When: September 11, 2024, from 12:30-1:30 PM
Audience: District administrators, building administrators, Public Records Officers, and other employees who assist with public records requests

Session Description:

Public records attorneys, Jason Brown and Stephanie Faust from Spokane law firm Stevens Clay, P.S., will discuss the common mistakes they see school district employees make, some common misconceptions about the Public Records Act (PRA), and provide some helpful tips for avoiding some sticky PRA situations.

Some of the information covered in this training includes:

• Situations when a personal cell phone or texts may be subject to public records requests (and how to avoid them)
• Examples of information that can and cannot be shared outside of your organization
• Tips for streamlining public records requests
• PRA hot topics and trending issues
• Some recent legal updates, including the impact of Initiative 2081

Participants will receive a copy of the slide deck and a handout with helpful information about the PRA that can be shared with building staff.

When: October 16, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM
Audience: District administrators, building administrators (especially elementary)

Session Description:

2024 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Gold Medallion Award Winning Campaign | To address an alarming rate of absenteeism across all grades and schools, the Communications Department launched an attendance campaign that targeted kindergarten parents beginning in August 2023 and grades 1-12 beginning in September 2023, with particular emphasis on secondary students and parents. Learn about this award-winning campaign which included a resource-driven website, an aggressive social media campaign, attendance-related videos, other videos that emphasized the importance of belonging and connection, resources for parents, plus coaching and a Communications Toolkit for school administrators and staff.

When: November 13, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM
Audience: District administrators, building administrators (especially middle and high school)

Session Description:

2024 NSPRA (National School Public Relations Association) Golden Achievement Award Winner

When the Grand Island Senior High decided to be a "cell phone free" school, administrators, staff and student leaders and the district communications team embarked on a bold endeavor to build a sustainable and empowering model of being "cell phone free" in classrooms, hallways and cafeterias. Learn about this award-winning initiative that involved a one-month planning process; a two-month intentional multimedia communication and education rollout for students, staff and families; and a firm "go live" date when students returned from winter break in January. Through it all, what we found - and what we built - was a pathway to a healthier, more engaged and socially conscious public high school. 

When: December 11, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM
Audience: District administrators, building administrators (especially elementary)

Session Description:

Showcasing student voice is an effective way to engage with your community and highlight your strategic plan initiatives. Your youngest learners (transitional kindergarten through 3rd grade) should be part of that outreach. In this session, learn how to identify students to interview, tips on how to engage them in conversation, and share filming and editing strategies to highlight their unique voice. The skills learned here will focus on video but could easily apply to podcasts and print media. 

When: January 15, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Audience: Central office and building leaders and those delegated to support school and district communications efforts

Session Description:

This session will showcase how Canva's simple and user-friendly platform can transform your school's communications. Learn about the latest tools and features that Canva offers to help you create visually appealing and effective communications. From social media graphics to newsletters and presentations, explore how Canva can elevate your messaging, help enhance culture through branding and engage your community. 

When: February 19, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Audience: Central office and building leaders

Session Description:

Join us for "Rallying the Team," a session designed specifically for school leaders looking to enhance staff engagement through effective marketing strategies. This session will provide you with innovative and budget-friendly ideas to make educators and support staff feel valued and appreciated. Learn how to leverage communications and recognition programs to boost morale and create a supportive work environment, just in time for National Teacher Appreciation Week. Discover practical tools and techniques to celebrate your team, foster a culture of appreciation, and ensure that every staff member feels recognized for their contributions.

When: March 19, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Audience: Central office and building leaders

Session Description:

Communication is the key to engaging stakeholders and as a building administrator you are the Principal Communicator of your school. Even though you probably know how important timely communication is, unfortunately, website updates, school newsletters and principal blogs are the first to go when the pile of principal to-do's is stacking up and something has to give. What are parents looking for? Where do they look? And, how can you create quick systems to ensure consistency in your approach? Leave this session with small things you can do (or better yet... delegate someone else to do) that make a BIG impact in engaging your families.

When: April 16, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Audience: Central office and building leaders

Session Description:

Unlock the potential of artificial intelligence in your school's communication strategies with our session, "Artificial Imagination" Designed for school leaders, this session explores a range of A.I. tools, apps, and platforms that can help you generate innovative ideas, craft compelling communications, and bring your creative visions to life through design. Discover how A.I. can streamline your workflow, enhance engagement, and make your communications fast, fun, and uniquely effective. Join us to learn practical applications and best practices for integrating A.I. into your school's communication toolkit.

When: May 14, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Audience: Central office and building leaders

Session Description:

School leaders will discover how to harness the power of existing communication channels to engage parents and students during the summer months. By implementing effective communication strategies, leaders can bridge the gap between academic years, foster a sense of community, and ensure a successful start to the new school year. Join us to explore practical tips, innovative ideas, and proven methods for keeping families informed, motivated, and excited about the upcoming school year.