John continues:
Already I can see how it is transforming my relationship to families: I am taking charge of the energy, and sending tons of positive vibes their way, positive about their child, and positive about the work I am doing with them everyday. Now I no longer dread checking my email. Instead, almost daily I am getting at least one really nice response from parents who are not used to receiving any kind of personalized communication from a teacher about their child–I teach in a very large school. Last week, one dad replied with great enthusiasm about how his daughter loves my class, even more than digital photography. And by the way, he mentions that he is an 8th grade cross country coach at one of the feeder schools in the district, and he will make sure to spread the word.
So if you want to take charge of the culture of your program, I really recommend that you begin with a simple email each day to 3 parents. It will pay off. I am not saying anything about how I teach. Parents are already hearing about that, and hearing positive things from their kids.