What Teachers Should Include in Their Newsletters

Creating effective school newsletters is a powerful way for teachers to communicate with parents and keep them informed about what’s happening in the classroom. A well-crafted newsletter not only keeps families updated but also strengthens the connection between home and school. In this article, we’ll explore key elements that teachers should include in their school newsletters to ensure they are engaging, informative, and effective. 

1. Important Classroom Updates

Keeping parents informed about what’s happening in the classroom is essential. Regular updates on what students are learning, upcoming projects, and any changes to the curriculum help parents stay engaged and support their children’s education. Whether it’s a new unit in math or an exciting science experiment, sharing these details fosters a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, providing reminders about important dates—such as field trips, tests, or parent-teacher conferences—ensures that parents are always in the loop. For further tips on effective communication, Scholastic’s guide offers useful advice.

Digital permission slips for upcoming events in my classroom. Saves so much time and effort overall.”

Matthew Winters (@TeacherWinters) August 18, 2022

2. Celebrating Student Achievements

Recognizing and celebrating student achievements is a great way to motivate students and involve parents. Whether it’s academic success, improvements in behavior, or participation in extracurricular activities, highlighting these accomplishments in your newsletter can boost student morale. Including a “Student of the Week” section or a spotlight on a group project are simple yet effective ways to showcase student efforts. This not only encourages students but also gives parents insight into their child’s progress and school life. 

How much I enjoy having their kids as students and how lucky I am they are in my class.”

Katie M. (@katlynnmil) August 18, 2022

3. Tips for Supporting Learning at Home

Providing parents with tips and resources to support their child’s learning at home is invaluable. This might include strategies for helping with homework, reading recommendations, or suggestions for educational activities that align with what’s being taught in the classroom. These practical tips help bridge the gap between home and school, making learning a continuous process. Tools like Smore can be used to embed links to external resources or videos that offer additional guidance. Additionally, PBS Parents offers a wealth of resources for parents looking to support their children’s education at home.

Internet safety! No matter how many times you think you’ve explained it, explain some more. #firstclassnewsletter #BackToSchool“

SB ✨✏️ (@sbartwork24) August 18, 2022

A well-rounded school newsletter is an essential tool for teachers to communicate with parents, celebrate student success, and foster a collaborative learning environment. By including important updates, celebrating achievements, offering tips for home learning, and encouraging involvement, you create a comprehensive communication tool that benefits everyone in the school community. For more tips on creating effective school newsletters, visit the Smore Blog for additional insights and resources.

Updating families weekly is as important as a well-planned lesson. Here’s a template to get started!