Clear communication is a game-changer for schools. Effective school communication engages families to foster student success, while also building relationships with the broader community to create trust, pride, and a positive sentiment. It’s a huge part of the mission behind our partners at ParentSquare–the leading edtech platform schools and districts overwhelmingly use to contextualize and distribute the right communications to the right people at the right time and through the right channel. Its Summit series brings schools, partners, and sector leaders together in support of that work.
ParentSquare’s 2024 Summit events were held in California (West), Oklahoma (Central), and Connecticut (East), and we at Class Intercom were thrilled to be a part of them. Here are three key takeaways about the future of school communication from our time with ParentSquare and its diverse and vibrant user community.
Authentic, Engaging School Communication Starts with School Leaders
Successful school communication begins with leaders who value transparency, inclusivity, and forward-thinking strategies. The keynotes addressed these principles at all three events by inspiring educators to embrace bold, innovative approaches to community engagement.
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, and Dr. Nick Polyak, all seasoned superintendents and accomplished authors, shared insights on their powerful impact on school communications. Their presentations emphasized trust, active listening, and inclusive communication. They focused on how unlearning old habits and embracing change paves the way for innovation and progress in education.
Each keynote reinforced a vital truth: impactful school communication starts at the top. Leaders who prioritize authenticity, amplify diverse perspectives, and embrace innovation set the stage for connected communities where every voice is valued.
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo leads a leadership session with Dr. Jill Johnson at PSQ Summit East.
Technology Can Foster Equitable Communication
Technology is transforming how schools connect with families. Summit sessions explored strategies for leveraging ParentSquare’s technology, especially with recent integrations like Canva for Education and AI. Robust, easy-to-use communication tech offers practical ways for schools to streamline the administrative load of contextualizing information for groups and individual families. The impact is substantial: One example centers on how their technology can address challenges like chronic absenteeism. Another impactful outcome is the engagement districts see when their schools are able to communicate in a family’s native language–thanks to the platform’s robust language accommodations. The focus isn’t just on convenience but on creating solutions that bridge communication gaps, promote equity, and strengthen collaboration between educators and families.
Storytelling Helps Build Community and Positive Public Perception
Direct communication with families, while vital, is just one piece of the school communication puzzle. Also critical is communication with the broader community, where storytelling becomes essential for schools to build trust, foster pride, and strengthen ties beyond school walls. Social media has become one of the most effective channels for this type of outreach, offering schools a platform to celebrate student achievements, highlight staff contributions, and share the everyday moments that humanize their students and staff.
Dr. Jill Johnson gets creative to capture a picture of the whole ParentSquare team at PSQ Summit Central.
“When schools consistently share the good happening in their hallways and classrooms, they establish themselves as an integral part of the community,” explains Class Intercom President Dr. Jill Johnson, who was able to workshop with a number of schools on how Class Intercom and ParentSquare work together to bring social content into the mix authentically and seamlessly. “Social media storytelling that involves different perspectives helps schools stay in front of parents, families, and the community as a whole in a really authentic way that builds goodwill and transparency,” she notes. “Over time, goodwill and transparency translate seamlessly into appreciation and active support.”
Where ParentSquare ensures the right communication gets delivered to the right person at the right time, Class Intercom equips schools to share their story across the school community (and beyond!) on social media. Together, these platforms empower schools to connect meaningfully with both families and the community at large, ensuring every piece of the communication puzzle fits seamlessly.
Learn More and Get Connected
A special thanks to our partners at ParentSquare for hosting these incredible events.Interested in learning more about how Class Intercom and ParentSquare are helping schools and districts nationwide? Get in touch below.
