Back-to-School Prep List? Check Out the ‘Meet’ Series.

Here’s a wild statistic: 8 in 10 parents think Back-to-School is the most stressful time of year.

Between the school supplies, the first day outfit, the anxiety about class placement and a new teacher, finishing any summer assignments, getting kids to bed earlier and up earlier, packing lunches. It’s a lot!

As the new school year approaches, it’s essential to start off on the right foot by creating a welcoming environment for students and their families. One of the best ways to do this is through a Back-to-School Meet & Greet newsletter. This communication tool can help you set the tone for the year, share important information, and build a strong connection with your school community.

1. Meet the Principal

A Meet the Principal newsletter introduces parents and caregivers to the building leader in a personal way. It’s a great opportunity to share building updates, share some fun facts about the principal, lay out a philosophy of education. If attendance is top of mind, share bullet points about the importance of showing up, every day. If social-emotional well-being is top of mind, share resources and information about how the team will be supporting student wellness this year.

Psyched to get started? Duplicate the template👇🏽

2. Meet Teachers and Staff

Build a Sense of Community:

• Introducing the teachers and staff in your newsletter helps build a sense of community and makes families feel more connected to the school.

• Staff Roles: Don’t forget to introduce key staff members, such as the school counselor, nurse, and administrative team. For more on the importance of teacher-student relationships, see Education Week’s article on building trust.

• Teacher Spotlights: Create a “Meet the Teacher” section where you briefly introduce each teacher, including their background, teaching philosophy, and any personal anecdotes that might resonate with parents and students.

3. Meet the Counselor(s)

Taking the time to spell out counseling resources available to students BEFORE any trouble even has a chance to brew. It will be a boon to anxious parents. They’ll have the key contacts they need stored right on their phones, by way of their digital newsletter. They can point their kids in the right direction should they need help, and follow up as needed.

This goes a long way towards building school-connectedness and shows a HIGH level of caring.

(Two more to go!)

4. Meet the Librarian

School libraries are special places. If your school is lucky enough to have one, make sure to broadcast it to families early and often. Getting an early introduction to the librarian, the library, some exciting new books, library hours, and expectations is an invitation to a year of great reading.

Here’s a Meet the Librarian template with a fun comic book theme 👇🏽

And now, the final template in the ‘Meet’ series… 🥁

5. Meet the Building

Sometimes the things that make kids and their grownups the most nervous are the basics:

• What do I do when I get off the bus?
• How will I find my classroom?
• Where are the bathrooms?

A Meet the Building school newsletter is a fun and visual way to ease nerves by giving families an inside peek at procedures. It’s also the ideal place to introduce the important staff members who take care of the building!

This one is a win:win.

A Back-to-School Meet & Greet newsletter is an excellent way to kick off the new school year on a positive note. By incorporating these strategies and using tools like Smore and SchoolStatus, you can create a newsletter that not only informs but also engages and connects with your school community.