How do you know all this stuff?

Seems like every parent has a moment early in their first month at a school where you turn to another parent and ask, “Wait. How did you know about that?” Maybe it was the date for Back to School night or some decision the school board made. It is HARD to keep up with the firehose of information, so here’s an overview of the ways we know the District and schools usually communicate with parents. Let us know if we missed one! 

And if you’re thinking, “How did I miss that?”, please give yourself some grace. This list was crowd-sourced with the PEN Board and even then, members were hearing about some of these resources for the first time.

From Your District

PUSD Updates

The District sends out many emails from PUSD Communications. Each week, there is a “PUSD Update.” These emails are long and full of information about District news and events, community partners, and more. These are great ways to learn what’s happening at other schools and at the District-level. You can view past PUSD Updates on the Communications page of the PUSD website.

TechBytes

The Innovative Technology Services Department (ITS) sends out technology-related emails. Primarily directed at students who have a PUSD-issued Chrome Book, these emails provide information and tips for smoother tech. You can view past TechBytes on the ITS page of the PUSD website

Peachjar

As PUSD does not distribute flyers directly to students, they utilize an “electronic backpack” through the third-party site called Peachjar. Peachjar flyers include advertising from local businesses and community organizations, as well as from PUSD departments like LEARNs and the Family and Community Engagement (FACEs) office. More information about Peachjar is on the PUSD website.

From Your School

Weekly Principal Email

Each school principal sends a weekly email. These emails are school-specific and include information like important dates, deadlines, and reminders for the week or month ahead. If you’re not receiving these, please speak to someone in the school office.

PTA newsletters

Some schools have a weekly newsletter from the PTA or other parent organization. The information isn’t always PTA-specific and can include information also shared in the Principal’s weekly email. 

From Your Teacher(s)

Every teacher uses their own method to communicate with parents. In elementary school, we’ve heard of Band, Class Dojo, SeeSaw, Remind, and Parent Square, along with direct emails and WhatsApp groups. If you are not receiving regular communication from your child’s teacher, check to make sure that the teacher and school have your contact information, and that you these communications are not going into your spam folder.

Once the student enters middle and high school, communications can also come through Canvas and Aeries. The teachers will share their preferred method of communication. If they don’t, please ask them!