of district resources (i.e. money), and a suboptimal teaching facility. There needs to be a more cooperative and open two way communication plan. -I send frequent emails and post updated information on my website. -I try to direct parents to my webpage and I am starting to show the students how to get there so they can get information as well. -I use a newsletter, emails, phone calls, agenda and calendars. -Just email and phone -Keeping my webpage up to date and full of current, pertinent classroom information. -Monthly PTA Newsletters as well as Weekly classroom newsletters links are emailed to my class parents. -Not a place for comments, but I do want to say that there is a lot of talking going on, but not a lot of communicating. -Technology is a great tool, but sometimes a face to face communication is great too. E-mails take an amazing part of the day and although it is great to get it on your own time, it sometimes misses the dialogue between staff that meetings bring. -The high school principal is the perfect model of what a principal should be like in my opinion and I am sure many others would agree. -THERE SHOULD BE A MORE OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STAFF AND THE 110 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011
ADMIN BUILDING -Utilized webpage more, class emails -Utilizing the features in Skyward to send mass emails to my classes and sending progress reports to them via email. Weekly updates on my school website, email contact list of parents.
Parent Focus Group Response Summary
Communication Audit & Program Review Parent Focus Group Discussion Questions
Who do you contact when you have a question or concern about a: yy Classroom activity? yy School procedure? When is your best availability to visit the school or meet with a teacher? Do you feel like you are sufficiently informed about how well your child is doing in school? Do you have a clear understanding of what the academic expectations are for your child? (grading procedures, graduation requirements, etc.) How do you receive information about school events, classroom activities? Are you aware of the Notify Me or News Flash options of the website (to receive emails or text messages)? What, if any, barriers keep you from being involved in your childs school? What are some things the school could do better to communicate with you? Would you use social media if the district had a presence there? SECONDARY: Without Thursday folders, it is more challenging to be sure info gets in parents hands. yy Do kids bring home information or verbally share with you? yy Any other suggestions for middle and high school administrators to reach you?
Summary of Elementary Focus Group Discussion December 9, 2010

The shift to electronic communication was recognized. The effectiveness of that method varies by teacher. Inconsistency among teachers in terms of frequency of emails and quality of information was noted. Request that teachers are careful to honor requests to email both parents if requested. Comment was made that career elementary teachers are better at regular emails than those with a secondary background. Some suggestions for more effective emails: yy Mark which classroom it refers to in SUBJECT lines to assist parents with multiple children. yy Clearly identify who emails are coming from in header. Teachers should address issues for their class/subject only. Confusion occurs for upper elementary grades when students have more than one teacher. yy Follow basic email etiquette. yy Check emails for proper spelling and grammar. yy Just provide info; it doesnt have to be on a fancy template or include clip art, etc. yy Include calendar info a few weeks ahead of time so if parents need to buy supplies or prepare kids in some way (example, upcoming benchmarks), they arent scrambling at the last minute. Timeliness is critical. yy Clearly state upcoming due dates for projects. yy Ideal format/timing would be simple newsletter/email on Friday giving basic class information for next week or two. Parents expressed strong preference for a one-stop shopping approach. It doesnt matter to parents where it is housed, as long as they are aware of where to go. This could be done in Family Access if teachers regularly posted notes there. There was some feeling that there are TOO many places to go get information. Family Access has a place for teacher to put what is due this month. Teachers dont have to separate it out. ACE Math: Teachers could link to their own webpage. URLs within the district website are not user-friendly hard to use on a mobile device. Examples of inconsistency between teachers: frequency varies--some every day, some rarely email; some have attempted to use blog, but dont update it regularly.
The same concern over inconsistency among teachers was raised regarding teacher websites. Most parents prefer information to get pushed to them (email) rather than having to go check for it. Comment was made to not focus everything on technology; some parents still like to receive hard copies or appreciate a combination of both formats. It was pointed out that it is important for parents to work WITH teachers rather than demanding the teachers to cater to their needs. Request that a legend is provided to what Family Access codes mean (T1, S1). Apparently the Family Access Calendar and Gradeboook sometimes show different grades? A suggestion was made to have a standing message when Family Access turns off in the summer. Monthly grade level newsletters are helpful if they include basic expectations on projects. Parents recognize that fifth-graders are expected to be more independent, take more responsibility for their own academics, but parents would still like to be able to check things behind the scenes (stealth parent). Comment that some teachers get defensive if a parent brings a concern to them. Suggestion that all teachers have mentors, not only those who are new to the district. One parent expressed a desire to know what children need to do in order to get a certain grade. rubrics Parents expressed that Meet the Teacher Night is frustrating and not very valuable because parents cant do anything but fill out forms. Missing assignment notices in Skyward keep coming even after it is turned in. Parent provided kudos to RSE for providing annual calendar at that start of the year that included major events such as music programs. A suggestion was made that teachers are provided refresher training on use of Skyward.
Summary of Secondary Focus Group Discussion December 7, 2010

Parents appreciate email communications with classroom teachers and report a near-immediate response from most teachers. They also like the way the homework is set up online, and appreciate having contact information. Suggestion that texting might be something that teachers adopt as smart phones become more popular. [with guidelines] Kudos for Family Access that allows kids and parents to access assignments, grades, etc., online. Use of Skyward is inconsistent from teacher to teacher. Observation made that the most communicative teachers are the ones that parents feel the least need to seek help from. Teachers need to keep websites updated regularly. This is better this year as compared to last year. It is helpful to get communications from principal on hot topics. Example: Sex Ed curriculum in health class. Parent meeting was a good idea, but should have had more than one (schedule conflicts). Positive comments were received on communications with the counselors, especially for upperclassmen looking for college recommendations. Once kids hit middle school, communication directly to parents is even more important, as kids dont always share information whats going on, nor do they consistently pass along printed information (no Thursday folder like in elementary school). Fact or fiction: recommendation that editor puts bullet questions up front and then hotlink to further information down the page so a reader can jump directly to a story of interest. On ideal amount of direct communication with principals: Maybe not once a week, but once a month or start of every 9 weeks might be a good time to communicate whats coming up. For example, heres the exam schedule, school holidays coming up, etc.PTA newsletters fill this need to some extent, but it is valuable for principal to have a touch to the community. As DS keeps growing, its important to keep the small town feel.
More information from the principal also fills need as a taxpayer, to know that tax dollars are being spent well. Concern that at the end of the semester, Skyward shuts down for about 7-10 days. Parents try to make sure kids have everything turned in and they cant see anything. Send out alert 2 days prior to shutdown?? There was a desire for more information about graduation requirements, even at middle school because they need to be aware of the full sequence. For instance, a middle school parent may want to know what sports qualify for PE credit. The feedback was that counselors present this information to students, but not parents. (Follow-up: there also are parent meetings for this same information.) Parents are not aware of opt-in option on website for notifications and alerts (email, text messages on various topics). Suggestion made to put information on this (or a summary of all methods for parent communications) in the back-to-school packet and for the PTA to promote it as well. There is a desire to know about events and programs at higher grade levels (besides football). Middle school parents would like to also know about high school events and also suggested that as elementary parents they were interested in ms/hs events. When students reach middle school, parents dont feel as informed about volunteer opportunities at the school. They suggested finding a way to welcome the parents in, let them know how they can be involved, whats happening on campus, etc. One of the reasons we have great teachers is because we let teachers do things and they are empowered (example of summative grading was used). At middle school, parents appreciate the CATS classes and felt its a great way to disseminate information. Some of the CATS classes have teachers who really offer assistance to students; in others theres no interaction (inconsistency). Regarding social media, parents felt that while it may offer an additional method for communication, it was not a necessity. The general preference was it would be fine to offer as long as nothing is taken away. Facebook could be opening a can of worms, but the group felt that Twitter used for non-critical information could be great (band already does this; idea that football updates be placed there too).
Communication Audit & Program Review Spanish-Speaking Parent Focus Group Discussion Questions
Who do you call at your childs school when you have a question? Do you know who the Spanish-speakers are on campus? When is your best availability to visit the school or meet with a teacher? How do you know how well your child is doing in school? How do you receive information about school events, classroom activities? Do you feel comfortable at your childs campus? Do you have a clear understanding of what the academic expectations are for your child? Do you have a clear understanding of the educational system, grading procedures, graduation requirements, etc.? How much information do you get from your child(ren)? What, if any, barriers keep you from being involved in your childs school? Is there anything the school could do better to communicate with you? Do you have Internet access? Do you have a phone that receives text messages?
Summary of Spanish-Speaking Parent Focus Group Discussions November 15, 2010

At the elementary level, parents know who they can go to in the front office to assist them in Spanish and they feel comfortable at campuses for the most part. At middle school, the comfort level seems to drop a bit, mainly because of the size of the campus and multiple teachers. However, there are a few people in the front office they feel they can depend on, and they seem to feel they can stay connected and ask questions. High school parents do not feel connected to campus. They do not know who they can go to if they need to have a conversation in Spanish, but they said there was no one accessible at the school. They want someone they trust who can help them. Most of the parents do not understand graduation requirements and expectations. Example that was shared was from a parent with two children in upper high school grades; she did not understand the ranking and what factors caused her kids to be so different. It also was pointed out that there are many differences in the educational system in Mexico (grade levels, etc.), which makes it very confusing for those with students who started school there. Two requests: 1) have a go-to person(s) at each campus and 2) have information available in Spanish. (One mentioned that they want info in Spanish and English because in her case her husband couldnt read Spanish.) Would it be very helpful to get a list of Spanish-speakers on campus at the beginning of the year? YES. Question was asked if a less-than perfectly translated document (using translation software) is better than nothing at all? NO, those just create confusion. It was pointed out that some wording has cultural connotations that may not be in line with intent of message. Half of those in attendance have Internet access and about half email (in Spanish). A few had smart phones and text (in Spanish). When asked about their availability to come to campus, most were relatively flexible. Afternoons seemed preferable, except for Wednesday due to church obligations (same for Wed. evening).
Their children really help their Spanish-speaking parents with translations and keeping informed, especially at the older grade levels. Parents expressed strong desire for their children to excel, not only among other English Language Learners, but among the entire student population. They want to make sure they are in a position to help their children be successful. They want to be made aware if their children are falling behind (as soon as possible). Parents also pointed out that once their children become fluent in English, some stop speaking Spanish entirely; parents would prefer they continue using both languages. They also pointed out that English-speaking students can benefit from being exposed to Spanish and suggested more opportunities to pair up native English speakers with native Spanish speakers. [This has been done some.]
Demographic Data Summary
Secondary Demographic Summary

High School
Snapshot Enrollment Male Female
Hispanic Native American Asian African American Pacific Islander Asian/Pacific Islander White Two or More Ethnicities Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient 659 643 194 15 16 8 2 1,238 22 126 36
2011
1,285 Number Percent 51.3% 50.0% 15.1% 1.2% 1.2% 0.6% 0.2% 96.3% 1.7% 9.8% 2.8%
2010
1,238 Number Percent 632 606 177 8 9 19 1,004 21 102 16 51.1% 48.9% 14.3% 0.6% 0.7% 1.5% 81.1% 1.7% 8.2% 1.3%
2009
2008
1,226 1,199 Number Percent Number Percent
165 7 15 15 1,024 84 26
13.5% 0.6% 1.2% 1.2% 83.5% 6.9% 2.1%
144 6 13 16 1,020 76 24
12.0% 0.5% 1.1% 1.3% 85.1% 6.3% 2.0%
Enrollment by Population
Middle School
527 498 166 19 12 7 1 948 38 145 54
2011
1,024 Number Percent 51.5% 48.6% 16.2% 1.9% 1.2% 0.7% 0.1% 92.6% 7.6% 14.2% 5.3%
2010
1,000 Number Percent 507 493 135 2 6 8 830 19 102 16 50.7% 49.3% 13.5% 0.2% 0.6% 0.8% 83.0% 1.9% 10.2% 1.6%
2009
2008
973 937 Number Percent Number Percent 0 0 140 2 9 11 811 79 16 0.0% 0.0% 14.4% 0.2% 0.9% 1.1% 83.4% 8.1% 1.6% 0 0 115 3 6 11 802 80 12 0.0% 0.0% 12.3% 0.3% 0.6% 1.2% 85.6% 8.5% 1.3%
Hispanic Native American Asian African American Pacific Islander Asian/Pacific Islander White Two or More Ethnicities Economically Disadvantaged Limited English Proficient
Elementary Demographic Summary

Dripping Springs Elementary
Snapshot Enrollment
Number
2011
642 Percent 50.3% 49.7% 24.9% 0.9% 1.2% 0.3% 0.3% 70.2% 2.0% 20.4% 10.0% 323 319 160 6 8 2 2 451 13 131 64
2010
629 Number Percent 330 299 122 1 5 12 489 137 60 52.5% 47.5% 19.4% 0.2% 0.8% 1.9% 77.7% 21.8% 9.5%
2009
2008
Male Female
Rooster Springs Elementary

430 397 105 3 14 11 0 662 32 54 13
2011
827 Number Percent 52.0% 48.0% 12.7% 0.4% 1.7% 1.3% 0.0% 80.0% 8.1% 6.5% 1.6%
2010
779 Number Percent 391 388 74 4 9 29 663 40 6 50.2% 49.8% 9.5% 0.5% 1.2% 3.7% 85.1% 5.1% 0.8%
2009
2008
Walnut Springs Elementary

375 337 157 2 9 7 2 526 9 187 57
2011
712 Number Percent 52.7% 47.3% 22.1% 0.3% 1.3% 1.0% 0.3% 73.9% 2.7% 26.3% 8.0%
2010
685 Number Percent 369 316 131 7 11 12 524 187 54 53.9% 46.1% 19.1% 1.0% 1.6% 1.8% 76.5% 27.3% 7.9%
2009
2008
Appendix
SUMMARY OF MEETING: COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW TEAM. 9.20.10 I. II. Introductions History a. Strategic Plan includes communications/customer service as priorities b. Several strategies in strategic plan are completed c. Dedicated position added in District Information Officer d. Program review = communications audit Overview of Communications a. Permeates all levels of organization: district, schools, classroom b. Likely will show up in other program reviews as element in their recommendations c. Not controlled by one department, but collaboration of many d. Group pointed out importance of consistency between campuses e. Customer service is closely related to communications, perceptions of constituents f. Good customer service is a mindset or way of doing things, not limited to those who answer phones Program Description Group discussed draft of a program description and suggested edits. Overall response to draft was excellent. Concepts for Vision and Mission, Program Goals a. Definitions b. Review of district vision, mission c. Challenges in reaching DS community i. Reaching families who do not use technology ii. Reaching Spanish-speaking families iii. Old Drip/New Drip d. Collection of thoughts, words, concepts (see attached) e. Rough draft of vision statement shared by member, group feedback f. Subcommittee of three will meet to consolidate ideas, incorporate feedback and develop draft vision and missions Potential Methods for Data Collection a. Review previous survey results communication-related questions b. Interview principals on programs added as result of previous surveys c. Develop survey on communications and customer service (English & Spanish) d. Focus groups e. Research of best practices f. Website data OTHER IDEAS (suggested after meeting): g. Collect feedback at other events (Coffee with DSISD, etc.) h. Review comments from Board meeting public forums to identify any that address communication Meeting Schedule Mondays are preferred day. All members of group preferred 4-6 p.m. time (student rep will be slightly late due to dismissal time). Additional meeting(s) may be scheduled if needed.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
CONCEPTS FOR USE IN COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESS

Streamlined Cohesive, coordinated Consistent among campuses Clear, concise messages Staff should be approachable Train staff as effective communicators Green (paper electronic) Proactive Consistency of website formats between campuses Partnership/collaboration Customer service all employees Two-way street Limit types of software used by teachers Sell product/retain customers Reach ALL families (Spanish-speaking, those without on-line access) Consolidate methods of reaching parents (email, Skylert, etc.) Etiquette training for office staffs Scripts, protocols to respond to certain situations Social media opportunities Web usability study Mobile-friendly connections and apps (added to list after meeting)
ROUGH DRAFT OF VISION FOR DISCUSSION:

"To enhance the educational environment for the district's children by proactively fostering the efficient and effective flow of information among DSISD and its students, parents, employees and the community." Ideas for additional wording: Group together district as part of DS community or refer to all as stakeholders Prepare employees to be effective communicators Consistency Partnership
NOTES FROM COMMUNICATION REVIEW TEAM MEETING: OCTOBER 18, 2010

I. Introductions of Members II. Review of Draft Items a. Program Descriptiongood to go b. Mission Statementgood to go c. Vision Statementwas tweaked, everyone should look at again To explore and engage in effective communication that strengthens the partnership among schools and the community to enhance exemplary education for all students in Dripping Springs. d. Program Review GoalsTalked about what types of recommendations may emerge from each; decided to work on data collection planning before talking about specific recommendations. It was noted that Goals #4 and #5 should consider tech savvy population, including students. Goals for the program review were agreed upon following a few minor edits and revision of Goal #4, which now reads:
Identify current technology enhancements that can be used for timely and easily accessible communication.
Please feel free to offer suggestions for edits of Goal #4. III. Program Review Model a. Reviewed Process Steps 5 and 6 b. Discussed different types of data/information (descriptive, quantitative, attitude data, satisfaction data) and how each might be collected c. Reviewed data collection instruments as suggested in the model IV. Data Collection for the Communications Review a. Analysis of Spring District Survey i. Quantitative data distributed for communication-related questions ii. Open-ended responses need to be compiled and summarized b. Surveys (on-line and written) i. Parents ii. Staff iii. Secondary students (tie in with class where students are in computer lab) iv. Spanish speaking parents v. Team members to assist with development of survey: Erin Hays, Andrea Lorenz, Kent Willis vi. On-line software available Quia.com vii. Will need to explore what safeguards are in place to prevent multiple responses from single respondent c. Focus Groups i. Elementary parents ii. Middle school parents iii. High school parents iv. Spanish-speaking parents (suggestions offered for staff member to lead) v. Ideal size 6-8 participants
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW TEAM MEETING 11.1.10
We accomplished three main tasks: 1) We discussed, edited, added to, and improved the three surveys. Cindi Wade has since made the changes and these are ready to go. An email message will go out to parents today via Skyward, a link will be posted on the front page of the district website, and I included a brief story in the community newsletter I hope to post today or tomorrow. The surveys will be available until Nov. 14. Communications Review Parent Survey http://www.quia.com/sv/468514.html Communications Review Secondary Student Survey http://www.quia.com/sv/468443.html Communications Review Staff Survey http://www.quia.com/sv/468630.html 2) We ironed out a few logistical issues regarding the surveys (if parents with children at multiple campuses can fill it out more than once [yes], if the students surveys should be optional [yes], if we should offer in Spanish [yes], etc.) 3) We developed a list of questions that can be used in the focus group of Spanishspeaking parents. This is scheduled for Nov. 15 (after our meeting) and will be led by DSE Assistant Principal Norma Madden and I will be there too. These questions are a general framework to lead the discussion; we will see how the flow of the conversation goes and adapt accordingly. Our next meeting is Monday, Nov. 15, from 4-6 p.m. in Room 302 (back building), where our October meeting was. Hopefully we will have some raw data to review from the surveys.
SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW TEAM MEETING 11.15.10
The following tasks were accomplished.
1) Surveys were available on-line through this morning and results were printed today. Number of
respondents: Parents430; Staff145; Students329; Spanish13. The group looked through results and will review these more thoroughly before next meeting. Some discussion was held on parent survey results, and how they aligned or differed from previous discussions and expectations. Members briefly commented on results from staff and student surveys. The openended results are being compiled.
2) Discussion questions from the Spanish focus group were reviewed and it was determined which
ones would be equally appropriate for the secondary and elementary parent focus groups. Dale will make edits to list of questions. The Spanish focus group is being held tonight (11.15.10).
3) Summary reports on interviews with other school district communications professionals were
distributed. Nannette Erickson reported on conversations she had with communications directors. Tod Freemans information was shared with the group (he was absent due to illness). A few calls are left to be made; a follow-up report will be prepared.
4) Discussion was held on what the next steps will be in the review process, as well as a potential
timeframe. We have set the March 24 Board meeting as a goal for presenting a report. Meetings are scheduled for: Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 7 (this one was a change from meeting). On Dec. 13, we will break into sub-committees to work on various areas of emphasis.
5) A list of potential sub-committees was created. We can add to it on Dec. 13 if necessary

(although we have a limited number of bodies!). a. b. c. d. e. New technology/social media Hard-to-reach population segments (Spanish speakers, those w/o Internet access) Website/parent portal District standards/consistency among campuses Other communication methods
Our next meeting is Monday, Dec. 13, from 4-6 p.m. in Room 302 (back building).
Summary of Communications Review Team Meeting (12.13.10)

Catching up on a Few Pieces of Data Collection: When survey results were sent to team members (in the email with lots of attachments), Spanishspeakers survey was not included. With only 11 responses, the survey technically would not be considered valid, but still has some data that at least one subcommittee may wish to consider. All of the numerical values were high (4 and 5) and the few comments that were written were positive or stated they would like information to be translated. They seem to get most of their information from hard copies. These limited results are available to whatever subcommittees would like them. Written and oral summaries of three focus groups Spanish-speaking parents, elementary parents and secondary parents were provided. Some general themes that were identified included: inconsistency in quality/frequency of teacher communications, desire for straightforward and timely information at the classroom level, importance of small-town feel, desire for good email etiquette, recognition of new technology (social media, etc.) but preference to stick to the basics, feeling of overwhelming number of ways for information dissemination, desire for one-stop shopping, need for Spanish speakers to know who they can contact on their childs campus. Written summaries of each are attached. A list of all the data we have collected was distributed. Some data reports have been passed out at meetings and the survey results were emailed. Team members were asked to REVIEW WHAT THEY HAVE, think about WHAT ADDITIONAL COPIES THEY WILL NEED, and email Dale and Jennifer to say what copies will be needed for the January meeting. We talked about the length of the parent open-ended responses and agreed that while there is some good information, it is cumbersome. Kelly Coffey offered to help Dale combine, condense, summarize and package the comments so they will be more helpful for subcommittees.
A Quick Review The team reviewed the mission, vision and objectives established in September. There was consensus that these items still accurately reflect the direction in which the team wants to move. The team looked at the original Program Review Model to see where we are in the process. It appears we have successfully moved from Process Step 1 through Process Step 6. We reviewed Process Step 7 and Process Step 8 regarding analysis of data and development of improvement strategies. The end result of the subcommittees is listed in Process Step 8. A few team members who previously have served on review teams gave their impressions of this next step in the process.
Subcommittees: We reviewed the 5 subcommittees that were proposed at the November meeting: o o o o o New technology/social media Special population segments (Spanish-speakers, no internet access, transition years) District standards/consistency Website/parent portal Other communications methods
We discussed these further and adjusted these down to four groups for two reasons: 1) we thought we could cover the ground just as well by taking the first mentioned originally (new technology/social media) and covering it in two other areas and 2) because we would rather have subcommittees of four members than three. Subcommittees were adjusted to be: Technology/website/parent portal (Cindi Wade, Chuck Rainey, Dennis Lane, Tod Freeman, Jennifer Godwin) Special population segments (Spanish Speakers, no Internet access, transition years) (Nannette Erickson, Sarah Freeman, Kim Gravell, Kelly Coffey, Ramona Welch) District standards/consistency (Erin Hays, Virginia Hassell, Kim Cousins, Leslie Wallace) New opportunities for connections (Social media, partnerships, events) (Shelly Reeves, Shellie Foster, Rhonda Whitman, Andrea Lorenz)
The last one is a bit of a catch-all but we shared some examples of communication methods that might fit in here: opportunities for face-to-face interaction, district presence at community events, Twitter/Facebook, partnering with other organizations, etc.) IF YOU WERE NOT present and you dont like where we placed you, CALL me. We will make it right SCHEDULE/Timeline: We are scheduled to meet Monday, Jan. 10, from 4-6 p.m. in Room 302. We will start out together, pass out materials you were missing, make sure we know what we are supposed to do, then get working in subcommittees. I suggest each committee meet once BETWEEN Jan. 10 and Feb. 7 to complete their work. The whole team will meet Feb. 7 and hear a report from each subcommittee. We will work on edits and make sure we are comfortable with the results of the subcommittee efforts. I will then take everything we have and work on getting in the appropriate format and preparing the full report. We will meet March 7 and see how it all looks, ideally doing a mock run at a Board report. I hope to present to the Board at the March 24 meeting. I would like as many of you to be there s possible.
COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW TEAM MEETING SUMMARY: January-March 2011

JANUARY: The Communications Review Teams broke into four subcommittees to work on analyzing data and developing goals and strategies to be incorporated into final recommendations. The whole group met on Jan. 10, then broke into subcommittees.
Technology/website/parent portal Special population segments (Spanish Speakers, no Internet access, transition years) District standards/consistency New opportunities for connections (Social media, partnerships, events)
Subcommittees also scheduled follow-up meetings later in January as needed to complete their tasks.
FEBRUARY: On Feb. 7, the Communications Review Team subcommittees shared their work with the entire team. The four reports were compiled into a set of recommendations, which was displayed on the screen. Input and comments were gathered from all members, which were incorporated into revisions as the report was displayed. A few items required additional wordsmithing, which was completed by the program review coordinator after the meeting, then emailed to members.
MARCH: The composite set of recommendations was reviewed by the team. Edits made from the Feb. 7 meeting were reviewed, and additional feedback was shared. The team felt that consensus had been reached regarding the final product. Following the meeting, some minor changes were made and the report was again shared with members.

Communication Audit and Program Review Board Accepted 4-21-11

Încărcat de

Informații document

Descriere originală:

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Communication Audit and Program Review Board Accepted 4-21-11

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

A Review of the

Communications Audit & Program Review

Board of Trustees Meeting

DSISD Board of Trustees and Central Administration Board of Trustees

2 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DRIPPINGS SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Our Strategic Planning Priorities 2009-2014

DSISD Program Review Process Introduction

Purpose of the Program Review

Model for Program Review Process Steps

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Communications Audit & Program Review Committee Members

4 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Communications Audit & Program Review Executive Summary

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Communication Program Vision

Communication Program Mission

Communication Program Description

Goals we hope to accomplish in this program review:

6 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Program Data Collected and Reviewed

8 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Communication Audit & Program Review Recommendations, Goals & Strategies

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

12 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

14 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Campus & DISTRICT Communication Review Data

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Inventory of Existing District Communication Methods and Tools

16 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Campus Communications Review

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW-RSES

18 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW--WSES

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW-DSHS

20 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

CAMPUS COMMUNICATIONS REVIEW- DSMS

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Website Data

22 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Subscriptions to Notify Me Categories

24 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Subscriptions to News Flash Categories

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Other School District Communication Professionals Interview Summaries

26 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Summary of Interviews with School Communications Professionals

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

28 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

30 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

Summary of Open-Ended Comments Spring 2010 District Survey

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

SUMMARY OF COMMUNICATION RELATED QUESTIONS FROM SPRING 2010 DISTRICT SURVEY

32 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011

34 DSISD Communication Audit & Program Review 2010-2011