School Newsletter

2 Tips for Tiptop Summer Communications with Families

Dr. Kara Stern
2 min read
Man in a cap and glasses using a laptop sitting at a metal table.

Want to get everyone communicating consistently during the summer months? Summer newsletters are a great way to set families up for a smooth back-to-school transition.

Why is this important? Research shows that consistent school-home communication is key to student success. Here’s how it works:

➡️ The more you engage families in the school community, the more trust you build.
➡️ The more trust you build, the more they’ll support your decisions and the decisions of their child’s teachers.
➡️ The more parents trust those decisions, the more successful their child will be at school.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

1. Aim for a “Casual Friday” Tone in Your Summer Communications

Summer is a more relaxed time, so your communications should reflect that. Take a light-hearted tone while sharing updates about what’s happening in the building or introducing new staff members. It’s always helpful to include calendar reminders and parenting resources, but don’t forget to showcase your program’s highlights and give parents that feel-good vibe.

You can also connect more personally with families by sharing a bit about what you’ve been up to this summer. This friendly tone helps families feel more comfortable and engaged.

2. Timing and Consistency Matter

Consistency is key when it comes to summer updates. Set a regular schedule—whether it’s weekly or biweekly—so parents know when to expect them. This predictability helps with engagement. Be sure to use intentional subject lines that highlight different key items, grabbing attention from the start.

If your updates are translatable, periodically remind parents how to access the translation features so that multilingual families have equal access to the information.

Finally, always include your contact information and encourage families to stop by if they have questions or need support.Ready to get started? Grab this free summertime school newsletter template and kick off your communications with confidence! 😎

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Dr. Kara Stern

Dr. Kara Stern began her career as an ELA teacher, then shifted into administration as a middle school principal. Dr. Stern is a fervent advocate for equitable communication and family engagement. She spent five years as Executive Director at Math for America, where she designed the professional learning community that exists to this day. An unexpected move to Tel Aviv launched her into the world of EdTech where she became the Director of Education Content for Smore and then the Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus. Outside of work, she indulges her love for reading, devouring two novels weekly, with a particular fondness for heists and spy stories.

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