Written by Kate Pechacek
The back-to-school tale of two cities
There’s something exciting about back-to-school season. The new class of kindergarteners enter the doors for the first time, middle schoolers return half a foot taller than when they left less than three months ago, and seniors enter their last, first day of school. It’s also the closest thing educators get to a reset button; fresh rosters, unopened marker packs, and the hope that this year will be the one where every student brings a pencil, the copy machine never jams, and students have all embraced the ethical and innovative uses of AI in the classroom. It’s a season of clean slates, big goals, and endless possibilities.
But let’s be honest: it also sneaks up on you. One minute you’re watching fireworks and flipping burgers, and the next…there it is. That ridiculously large “Back to School” sign greeting you as you enter the doors of your local big box store, practically shouting at you, “I hope you enjoyed summer, because it’s over.”
While educators may meet that sign with mixed emotions, a swirl of a little excitement and let’s just say, less-than-excitement, there’s one group that sees it and immediately lets out a cheer. Families!
That same sign, looming like a countdown clock to hang up the flip flops and reorienting one’s self to the alarm setting feature on the phone, signals something else for parents and caregivers everywhere:
- The return of routine
- The end of being the full-time summer snack supplier
- A break from sibling refereeing
- And the sweet relief of handing their children over to the pros for a few hours a day
For families, back-to-school season represents something bigger: a shared responsibility for their child’s success. It’s the annual reminder that they’re not doing this alone. And as educators, you’re not alone either.
Channeling the positive energy
As you return to your classrooms and offices, we invite you to channel that family energy; the excitement, the hope, even the relief, and let it shape the foundation of your partnerships this year.
Start strong by treating every family as a member of your team. These back-to-school lovers aren’t just dropping their kids off; they also make the very best allies in learning, behavior, attendance, and well-being. Let their joy infuse your welcome rituals. Invite them in. Let them know you’re on the same side.
And remember, you’re not doing this alone either. Families are your partners, and so is TalkingPoints. It’s easy to stay in touch with families throughout the year using the new Family Check-Ins. These seasonal prompts are aligned with the school calendar to help keep families informed and engaged in what’s happening in the classroom. This is just one of a handful of new, easy-to-use features to help families stay connected (see the rest here!).
Discover 3 quick wins for school leaders by reading this blog post about positive first interactions.
We are your partner in connecting with families
Whether you’re a classroom teacher sending your first message of the year, a principal designing back-to-school communications, or a district leader launching engagement campaigns, TalkingPoints exists to make family partnership easier, more accessible, more fully representative, and more effective.
We do this through a simple, research-based approach:
Reach every family, through defaulted text messaging first.We don’t wait for families to download an app or connect to WiFi. TalkingPoints reaches every family automatically through text messaging, the most accessible method available.
Communicate in the language and tone that builds trust.Two-way, K12-contextualized translation in 150+ languages and backed by human translators when needed.
Engage in the easiest and most effective ways possible.
Our platform equips educators with embedded guidance and nudges that move beyond information-sharing to true relationship-building.
Improve outcomes IN the classroom while improving the learning environment AROUND the classroom.From better attendance to stronger academic performance, our impact is measurable, and sustainable.
As you greet this school year with all of its potential and yes, a little chaos, remember we’re cheering you on. Here’s to clean slates, joyful starts, and partnerships that make all the difference.
Let’s do this. Together.
See TalkingPoints in action—watch a 90-second explainer video.
Celebrating 10 years of partnership and impact
For a decade, TalkingPoints has supported students, families, and educators through the power of effective family-school partnerships. As an education technology nonprofit, our award-winning communication and family engagement platform has improved outcomes for districts and students across the country.
We connect 9 million+ educators, students, and family members annually and have facilitated more than one billion conversations—building trust, fostering relationships, and fueling student success. Named by Common Sense Education as “the best overall family communication platform for teachers and schools,” TalkingPoints drives measurable gains in attendance and academic achievement, backed by rigorous, causal research.
Join us in building a future where every child has the support they need to thrive.
