Hotline to connect parents to principals

From Sun., April 17 through Tues., April 19, parents may speak directly with a school principal or school psychologist when the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) hosts its 16th annual Ask-A-Principal Hotline. This is a free service provided in English and Spanish for parents, grandparents or anyone with a question regarding schools, children and education.

About 125 educators will staff the phones and computer terminals while they are attending the NAESP conference. Their purpose is to ease difficulties and encourage constructive communication between schools and families. Family members who are curious, troubled or simply need some reassurance regarding their child’s education may speak confidentially with a principal or get specialized advice from a school psychologist from the National Association of School Psychologists.

The hours to call are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., April 17; 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon., April 18; and 4 to 10 a.m. Tues., April 19. The number is (800) 944-1601. Those preferring to e-mail the hotline should observe the same hours (but may e-mail beginning Sat., April 16) by visiting website www.naesp.org.