From the Front Porch Looking In: A “Walk-Through” Process for Evaluating Building-Level Communication Presented by: Stephanie Smith Director of Public Relations, Fort Osage R-1 School District MASA/MOSPRA March 2012

I don’t have the time/I do communicate

I want it my way Added to evaluations Invited myself Rules What’s in it for me The “I want that to” factor.

Why a Walk Through? Already used to them Familiar Jargon Forces active role Consistant follow-up Builds relationships First hand knowledge One on one time Flexability

The PR Evaluation Established good report with district personnel. Is visiable throughout the school district. Plays an active role in establishing and promoting new initatives.

The Planning What’s New Issues you are facing Follow up Walk and talk Inside the classroom Follow up

The Monthly Breakdown November December January August September Welcoming Back to school Goals for the year August Parent/teacher conferences Calendar for year Parent communication September Inside a classroom Grants Wants and needs October Holidays for families Second semester Newsletters November Website Teacher needs December Parent Participation Use of technology January

The Monthly Breakdown February March April May June July Building Needs Staff moral February District Bond Issue March School Supplies Calendar April Transistions Summer May Next year plans Review of goals June Plan for next year July

Take “10” Communication challenge our building faces Initiatives/events/activities that can benefit from a communication plan At my school I am most proud of I wish more parents knew…about my school The most misunderstood item about our school is Parent Communication would improve if

Take “10” When was the last time I communicated with my parents? When was the last time I looked at my website and my teacher webpages? I could really use help with…. When was the last time I asked my parents opinion and really listened?

Successes More face time with teachers Increase use of technology Enhanced video opportunities Equality of schools Relationship building Awareness Professional Development

Improvments Needed The time factor Tracking method/ipad use More communication planning Not all buy in

Stephanie Smith ssmith@fortosage.net (816) 650-7019 (816) 668-8125