To better communicate with all families across the division, teachers now are able to use their classroom phones to make long distance calls to the parents and guardians of their students. This change will make it easier for teachers to engage students’ families. It also recognizes the diversity represented across our school populations, especially given the number of families with cell phone area codes other than 434.

Long distance calling will require the use of a passcode that will be unique to each school. Principals have received the code for their building. This change is being done on a three-month pilot basis. The division then will evaluate long distance phone usage and costs before deciding whether to continue this practice for the entire school year. Long distance calls by teachers should continue to be limited to parent/guardian communications.