Most Cal High students receive updates from administrators through their school email, regardless of whether they’re being informed about social school events or serious incidents.
For example, on Sept. 29, principal Demetrius Ball sent an email to students about hateful vandalism on three of four homecoming class floats. It also noted how students could report incidents and contact counseling through Cal’s CareLine.
This is an improvement from previous years, such as the 2021-2022 school year, when emails about current events were sent first and foremost to parents instead of students.
But email is still not the most effective form of communication, as urgent incidents can get lumped with an influx of other information.
One alternative is to hold assemblies during student support or lunch.
Though this detracts from time students have for learning or with friends, attending assemblies will make students better informed about events widely gossiped about on campus. Addressing incidents in-person also allows students to directly ask questions to administrators, minimizing the spread of rumors and misinformation.
For example, on Oct. 9, Ball conducted a PTSA meeting to address the racist vandalism on the parade floats, the wanted posters targeting him, and a fight in the school bathroom.
A meeting like this during the school day would help facilitate better communication between administrators and more students.
Students also need to be more aware of how to reach out to counseling and the school’s CareLine for support.
Although this information is included in emails, 46 percent of 35 students surveyed by The Californian didn’t know how to access the tipline. Posting this information in the main building or the office and mentioning it in school-affiliated social media would fix the problem.
Cal administrators have been timely in communicating with students, but by addressing important issues on campus rather than in emails, more students can be reached.