Small schools have a lot on their plate. They are responsible for providing education to students, but they also have to communicate with parents, guardians, and the community. This can be a lot to manage, especially if the school doesn’t have a dedicated communications staff. However, there are ways that small schools can simplify their communications. Here are eight ways to simplify school communications you should try out:
#1: Create a Communication Plan
Every school needs to create a communication plan. This will help you determine what needs to be communicated and when. It will also help you figure out the best way to communicate with your audience. For example, you might use a mix of email, social media, and print materials. Your communication plan should include:
-Purpose of the communication
-Audience you’re trying to reach
-Message you want to communicate
-The channels you’ll use to communicate
-Timing of the communication
Creating a communication plan will help you simplify school communications by giving you a roadmap to follow.
#2: Keep it Simple
When communicating with parents and guardians, keep your message simple. They likely don’t have a lot of time to read through long emails or announcements. Get to the point and provide any relevant information in a concise way. Do not use jargon or technical terms that they might not understand.
#3: Use an Email Service Provider
An email service provider (ESP) can be an effective option for managing your school’s communications. ESPs offer features like email templates and mailing lists, which can make it easier to stay organized and send out mass communications. Also, be sure to take advantage of ESPs that offer free plans for small schools.
#4: Create a School Calendar
A school calendar can be used to keep track of important dates and events. It can also be shared with parents and guardians, so they know what’s happening. Make sure to include holidays, breaks, and early dismissals so parents can plan accordingly. This can be a physical calendar that’s distributed or an online calendar that’s accessible on your school’s website.
#5: Use Social Media
Small schools often forget to utilize social media. But it can be a great way to communicate with parents, guardians, and the community. Be sure to post updates on your school’s website and social media accounts as frequently as possible. You can also use social media to promote events and share important information.
#6: Make a Website
Every school should have a website. This is an easy way to share information with anyone who needs it. Be sure to include important contact information, your school calendar, and links to your social media accounts. You can also use your website to post news and updates as they happen, along with social media.
#7: Send out a Newsletter
Newsletters are a great way to share information about your school with parents and guardians. They can be sent out electronically or through the mail. Include important dates, news, and events in your newsletter. You can also use it to promote school programs or share success stories. Always include stories about students, staff, and faculty to help humanize your school.
#8: Have a Parent-Teacher Night
Parent-teacher night can help teachers give more in-depth feedback about a student’s progress. It also offers parents and guardians a chance to ask questions and get to know the teachers. This can be done once a semester or once a year, depending on your school’s schedule. If needed, they can be done more frequently.
Hopefully, these eight tips will help you simplify small school communication issues within your school!
SchoolCues is an all-in-one school management system for small schools with limited budgets and resources. Our solutions include admissions and enrollment, online payments, student information system, gradebook, communications, parent engagement, donations and fundraising, alumni management, and more. Schedule a demo with us today.