With visitors restricted from visiting schools, Waller Junior High (WJH) Principal Tanya Carrejo had to come up with an idea on how to invite parents into the school. Her idea was to create Coffee/Tea with the Principal, online meetings where she and other staff members can connect with families throughout the year. Taking place of the traditional in-person events, these meetings would allow the school and it’s families to hear from one another.

“I wanted to do something to bring in families, so they are able to have the opportunity to meet with me and other staff members,” Carrejo said. “I wanted to be able to give families resources.”

On the day of Coffee/Tea with the Principal, Carrejo plans to offer two meeting times, one in the morning and another in the evening, to allow parents the flexibility to attend. While meeting topics will be added and changed to fit what is relevant at the time, some sessions will focus on social-emotional health, how to understand student testing, and how eighth-grade parents can help their child transition to high school. Parents will be notified of future meetings through social media, parent newsletters, and Google Classroom.

“We are only as good as our parent involvement and I appreciate any parent feedback that will help us take care of our students,” Carrejo said. “I truly believe it takes a village to raise and educate our students.”