Newsletters Keep Parents Apprised of School Activities
Are you in need of volunteers? Do a few clubs have short rosters? A weekly or monthly newsletter could be the solution you’re looking for.
Your school’s newsletter has the power to boost involvement, both among parents and their children. The tool has always been there—now, it’s time to unlock its full potential.
Volunteer opportunities for parents
Newsletters serve as an excellent way to highlight opportunities for parents. Keep them apprised of fundraisers, committees and other volunteer efforts, so they’re motivated to play an active role in their children’s educational journey.
Consider featuring a “Volunteer Spotlight” section in each newsletter. This can inspire others to get involved by showcasing current volunteers and their contributions. Promote a wide range of opportunities that cater to different schedules and skill sets.
Highlight both short-term and long-term volunteer positions. These might include chaperoning field trips, assisting with school events, supervising recess or joining the Parent-Teacher Association. Spread the word about classroom-specific needs, too, such as reading buddies or art project assistants.
With every opportunity you promote, give parents clear instructions on how they can sign up. Include contact information for the volunteer coordinator and links to any necessary forms or background checks. This gets the ball rolling faster and helps you rally more volunteers.
Enriching extracurriculars for students
In addition to garnering parent involvement, newsletters also keep families informed about extracurricular activities available to students. When parents tell their children about extracurriculars, they help cultivate well-rounded learners who develop interests beyond academics.
Highlight clubs, sports teams, after-school programs and music ensembles—both new and existing. Briefly describe each activity, including the meeting times and how students can participate.
Feature student achievements in extracurriculars, too! Competition wins, upcoming performances and community service projects are all worth highlighting in your newsletter. This recognition not only celebrates student success, but also demonstrates the value of these extracurriculars.
Create a calendar of upcoming events, so parents and students can plan ahead. Promoting events like game schedules, art exhibitions or science fairs can pique students’ interest and give them much to look forward to in the coming months.
Similar to the volunteer spotlight mentioned earlier, you could spotlight a specific extracurricular activity, detailing its benefits and impact on student growth. This can make lesser-known programs more visible, thereby boosting student participation.
Shout out the exciting events at your school
Newsletters benefit many people in the school community, whether it’s promoting volunteer efforts for parents or fun new extracurriculars for students. Your team knows what’s happening and when, so it’s up to them to spread the word.
Parents and students are eager to get involved—they just need to know what opportunities await them!
Published by:
Joe Donovan
Founding Partner and President, Donovan Group