Learning from Experience

The recent Senate campaign in Massachusetts reinforced a long-held belief for me in a clear and powerful way. Last weekend, two days before the election we received more than thirty automated phone calls in my home from the two major candidates. I received "personalized" messages from President Obama, Vice President Biden, one of the candidates' daughter, and the candidates themselves. It was absolutely dizzying. The phone never stopped ringing! I never knew I was so popular! I felt "so important." However, I heard the same message over and over again and before too long, I began to wish that the Do Not Call list covered political messages. I thank the technology gods for answering machines and Comcast call screening.

As I was being beseiged by the political begging all weekend, I could not help thinking about the power I have at my disposal as a high school principal. We subscribe to ConnectEd, a sophisticated automated phone system which allows us to communicate with parents by creating one message which is then delivered to selected homes in a matter of seconds. This system was purchased primarily for making an emergency call should the need ever arise. However, we also use it to notify parents about upcoming events and no school announcements. It is fast, foolproof, convenient, and unfortunately, prone to abuse.

So, after last weekend's experience I pledge to never abuse the use of our ConnectEd power. I will only use it to remind parents of open house nights, college planning and financial aid events, and, of course, emergency situations like a lock down. I will continue to send my messages around 6:30 PM and will try to keep them all under one minute. I would love to hear from parents as to how they feel about the infrequent messages I send via ConnectEd.

As always, I am interested in hearing from you.