Notes to Parents about Communicating with South
You are valuable to us and we want to keep you informed. The tips on this page are a few of the important things we'd like you to know about communicating with South.

Parent-Teacher Communication | Contacting Staff | Staff Directory | From South to You

Parent-Teacher Communication
We, as teachers and staff, encourage your calls because we are here to help your students succeed. If you are hesitant about contacting a teacher concerning your son or daughter, here are some suggestions to help facilitate the process.

Before contacting the teacher, please consider:

* What you really want or need (for example, test scores, attendance, an appointment, etc.).
* Any relevant dates, specific assignments, or grades about which you want to know.
* The class, period and name of the teacher in whose class your student is enrolled.
* Where and when you can be called back (can you be called at work?) Contacting a teacher:
* Call the Main Office, 687-3201, to obtain the teacher's school phone number and the best times to reach the teacher, or to leave a message.
* Some teachers and you may find email more convenient. If you prefer this option, ask the Main Office secretary if the teacher is available by email and for the email address. (Note: email is not confidential--your communications about your students could by accessed by others.)
* Check your student's course outline for the relevant class to see if there are specific guidelines for contacting the teacher. The course outlines are usually handed out at the beginning of the term. Help us help you:
* If you are not satisfied with the results of the conversation with a teacher or staff person, let them know how you feel.
* Be nice to the teachers and staff people with whom you speak. It will help decrease stress.

Please call your child's teachers if you have concerns. The best time to call is after school or leave a message. Teachers' office hours vary; the main office can tell you when they are available. Some teachers may give you their e-e-mail addresses, but e-mail correspondence is not confidential.

Contacting Staff
Helpful ways to start a conversation with a teacher: Hello. My name is ___________. My son/daughter ____________ is in your ___ period class. I have some questions (concerns). Is this a convenient time to talk to you?

Can you help me understand...
* how you grade
* your homework expectations
* your policy regarding make-up work, class credit, late papers, tardiness, etc.
* How can I help my student with...
* This is what I'm concerned about...
* I have a specific question about an assignment...

If you still have concerns, contact:
Grades 9/10, Guidance - 687-3213
* Freshmen/Sophomores A-K . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie McGlinksy
* Freshmen/Sophomores L-Z . . . . . . . . . . . . Tibor Bessko
Grades 11/12, Counseling - 687-3214
* Juniors/Seniors A-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travis Johnson
* Juniors/Seniors L-Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laurene Larson
Administration, 687-3201
* Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Randy Bernstein
* Assistant Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayland
* Assistant Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Anderson

Please be prepared with your student's schedule when you call.

From South to You
Newsletter: The South High News is published four times during the school year and posted online.

School Newspaper: The Axe is the student publication published monthly. It is a good source of information written from the students' point of view. You can also read The Axe on-line.

Dialer: The school reports attendance information for the day to parents through an automatic, computer-assisted dialer. Occasionally we send other messages through the dialer as well.

Grade Reports: Grade reports are sent out quarterly, including two progress reports and two final report cards. Call us if you don't get them!

Postcards: Between newsletters, South sends out postcards with information on upcoming events.

Personal Calls: We try to call parents with information when we have concerns about your student.

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