On open house night (which is before school), I put a paper on each student's desk that has 3 questions.

3 - Tell me three things that you think are special about your child. (hobbies, sports, interests, etc.)
2 - Tell me two words to describe your child.
1 - Tell me one goal/wish for this school year.

I often invite parents to add any other information that they wish.

If a parent does not attend open house, I send home this paper the first week and also electronically.

I make a note in my calendar to review this information again in mid-October and again in January. It helps me to connect curriculum to individual students.

When we have orientation, pre planning week, I have a questionnaire for the parents. I then email the parents with signups to allow for maximum involvement. I also send out the link to the county‘s volunteer sign up form. Then I send emails out to the parents daily with a “new year tip” to help them adjust to the policies and procedures to the grade. I have even put in emails a “pass phrase” that the first parent who sends it in gets a gift card. Normally the pass phrase is at the end of the email to make sure the parents read the whole email.

Besides the great ideas listed already, I also suggest a positive note and/or phone call home the first two weeks of school. This gives parents something positive about their child. You would not believe the amount of times parents have said to me, "I never receive a positive call home about my child." Parents love to hear great things and will remember this phone call. It also allows you and opportunity to answer any questions that they may have which makes them feel like they have been heard.

There are times when I spontaneously will meet with them during the time teachers are back setting up their rooms. They may be new in the area or want to drop off supplies for the classrooms. For a more semi-formal setting, after the room is set up I would have a meet the teacher time (the school sets it up for all grades) where I have forms for them from me and the school and an introductory letter. On my sign in sheet, I also ask for their contact information, like phone numbers and emails. Then I show the student their desk and different learning spaces around the room. The parents are often interested in the schedule, which is posted. We usually have time to talk about their child and they want to share info about their likes and dislikes, medical information I might need and at times, they give me a heads up on behavior issues they may have experienced the previous year. And for NBCTs, I give them a release form (you know what I am talking about!)

Our school always does a parent night prior to school starting… as an elementary building etc
Most universities also especially the two that I I work for university supervisor have all these candidates share and all about me digital presentation
In the past, we have even done social media posts - a virtual welcome where the principal stands in the front door and they get a little sneak peek into different parts of the building

I invite families to fill out a survey with questions both for the adults and the child to answer. It engages families in working together and talking about their responses. As families fill out this survey, I circulate around the room and introduce myself and ask about one of their responses. I also make a phone call home to each family the first week of school to learn more about each child from their family and to share a positive thing about their child.

We have an open house before school begins to help build relationships. I also send home a parent letter to introduce myself. I also make sure that I give my parents the opportunity to ask questions and let them know that they are always welcome to do so.