Involve + Engage = Sustain: Parent Engagement and Sample Phone Script

Involve + Engage = Sustain is a new column dedicated to providing you with specific tools on community and parent engagement written by Becky Wilson, our Community Engagement Specialist.

Parental involvement in their student’s daily life is shown to positively affect that student’s achievement.  Connecting with parents can be challenging, but a personal communication and invitation to participate can be very effective.  A smile and a handshake can be a terrific beginning to a relationship that can payoff in many ways.

National GEAR UP Week (or any time at the beginning of the year) presents a perfect opportunity for Coordinators, volunteers and other GEAR UP staff to personally introduce parents to the program and specific school activities.  Here is a sample phone script that could be used as an example:

GU Staff:  Hello, Mr/s. Smith.  I’m Susie with the GEAR UP Program at the Middle (High) School calling with good news for your student, (student’s name).  Are you familiar with GEAR UP?

Answer – “Yes” – Great! This week is National GEAR UP week, and I’d like to invite you to visit the school (insert information about a particular event or day).  I’d enjoy meeting you in person and answering any questions you have about GEAR UP, and how we can help your student blaze his trail toward college and life after high school!  When you stop in, check in at the office and ask for directions to (my location). I have a small information packet (or whatever) that can help you stay in touch with GEAR UP and our activities. 

Answer – “No” -  GEAR UP is a program here at our school that is dedicated to helping your student prepare for college or training after high school. This week is….

Be sure to invite the parent/guardian to the school, to meet the coordinator.  Have a prepared brochure, a school calendar, information about activities specific to your school, anything you can include as an easy takeaway.  Mention the “highlight of the year” GEAR UP activity at your school, whether it’s a college trip or something exciting in the spring.  Include any appropriate invitations to attend events or volunteer.

Personal calls take a little time, but dividing your list between several people and keeping the conversation short, informative and inviting can provide bang-for-the-buck when it comes to engaging parents.