Operating Principles and Engagement Norms

Guidelines for Working Together

As PSD staff, families and community members partner together to help students be successful, our operating principles and community engagement norms are posted below to guide us in our work and our communication with each other.
 

Staff, Family/Guardian & Community Engagement Norms

These norms aim to create a culture of mutual respect, effective communication, and collaboration, fostering positive relationships within the PSD community. 

  • Respectful Communication and Response Time: All calls or emails (that are not emergencies - does not require 911 services) will be acknowledged within three school days and the scheduling of appointments, if appropriate, will take place as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Established Appointments for Constructive Conversations: Appointments will be established as a norm for addressing concerns or discussing important matters, allowing for emotions to settle and providing adequate time for preparation and research beforehand. [Healthy Goals Dialogue] [Sentence Stems for Healthy Conflict]
  • Mutual Respect and Non-Confrontational Behavior: All communication will be conducted with general respectful language and non-confrontational behavior, fostering an environment of understanding and collaboration.
  • Boundaries and Respect for Personal Lives: Respect for boundaries between work and personal lives will be maintained, with sensitive matters not being addressed in community settings. All conversations are centered around work related topics.
  • Resolution Process and Strengthening Partnerships: Challenges will be addressed through a resolution process that prioritizes direct communication between parties involved, avoiding escalation to higher authorities initially. Partnerships will be strengthened by assuming best intentions, seeking the truth through dialogue, and maintaining patience and positivity throughout the process.

We assume conversations will take place within the norms established above and regular communication processes are followed.