Chain of Command: Parent Communication Guidelines

When addressing concerns related to academics, athletics, HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying), or student discipline, please follow this chain of command to ensure your concerns are resolved effectively and efficiently.

1. Academics, Curriculum, Social - Student Performance 

  • Step 1: Teacher
    Contact your child’s teacher directly for concerns related to classroom instruction, grades, assignments, or behavior in their class.
    Email or call during school hours.

  • Step 2 Academic or Social: Guidance Counselor or Case Manager
    If unresolved or if the concern involves course scheduling, academic support, or social-emotional issues, contact your child’s counselor or case manager.
    -OR-

  • Step 2 Curriculum: Department Supervisor or Curriculum Coordinator
    For curriculum-related questions or if you feel the issue has not been adequately addressed by the teacher or counselor, contact the subject department supervisor.

  • Step 3: Building Principal (Academic or Social) or Director of Curriculum
    If the issue persists or requires a broader school-level resolution (principal) or curriculum related level of resolution (Director of Curriculum), bring the matter to the principal or director.

  • Step 4: Superintendent
    Unresolved issues after principal intervention should be brought to the Superintendent’s Office.

  • Step 5: Board of Education
    If all prior steps are exhausted and you feel the concern requires further action, submit your concern to the Board of Education during a public meeting or in writing.

2. Athletics/Clubs

  • Step 1: Coach/Advisor
    Start with your child’s coach for concerns related to team placement, playing time, or specific game-related issues.
    Request a meeting after practice or via email.

  • Step 2: Athletic Director
    If the issue is not resolved with the coach, contact the Athletic Director for broader program-related concerns or conflicts.

  • Step 3: Building Principal
    If your concerns extend beyond athletics or remain unresolved, reach out to the principal.

  • Step 4: Superintendent
    For district-level athletic concerns or unresolved issues at the building level, contact the Superintendent.

  • Step 5: Board of Education
    As a final step, present the matter to the Board of Education if needed.

3. HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying)

  • Step 1: Teacher or School Counselor
    Report the issue to your child’s teacher or school counselor to document the incident and initiate immediate support. They will be able to assist with any immediate needs and provide direction for filing an HIB.  

  • Step 2: Anti-Bullying Specialist (ABS) / Online Reporting System
    If unresolved or if it requires investigation, contact the school’s ABS for a formal investigation or     complete the online form.  

  • Step 3: Building Principal
    For escalated concerns or dissatisfaction with the response from the ABS, contact the principal.

  • Step 4: District Anti-Bullying Coordinator (ABC)
    If the school-level investigation remains unsatisfactory, bring the issue to the District ABC.

  • Step 5: Superintendent
    For district-wide concerns or unresolved matters, contact the Superintendent.

  • Step 6: Board of Education
    You may escalate to the Board of Education as a final step.  The process does require the board to vote on HIB findings.

Please Note:  Incidents that are not deemed to be HIB may and often do result in consequences under the Code of Conduct.  

4. Student Discipline

  • Step 1: Teacher or Staff Member
    Start by addressing minor discipline concerns with the teacher or staff member involved.
    Discuss the behavior, incident, or consequence with them directly.

  • Step 2: Assistant Principal or Dean of Students
    For repeated infractions or more significant disciplinary issues, contact the assistant principal or dean overseeing student conduct.

  • Step 3: Building Principal
    Escalate unresolved or serious disciplinary concerns to the principal.

  • Step 4: Superintendent
    For unresolved disciplinary actions or district-level concerns, contact the Superintendent.

  • Step 5: Board of Education
    If necessary, bring the concern to the Board of Education for a final review.

Tips for Effective Communication

  • Most issues are best addressed by the people with the most direct contact with your child.  By following the steps above, this leads to the most direct resolution.  

  • Provide clear, concise information about the issue.

  • Allow reasonable time for responses at each level.

  • Keep documentation of all communications for reference.

This structure ensures concerns are addressed in an orderly and effective manner, minimizing confusion and fostering collaborative problem-solving.