The engagement level of students, parents and community members are higher around back to school time, which means it's a good time to showcase your school and celebrate the beginning of a new year. According the National School Public Relations Association, here a few tips to think about:
- Have a kick-off picnic or potluck to meet new parents and re-engage with others. Showcase past successes and new initiatives for the year.
- Some teachers, principals and counselors will visit the homes of incoming students during the summer just to say “hello.” It's a good way to make an early connection and to find out about the students and their parents — their interests and their hobbies — and let them see you're a real and caring person. A 10- or 15-minute visit can make all the difference to a frightened child or an apprehensive parent.
- It's a good time to let community members know how they can get involved in schools and what your school can offer to the community (events, computer lab, fitness, etc.).
- A telephone call or quick note to new students/parents, telling them who you are and how pleased you are that they’ll be in your class/school.
What's your district and administrative team doing to celebrate the beginning of another school year?