The Sweetest Way to Build Strong School Partnerships

Every August or September, schools have the opportunity to set the stage for the entire year. And no, I’m not talking about the back-to-school bash or the first football game.

I’m talking about PIE Night.

PIE stands for Partners in Education, and this meeting is one of the most powerful tools schools can use to prevent problems, align expectations, and foster trust between families, teachers, and administrators. And yes, we serve pie, because nothing makes a serious conversation more inviting than dessert.

But make no mistake: PIE Night isn’t fluff. It’s foundational.

Why PIE Night Matters

The heart of PIE is partnership. Education was never designed to be carried by schools alone. Children thrive when home and school walk in alignment, sharing responsibility for their growth, character, and success.

The PIE Agreement reminds us that parents are the primary teachers of their children, and schools exist to supplement, not replace, that role. Discipline and character-shaping begin at home, while schools reinforce and support those values. PIE Night brings this truth front and center: we are partners, not opponents.

Without a clear and unified partnership, problems are inevitable:

• Parents misunderstand school discipline and jump to conclusions.

• Teachers feel unsupported when homework or attendance expectations are not reinforced.

• Administrators spend hours untangling conflicts that a conversation could have solved.

PIE Night prevents these conflicts before they ever take root.

What Makes PIE Night Different

PIE Night isn’t optional. It’s mandatory. Families must either attend or schedule a one-on-one meeting with the principal if they cannot. Why? Because alignment matters that much. If a parent misses the meeting, they miss the agreement—the moment when the school and families put in writing that they are working together for the good of children.

The PIE Agreement lays out expectations clearly:

• Families support school authority and discipline measures.

• Parents engage in civil, respectful communication and avoid gossip.

• Everyone commits to handling conflict directly and constructively.

• Parents uphold responsibilities such as homework support, attendance, and positive partnership.

This clarity creates peace of mind for teachers, consistency for students, and trust for parents.

And yes, we add some fun:

• Pie is served. Hospitality makes hard conversations easier.

• Students are incentivized. When kids know their parents’ attendance means a reward, they become our best recruiters. Incentives can include free ice cream, free homework pass, free dress pass, etc.

• Communication is loud and clear. Text reminders, take-home notes, and emails leave no excuse for missing this mandatory event. 

Inside PIE Night

A powerful PIE Night flows in three stages:

1. The Big Picture: Partnership and Purpose

Leaders open the night by affirming: We aren’t perfect, but we strive to do what’s best for kids. We are partners, and we need to act like partners. This sets the tone of humility and collaboration.

2. The Practical: Expectations and Systems

Parents hear directly about what matters most for student success:

• Attendance and punctuality

• Homework expectations

• Using the SIS and checking grades

• Supporting teachers and respecting school authority

• Participating in events and fundraisers

We also introduce the conflict resolution plan:

1. Meet with the teacher first.

2. If unresolved, meet with the principal.

3. If the issue remains unresolved, leadership will step in.

This framework stops minor problems from growing into major disputes.

3. The Classroom Connection

Parents end the night in their child’s classroom. Teachers review classroom management systems, homework folders, and communication tools. Parents meet homeroom coordinators, connect with other families, and see firsthand how they can support learning at home.

The evening closes with signatures on the PIE Agreement, sealing the commitment that this is a partnership built on trust, respect, and shared responsibility.

The Impact of PIE

When schools faithfully hold PIE Night, the results are undeniable:

• Fewer conflicts. Parents know the process for raising concerns.

• Stronger teacher support. Parents understand their role in reinforcing classroom expectations.

• Improved culture. Gossip is replaced by healthy communication.

• Greater unity. Parents and staff feel they’re pulling in the same direction.

I’ve seen discipline referrals decrease, staff morale increase, and parents become champions for the school simply because of this one gathering. PIE is not just another meeting—it is the foundation for a year of shared purpose.

More Than Pie

At its core, PIE Night is about more than eating dessert or signing a paper. It’s about creating a covenant of partnership. It’s about protecting teachers from being undermined, protecting parents from feeling unheard, and protecting children by ensuring the adults in their lives are united.

When we connect, communicate, and commit to one another, everyone wins.

So yes—serve the pie. Give the kids their incentive. Send out the reminders. But more importantly, claim the power of partnership. Because when families and schools come together as true partners in education, kids don’t just learn. They flourish.