Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

"Communication is everyone's panacea for everything" T. Peters

This morning I listened with intent focus to the local radio station, while the gents on the morning show discussed what time an upcoming football game was, and if the time was correct or had been changed. They reported times usually change at will, and their noted frustration of trying to figure out when the game would be played was apparent. Their statements made me reminisce about my highlights of the lack of confidence in communications from the local, public school district, and my letters to the editor highlighting this continued frustration. In previous letters, I noted a variety of schools from AA to Class C, including Melstone and Winnett, utilize social media and a variety of platforms to keep not only the parents informed, but also the taxpaying public in which funds their District's advances. Last week I sent a communication to the District office inquiring if school was being dismissed early due to Homecoming. Other parents shared they were unaware of schedule of dismissal time change, and wanted to confirm the happenings. My email questioning the early out was sent at 8:23 AM and the District office finally announced the days early out and happenings on all platforms at 9:11. It ought not be the premise or role of the public or parents to figure out the educational institution happenings, but should be, as the Districts Public Relations policy 4120 states- the Superintendent "will establish and maintain a communication process within the school system and between it and the community" and will "provide for regular direct communications". My hope is all schools charged with educating the young minds of the future realize how important communication is to parents and communities, and fix any ineptness's it may currently have.

Gary Van Dyke

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