Superintendent’s Desk: Moving beyond information sharing to more meaningful communication
by Jeffrey Trapp, superintendent of schools
As the calendar turns to September and we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I find myself reflecting on the energy that has filled our hallways these past few weeks. It has been a joy to see our students reconnecting with friends and teachers. As I have shared before, this community is my home, and serving as your superintendent is a responsibility I hold dear. One goal this year is to move beyond just information- sharing toward true, meaningful connection. Our school is truly about the people, and we want to foster open, trusting communication between our families and our schools. As we begin a new school year, I want to focus on two things regarding communication: how we communicate and our desire to be accessible to our families and community.
One district. One communication platform.
This year, Stockbridge Community Schools has moved to ParentSquare as our primary communication platform. Our goal is simple: make communication easier, more consistent, and more accessible for everyone. Instead of information being spread across multiple apps and platforms, ParentSquare gives families one central place to receive district and school updates and communicate with staff. We want to make sure you have the information you need when you need it.
We are here to listen
While ParentSquare is an important tool, people are at the heart of communication. We want our families and community members to know that we are available, approachable, and ready to listen. If you have a question or concern, please reach out. The best way to get an answer is to start with the person closest to the situation. Questions about a classroom should begin with the teacher. Building concerns should begin with the building principal. If an issue needs to move further through the district, we will make sure it gets to the right person. Following the chain of communication helps us respond quickly, solve problems at the appropriate level, and ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard. (See accompanying “Chain of Communication” and “Contact List”)
My door is always open, and I encourage you to reach out. We want to hear from you, we want to work with you, and we want to continue building trust together. At the end of the day, communication is about relationships. When we work together and keep the lines of communication open, our students ultimately will benefit.
We Are Stockbridge. Go Panthers!
Jeff Trapp
Superintendent
Stockbridge Community Schools
CONTACT LIST
Go to the school website at panthernet.net to locate teacher contact information.
Smith Elementary Principal Nicole Greiter greitern@panthernet.net
517-851-7735, Ext. 3210
Heritage Elementary Principal Julie White whitej@panthernet.net
517-851-8600, Ext. 4116
Junior/Senior High School Principal Meghan Kunzelman kunzelmanm@panthernet.net
517-851-7770, Ext. 6405
Junior/Senior High Student Support Josh Nichols nicholsj@panthernet.net
517-851-7770, Ext. 6403
PASS Program Director Steve Allison allisons@panthernet.net
517-851-7770, Ext. 7654
Transportation Director Carolyn Malinski malinskic@panthernet.net
517-851-8452
Athletic Director Dan Stafford staffordd@panthernet.net
517-851-7770, Ext. 3207
Community Education Coordinator Dena Sommer sommerd@panthernet.net
517-851-8600, Ext. 4129
Special Education Director Kelsey Jennett jennettk@panthernet.net
517-851-8600, Ext. 4131
Assistant Superintendent Amy Hodgson hodgsona@panthernet.net
517-851-7188, Ext. 6406
Superintendent Jeff Trapp trappj@panthernet.net
517-851-7188, Ext. 5501
Board of Education Central Office killingk@panthernet.net
517-851-7188, Ext. 6407

