Before You Press Send

The National School Public Relations Association published these guidelines for sending E-mail to teachers and school staff:

Technology helps foster relations between parents and school. But in some cases, e-mail has made instant communication -- too instant -- when some communications are better left unsaid and unmailed.

The rules for civility in e-mail are the same as in face-to-face meetings. Conveying a positive tone in your E-mails can set the stage for a cordial working relationship with teachers and other school personnel.

May we suggest:

• Don't say anything by e-mail that you wouldn’t want published.

• Don't use e-mail for matters of controversy or real distress. When you have a really serious matter, it is always best to make an appointment for a face-to-face.

• Hostile e-mail can exacerbate a situation, making an individual defensive.

• Don't barrage a teacher or school staff with multiple e-mails on the same topic. Generally, teachers will try to get back to you as quickly as they can. Remember, they have many students and are concerned about all of them.

Recommended Reading

Humorist Dave Barry's NY Times review of the "The Essential Guide to Email for Office and Home" is a delightful treatment of a topic in all of our lives.