You will receive communication on expected topics. Expected communication topics always meet the criteria for direct communication with families because the topics uphold a mutual value shared between families and staff. You will receive these messages via phone call, text message, email and/or U.S. mail. 

Examples of Expected Topics include student progress, school closures, student attendance, injury or harm, specialized services, New York State updates and information, emergency response notification, class relocation, new educator or principal, and major construction.

You may receive communication on additional topics. Additional communications can range from information that is available to families but not always shared directly with you. How will you receive additional communication? You will receive these messages via district or school websites and social media, to list a few examples. Please see the summary of digital platform/tools for families at Gates Chili.

Examples of additional topics include transportation delays, power outages, routine safety drills, program news and updates, building and district events, and much more!

As partners in education, families can support Communication Standards by:

• Ensuring your phone number, email and home address are current at your school 
• Securing passwords for Gates Chili platforms  
• Frequently visiting platforms to learn what is new 
• Navigating inquiries and concerns using the GC Inquiries Flowchart
• Providing feedback at the class, school, or district levels  

Questions? Email communications@gateschili.org.

Essential Channels: A parents/guardian or caregiver is required to provide contact information to the district, which includes telephone number, email address, and mailing address. In addition to the SchoolTool Parent Portal, U.S. mail, email, phone call and text message make up the essential channels. 

Supportive Channels: At Gates Chili, we value the importance of timely and ongoing communication with families. All other platforms approved by Gates Chili are supportive channels of communication, including Schoology, social media, school newsletters, signage and websites. Supportive channels are encouraged in their use by staff and families. 

Digital Platforms: Digital platform is any Gates Chili-approved electronic tool for communication such as the Schoology, the SchoolTool Parent Portal, and the district or school website as examples. All Digital Platforms for families are available at this link. 

Direct Communication: Parents/guardians and caregivers will receive direct communication in the form of an in-person conversation, telephone, email, or mail when events or situations occur that meet the criteria for an expected topic.  

Expected Topics: Expected communication topics always meet the criteria for direct communication with parents/guardians and caregivers because the topics uphold a mutual value shared between families and staff.  

Additional Communication: Additional communications can range from information that is available to a parents/guardian or caregiver but not always shared directly with them. Such examples include a notification on a website, information on a platform, a courtesy message or campaigns. 

Why is Gates Chili introducing Communication Standards?  

Communication Standards help staff communicate effectively and keep parents, guardians, and caregivers informed. With these guidelines, staff will know how, what, and when to communicate. Standards create a consistent experience for families from school to school and remove duplication of messaging between the school and the Board of Education. Clear communication also provides space for feedback, which is a priority in Gates Chili communications as we honor all voices.  

Who are Communications Standards for?  

Communications Standards are for parents, guardians, and caregivers who entrust HWDSB staff with their child/ren. In addition, Communication Standards is a supportive resource for staff members who are in positions where they communicate with parents, guardians, and caregivers.  

When do parents, guardians, and caregivers refer to Communications Standards?  

Communications Standards act as a reference to determine when communication is required and when effective practices of communication can contribute to a positive school environment.  

What happens if I do not receive communications and I think I should?  

Contact your school to inquire. A parent/guardian or caregiver’s information may require an update to their contact information, or a discussion is required on the topic to determine if communication was shared.  

What considerations are made when there is communication with families? 

• Privacy – Gates Chili upholds the highest standards of privacy. Communication must be respectful of individual privacy when sending a message to others. This is also required under federal and state privacy laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and New York State Education Law 2-d.
• Partnerships – Gates Chili works collaboratively with community partners. When there is communication that involves a community partner, Gates Chili staff work with those groups to validate and verify content.  

When were the Communication Standards developed?  

Led by the Communications Department, the Communication Standards were developed in the 2022-23 school year. The implementation of the Gates Chili Communication Standards will occur in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.