Curriculum Corner: School-Family Communication

Building Strong School–Family Communication

Every summer, our leadership team spends a full day at Filoli Gardens, celebrating the successes of the past year and setting goals for the year ahead. We are proud of so much: engaging, learner-centered classrooms; a faculty of deeply creative and caring teachers; a vibrant program of Specials; and stellar outcomes for our graduates as they head to middle school. This summer, as we welcomed Mandy Rizvi into her new role as Head of School, we reflected on ways to grow even stronger — and one area we identified was communication. Among the many forms of communication that keep a school community thriving, the partnership between school and families is perhaps the most essential of all.

How We Communicate With Families

At Serendipity School, relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and strong communication is one of the best ways to nurture them. Families can expect clear, open lines of communication with teachers and school leadership throughout the year. Teachers are available through phone calls, emails, and informal conversations, and you can always count on a timely response to your questions or concerns. While morning drop-off (8:00–8:20a.m.) is designed for convenience, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to park, walk in, and let your child proudly show you their classroom. These brief, in-person moments aren’t meant for in-depth conferences but do help foster trust, warmth, and connection between families and teachers.

Teachers will also share opportunities for families to take part in classroom life—whether reading a favorite story, helping with an art project, chaperoning a field trip, or giving a presentation about something you’re passionate about. We encourage you to jump in and share your talents; your involvement helps create the vibrant, connected learning environment that makes Serendipity unique.

For school-wide updates, The Friday Forecast is our go-to email, full of upcoming calendar dates, announcements, and articles about our educational philosophy, curriculum, and Specials programs. At the classroom level, one of our most important communications is Thursday Things to Know, a weekly newsletter sent by your child’s teacher.

Why We Send Thursday Things to Know

Our goal at Serendipity is to keep families informed, engaged, and connected to what their children are learning. Thursday Things to Know is more than a newsletter; it’s an intentional part of our mission to communicate not only what is happening in your child’s classroom but also how and why we teach the way we do. When families understand both the “why” and the “how,” they can see our philosophy in action, celebrate their child’s growth, and feel even more connected to our community.

How Families Can Use Thursday Things to Know

Thursday Things is not simply a calendar of events — it’s a window into your child’s learning journey. Each week, teachers share insights into how students are developing their literacy, math, and critical thinking skills, and how they are discovering new interests and passions. You’ll also find a section called “Things to Do at Home,” which is not traditional homework but rather conversation starters and gentle suggestions designed to extend learning, nurture curiosity, and help your child see that learning happens everywhere.

This thoughtful communication helps families feel confident in their child’s educational experience, while also inviting you to be partners in the process. By engaging with Thursday Things, you’ll have a front-row seat to the joyful, hands-on, inquiry-driven learning that defines Serendipity School.

Finally, a reminder that my door, and inbox, are always open. Have a question about something you heard at Back to School Night? Curious about how we teach math, explore the outdoors, or spark creativity in the Innovation Studio? Want to observe a Specials class or class lesson?

I’d love to chat.

Feel free to reach out anytime at Liz@serendipityschool.com or stop by the office when you’re on campus.

Liz