Keep the Connection: Summer Strategies for Thriving School Communities

Class Dismissed

Summer break is a chance to keep your school community connected and thriving. By continuing communication, you’ll:

• Empower students and families for a smooth transition back to school.
• Fuel excitement for the upcoming year with engaging updates.
• Solidify your school’s role as a vital center for the community.

In Episode 266 of the Class Dismissed Podcast, we speak with Dr. Kara Stern. Stern currently serves as the Director of Education and Engagement at SchoolStatus.

In the episode, Stern shared SchoolStatus’ To-Do List for summer communications.

Engage Families

Frequent communication aimed at families is essential for reducing absenteeism, minimizing dropouts, and creating an environment conducive to learning. Transparency and consistent outreach help build trust, manage expectations, and reinforce your school’s dedication to every student’s growth.

• Share end-of-year accomplishments, highlights, and important dates (e.g., graduation, testing schedules)
• Provide updates on facility changes, new programs, or initiatives planned for the upcoming school year
• Offer contact information for administrators, counselors, and teachers for families who need support during the summer
• Promote the benefits of regular school attendance and the importance of showing up on Day 1
• Share summer reading lists, educational resources, or local community event recommendations

Empower Faculty & Staff

Maintaining open lines of communication with teachers and personnel is key to talent retention, professional development, and cultivating a supportive workplace culture. Leverage summer downtime to provide growth opportunities, share inspirational content, and equip your team with the tools for a successful year ahead.

To-Do List:

• Celebrate staff achievements, milestones, and recognition from the previous school year
• Communicate staffing changes, new hires, or role transitions for the upcoming year
• Provide professional development opportunities, resources, or training during the summer break
• Share inspiration, quotes, or messages to keep staff engaged and motivated
• Offer updates on facility changes, new technology implementations, or operational procedures

Follow Communication Best Practices

Implementing an all-encompassing summer engagement strategy requires strategic planning, engaging content, and leveraging the right tech tools. Follow these guidelines to ensure your school or district remains top-of-mind, forges meaningful connections, and lays the groundwork for an impactful academic year.

To-Do List:

• Maintain a consistent communication cadence (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)
• Use photos, memes, or GIFs to make communications more engaging and fun
• Ensure communications are translatable and accessible in multiple languages
• Include polls and surveys to invite your readers’ feedback and participation
• Leverage analytics to identify disengaged audiences and follow up with personalized outreach
• Promote a sense of community, trust, and connection throughout the summer months
• Set the tone and establish branding guidelines for district/school-wide communications
• Introduce key personnel (e.g., principals, counselors, teachers) before the school year begins
• Provide a “welcome back” message as the start of the school year approaches to build excitement

Listen to Episode 266 of the Class Dismissed Podcast on your favorite podcast app or Apple Podcast to hear more ideas about school communications and SchoolStatus.

SchoolStatus is used by school districts worldwide. Its integrated, data-driven tools simplify communication and engagement among families, educators, and administrators.

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