Donna Beck 
Table of Contents
I’ve worked in Irvington Public Schools for nearly three decades in roles ranging from English language arts teacher to fill-in principal. Before returning to the classroom, I spent several years as a news writer and producer in New York City. That experience taught me the power of clear, consistent communication, something I now apply every day in my school and district.
About 10 years ago, I started using a classroom communication platform that would eventually become an essential part of how we operate. At the time, it was just a helpful tool for staying in touch with families. But when our district adopted it schoolwide six years ago, it became something more: a unifying system that makes communication more immediate, inclusive, and effective.
Principals, programs, and policies may shift from year to year, but this part of our approach hasn’t changed.
Here are five ways we’re using this platform to make family engagement stronger, simpler, and more consistent district-wide.
1. Connect with busy families on their time
In an urban district like ours, many families are managing long or unpredictable work hours. They might not be able to take a call during the day or stop by the school in person. Messaging tools help bridge that gap. During the first week of school, I send a short message to introduce myself and share what kind of updates I’ll be sending. Over time, families learn to look for my posts. And just as important, they know how to reach me.
I used to rely on personal texts, calls, or notes sent home. Not anymore. Quiet hours and direct messaging keep communication professional and boundaried while still feeling warm and personal.
2. Reach families instantly and reliably
When something needs to be shared—whether it’s a reminder, an update, or something urgent—I know I can reach families immediately. I don’t have to wait for a return call or wonder if a note made it home. They can also reach out to me directly if something changes on their end. That back-and-forth, in real time, makes a huge difference.
Communication like this isn’t just faster, it’s more effective. It builds trust, reduces miscommunication, and gives families the confidence that they’ll be kept in the loop.
3. Close communication gaps before they widen
Miscommunication happens when information doesn’t flow easily. But when parents hear something secondhand or are unsure about something, they can reach out directly. I can respond right away and clear things up before they spiral. That responsiveness keeps families engaged and shows that we value their questions and concerns.
Everything is documented in one place, too. That helps me stay organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. It also encourages families to use the tool regularly, because they see how helpful and consistent it is.
4. Share moments that matter, not just logistics
Communication should be about more than deadlines and reminders. It should build community. One of my favorite ways to use our platform is sharing joyful, personal updates. When our students dressed as centenarians for the 100th day of school, I posted photos on our school page. The response was amazing. Parents commented, laughed, and told me they couldn’t wait to hear about it from their kids that night.
That one post turned a classroom event into a shared schoolwide celebration. It’s a great reminder that small moments can create big connections.
5. Make communication consistent across the district
Last year, I launched The GLOW, our district newsletter. At first, it lived on the district’s website and reached only a few hundred families per month. Once we began sharing it through our schoolwide communication platform, readership jumped—fast. Today, more than 1,100 families read The GLOW monthly.
That growth didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we met families where they are with consistent, trusted, easy-to-access updates that they know will matter. When communication becomes part of the rhythm of school life, families tune in.
Consistency Builds Connection
Today, we use ClassDojo for Districts to streamline how we communicate across schools. It makes a real difference, not just for teachers, but for the entire community. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone or sharing a schedule change, we’re able to do it clearly, quickly, and with care.
When communication becomes part of a school’s culture, it does more than deliver information. It builds trust, encourages partnership, and helps families feel like they belong—not just at events, but every day.
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