There are a lot of exciting events coming up in your district. Fundraisers, field days, baseball games—these events and many others are a great chance to bring your school community together. They’re not just for students and parents, either. Community members can attend, too, but only if they know the events are happening.

Your district calendar is a critical tool for encouraging community members to participate in upcoming events.

The calendar isn’t just for students and parents

A common misconception is that directly involved stakeholders, such as students, teachers, staff and parents, are the only people who look at the district calendar. As a result, school leaders tend to post events that are relevant to these groups, like school dances, SAT testing, winter break and the last day of school.

However, students and parents are far from the only stakeholders who check your district calendar. Community members have just as much to gain from it as the stakeholders who are more involved with your schools. People check the calendar for opportunities to become a participating member of the school community.

The calendar fosters a sense of connectedness

Your district calendar is one of the most important tools for communicating with the general public. Advertising community-wide events is an effective way to get stakeholders involved with your schools. It’s an open invitation to all who are interested, letting people know that they’re welcome to join the festivities.

Many stakeholders don’t feel connected to their local district. Unless they work or have children in the schools, they often feel like they don’t belong. Your district calendar can show community members that plenty of school events are open to the public. Not only are they allowed to attend, but you want them to attend.

Use the calendar to get people involved

When you post to the district calendar, think of events that appeal not just to students and parents, but to the community at large. Advertise events that are open to the general public, such as football games, bake sales, board meetings, school plays and orchestra concerts. Be sure to advertise a wide variety of events so you can engage as many different stakeholder groups as possible. Show stakeholders there’s a little something for everyone at your schools!

Students and parents aren’t the only ones checking your district calendar. Stakeholders outside school walls regularly visit the calendar in hopes of finding opportunities to get involved. There are plenty of opportunities—perhaps even more than you might realize. Make sure community members know about them!