How to Engage Parents Beyond the PTM: Polls, Forums and Feedback

Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) have long been the backbone of parent-school communication. But in 2025, one or two meetings a term are simply not enough. Today’s parents want to be involved, heard, and empowered—not just updated.

So, how can schools move beyond the traditional PTM and build ongoing, meaningful relationships with parents? The answer lies in digital engagement tools like polls, forums, and feedback systems, all seamlessly integrated into the SchoolFirst App.

Why Parent Engagement Matters More Than Ever

Studies show that children whose parents are actively engaged in their education tend to:

• ✔ Perform better academically
• ✔ Display improved behavior and confidence
• ✔ Have better school attendance
• ✔ Show increased motivation and curiosity

In today’s world, where work schedules and physical distances limit face-to-face meetings, schools need to create digital spaces where parents can participate consistently.

1. Real-Time Feedback with In-App Polls

PTMs are usually one-way streets—teachers talk, parents listen. But what if parents could share their thoughts, preferences, or concerns whenever it matters? SchoolFirst’s Feedback Polls feature allows schools to:

• Collect quick opinions on school programs, new policies, or upcoming events
• Involve parents in decision-making (e.g., “Which extracurricular should we add?”)
• Get data-driven insights to improve school experiences

It’s fast, anonymous, and inclusive. Every parent gets a voice—not just the vocal few.

2. Building Community Through Forums

Think of SchoolFirst Forums as your school’s private social network—safe, moderated, and purposeful. There are two types:

• Public Forums for parents and general users (e.g., parenting tips, announcements)
• Internal Forums for school staff to discuss academic plans, events, and admin topics

Benefits of Forums:

• Encourage peer-to-peer learning among parents
• Build community around shared goals and student success
• Allow teachers to clarify doubts and share resources post-class
• Keep everyone in the loop without a hundred WhatsApp groups

Forums create dialogue, not just broadcasts.

3. Actionable Feedback That Leads to Change

One of the most underused tools in schools is constructive parent feedback. Instead of waiting for complaints, SchoolFirst encourages schools to regularly ask:

• “How was your experience with the online store?”
• “Was the annual event well-organized?”
• “How satisfied are you with your child’s classroom communication?”

The app compiles responses into simple dashboards—so schools can spot trends, take action, and close the feedback loop.

4. Educating Parents, Not Just Engaging Them

Through features like:

• Parenting workshops
• Group messages with academic tips
• Daily learning updates