Skip To Main Content

Communication

Communication

Marion Cross School encourages open and frequent communication with parents. If you have a complaint or concern, you are asked to meet with the staff member who is closest to the problem.  If your problem cannot be resolved at this first level, you are invited to speak with Mr. Gonyaw.  He will do everything possible to bring people together and find a solution or compromise. 


Below is a list of people who can help you with general problems.

Whom Do I Contact If….

…. I have general concerns about Marion Cross School?

Shawn Gonyaw, Principal

…. I have general questions or concerns about how my child is doing?

Your child's homeroom teacher

…. I would like information about my child’s schedule?

Your child's homeroom teacher 

… I would like to set up a meeting with one or all of my child’s teachers?

Your child's homeroom teacher or Greg Bagnato, Associate Principal

… I would like more information about special education?

Greg Bagnato, Associate Principal, who will put you in contact with the appropriate case manager. 

… I have concerns about special education?

The Director of Special Education at SAU 70; THEN the Superintendent of Schools; THEN the School Board

… I have concerns about a particular faculty member?

First, that faculty member; THEN Shawn Gonyaw

 …. I have general concerns about student behavior or policy?

Your student’s homeroom teacher; THEN Greg Bagnato

… I have general concerns related to the building and its maintenance?

Tony Daigle, Facilities Director

… I have concerns about school policy or school finance?

The Superintendent of Schools; THEN the School Board

… I would like to reserve a room in the building for an event?

The SAU Facilities Department. Visit their website for more information; https://www.sau70.org/departments/facilities

 … I would like to serve as a school substitute?

SAU HR Office; Visit their website for more information http://www.sau70.org/faculty-staff/employment

… I would like to volunteer at Marion Cross School?

Our Volunteer Coordinator for opportunities. Some opportunities require a state background check,

Visit the SAU volunteer page for more information. https://www.sau70.org/resources/volunteer

… I remain concerned about an issue that has already been handled by someone listed above?

Shawn Gonyaw; THEN the Superintendent: THEN the School Board

The school phone number is (802) 649-1703. Each teacher has an extension and voicemail.  In most cases, the school employee’s email address is firstnamelastname@sau70.org

 

Other Questions About Communication

...How do I contact my child’s teacher?

The school telephone is answered between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM each day. Messages for teachers may be left in their voicemail accounts or sent to them at, in most cases, the school employee’s email address is firstnamelastname@sau70.org.

...How do I contact my child during the school day?

Messages for students should be left with the office. Many teachers are unable to check their messages until after school.  In order to limit interruptions of classroom teaching, please do not walk into a classroom unannounced or contact your child by phone. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day.  If you need to get a message to your child immediately, please go directly to the main office. The office will deliver such items as lunches, clothing, books, or forgotten homework.

...How does my child get in touch with me during the school day?

Again, students may not use cell phones during the school day.  They may use the office or classroom phone, but only if they have permission from their teacher.  The office is open after school until 4:00 PM. With permission from the office receptionist, they may use the phone until then.  After 4:00 PM, the office is closed and the phone is no longer available.

...How often does my child’s teacher get in touch with me?

Written notices to parents are typically sent home on Mondays and/or Fridays.  However, teachers or the office may need to send information at other times. Please check your child’s backpack on a daily basis for school communication.  Most information is sent via email, in the PTO Notes, and by teachers and classroom PTO reps. Please read all of these communications carefully. In addition, Who’s Wise Words, the MCS weekly newsletter, will be sent weekly.

...Can I get in touch with my child’s teacher by email?

Email is an expected means of communication at MCS. The following are the email guidelines that teachers at Marion Cross School have been given by the school administration. We hope this helps parents understand why our emails are the way they are.

  1. Keep emails short.
  2. Be specific with your subject line.
  3. Get right to the point in your first sentence.
  4. If you want a response, put that in your message.
  5. If a response is requested, reply within 24 hours, even just to say you will get back in touch later.
  6. Use emails to set up meetings, arrange schedules, share information and confirm details.
  7. Avoid the use of email to discuss major issues.
  8. Avoid the use of email to discuss students.
  9. Avoid the use of students’ names.
  10. If you have an urgent message or need an immediate response, call or meet face to face.
  11. The expectation is that email does not require a response outside of the school hours of 7:30AM - 3:30PM.