One of the ironies of our super-connected digital world is that it can sometimes make people feel isolated and disconnected from what's actually happening. This is no less true in the connections between families and schools. Parents often find it challenging to keep up with school activities, especially at the start of a new academic year. 

This week's episode of The Inside Scoop deals with this topic head-on. Host David Owen is joined by Sherri Hill, Cobb's Chief of Staff, to discuss the importance of parental involvement and staying informed and connected.

Ms. Hill has held many roles during her years in the education field; she has been a teacher and an administrator at the school level, and has served on the District's Executive Cabinet for nearly a decade. She is also a parent of three Cobb graduates, so she understands the communication challenges felt by both sides. She highlights the importance of parents engaging directly with teachers in person, as well as subscribing to school newsletters and other communication channels. 

A unique tool available to Cobb Schools' families is CTLS Parent, which is especially helpful for parents with multiple students in different grade levels. Ms. Hill emphasizes the importance of keeping contact information up-to-date to ensure the delivery of important information. She also mentions the benefits of school websites and the PTA as additional ways to stay engaged and involved.

Finally, Ms. Hill highlights how extracurricular activities can help build a supportive community of parents and aid in the overall development of students. She encourages parents to participate in school events, and attend (or watch) school board meetings for insights about district-wide initiatives.