Principals tweet to talk with parents

The Somerset school principals have each started their own Twitter account. They are using Twitter to communicate with students and parents. Of course, the tweets from each school tend to vary.

For the elementary school, Principal Darren Kern said his tweets cover important things happening in school.

“For example,” Kern said, “I tweeted about kids doing the morning announcements.”

It was Kern’s idea to start using Twitter as a new way to communicate with parents.

“I believe very strongly that involving parents and caregivers in the education of their child is extremely important,” Kern said, “so I am trying lots of new and different ways to try and keep our parents informed.”

Kern said he is still learning to use Twitter, but as he learns more, he will be able to utilize it more fully.

“It’s fun to have people follow you and stay in tune with what’s going on at the elementary school,” Kern said.

Middle School Principal Sara Eichten said she already had a Twitter account she uses it for professional development, so she was relatively familiar with Twitter when Kern suggested the Somerset school principals start their accounts.

Eichten now has two accounts, the first (for professional development) and her account as middle school principal.

“I thought it was a great idea because we’re always looking for ways to touch more people and it’s pretty quick and easy to do,” Eichten said. “I also like that I can do it from here,” Eichten added, indicating her iPhone.

While Eichten enjoys using Twitter, she said she would love to see more parents following her on Twitter.

“It would be fantastic to get more because it’s more immediate information,” Eichten said. “It keeps them informed because, especially at the middle school level, the kids don’t always tell mom and dad what’s going on.”

Eichten said she would be happy to help parents who might be interested in Twitter but are unsure how to use it.

“I’m excited to see where it may go because I don’t know where it may go,” Eichten said. “I don’t know how that connection with the community will change. I’m hoping it will grow.”

High School Principal Shawn Madden is one person Eichten has helped set up Twitter. Madden did not know much about Twitter when Kern suggested the idea of using the service to Somerset School District Superintendent Randy Rosburg. Madden said he went to Kern and Eichten for help getting started with Twitter when he was setting up his account.

“It’s too early to tell what results I’ll have with it,” Madden said. But he did say he was excited about the opportunity to communicate with students and parents on a daily basis.

Madden’s Twitter audience is a little different from Eichten’s or Kerns, as Twitter use is more common among high school kids.

Madden said his tweets are aimed at parents, students and staff.

“It just gives people updates and messages and upcoming events, things of that nature,” Madden said. “I guess the sky’s the limit with this opportunity for communication.”

Madden’s Twitter handle is @SHSprincipalM. Kern’s is @SEprincipalKern and Eichten’s is @SMSPrincipalE.

Tags: somerset schools, communities, somerset, education