Communication. Communication is the life-blood of the Merriam Community. Efficient, effective and responsive communication is essential to the continued health of the school community. Communication is defined as the various means of disseminating information and receiving feedback. The parties involved at Merriam School include parents, teachers, staff, students, Central Office and the Acton community. Any member of the community who chooses not to communicate accepts the decisions of others through their silence.

Individual. Members of the Merriam community are expected to initiate communication as needed. Once a need is expressed, it is a mutual responsibility to respond appropriately. Parties may decide to involve other resources (special education staff, Principal, counselor, consultants, special professionals) as appropriate.

Classroom. Decisions about classroom newsletters and meetings are made by staff members, both individually and as a group. Parent input plays an important role in the continued development of effective classroom communications.

School Community. Decisions about subcommittee communications are made by the individual subcommittees with input from the parent community and staff. In addition, specific communications of the School Council and each subcommittee will made available to the Merriam community. Examples include minutes of meetings, reports to the School Council, postings of meetings and membership openings. Decisions about the content, schedule and distribution of the Community News are made by the editorial staff with input from the parent community and staff.

Decisions regarding common communication practices and approaches rests with the Merriam staff. Staff is also responsible for decisions concerning conference schedules and formats with input from parents in the school-wide evaluation each Spring.

Central Office. Every member of the Merriam community is encouraged to keep open communication with the Central Office. Please refer to the APS/ABRHS parent communication map. Communication maps are available in the school office.

Acton Community. Decisions about communications with the Acton community are made by the individual subcommittees and/or School Council with input from parents and staff.

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