Which action should the principal and the leadership team take first in order to achieve the goal of strengthening connections to families and community?

• A. Conduct a survey of families and community members in order to identify needs and solicit ideas
• B. Host a large fundraising event
• C. Increase the number of newsletters
• D. Create a student advisory council without parent input

Answer: (A)

Engaging families and the community starts with listening and learning from them to know what they need and value. Conducting a survey of families and community members to identify needs and solicit ideas is the best first step because it creates a two-way, evidence-based foundation for action. It shows the leadership team values input, gathers diverse perspectives, and provides concrete data to guide priorities and resource decisions.

Other options miss that foundational step. A large fundraising event focuses on raising money rather than building authentic, sustained connections. Increasing newsletters adds more one-way communication but may not reveal real needs or invite meaningful participation. Creating a student advisory council without parent input excludes families from the process, weakening trust and collaboration with the broader community.