School Newsletter Should Be a "Must Read"

Some people think that if information is written down and distributed, people will read it. Wrong.

Take a moment and think about the amount of "reading material" that arrives at your home each day -- letters, flyers, post-cards, magazines, newspapers and now, thanks to technology, E-mail.

We all lead busy lives and chances are, you, like most people, are selective about what you choose to read. It needs to catch your eye. The information needs to be of interest or importance to you. It must be easy to read and understand in the amount of time you have available, and if you need or want to take action, it needs to include contact information -- a phone number, address or E-mail address. If it fails in anyone of these areas, chances are you won't read it. The same criteria apply to school newsletters.

Not only does a school newsletter provide valuable information to parents and community members; it also offers a way to publicize the positive things happening at the school. But, if no one reads it, it is a waste of time.

If you want your school newsletter to make it into the "must read" category, it needs to get the reader's attention and contain information the reader wants or needs to know about your school. It should be written in a brief, concise style and be void of "educationese" or unexplained acronyms. The school's phone number, address and an E-mail address (when appropriate) must be included.

It is recommended that a minimum of four newsletters be published each school year in order to keep parents and community members informed about what is happening at your school. Newsletters need not be elaborate, but they should be informative, with each issue giving readers at least one thing to brag about when they talk about your school with others in the community. Staff, student and school accomplishments should always be included.

Guidelines and suggestions for newsletters are listed below:

• Add civic/government and business leaders, school volunteers, and substitute teachers to newsletter mailing list.

• Recognize teachers for new classroom initiatives, unique teaching methods and other successes.

• Include a mini-poll (one or two questions) seeking opinions in each newsletter covering a wide range of topics over time. Use feedback (clip-out/send-in form) in making school/program decisions and evaluating the school's PR efforts.

• Check with the school secretary and guidance counselor about the types of calls and questions they receive from parents and community members. Keep track of frequently asked questions/comments and address them in newsletters.

• Be consistent in publishing the newsletter - stick to deadlines.

• Don't fill the pages with words - use graphics or photos to make the newsletter more reader friendly.

• Photos should reflect the diversity of the school's students and staff.

• Use student written articles/artwork when possible. Be sure to give students credit for their work, usually first name and grade. [Johnny, Grade 4]

• Double-check directory information - phone numbers, Web site address, etc. Double check calendar days and dates listed.

• Use the newsletter as a forum to say thank you to business partners and others who assist staff and students.

• Have two people other than the newsletter writer check spelling, grammar and content.

Remember that the Community Relations Department is available to assist you. To learn more about how the Community Relations Department can help you, please contact them at 954-765-6274

Give Me Five!
A whopping 91 percent of kids ages 6 -11 don't meet the five-a-day fruit and vegetable recommendation. Eating at least two fruits and three vegetables every day is important because they provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and other components that may help protect kids from future health problems, including heart disease and cancer. You can make it easier to get your child to eat a variety of five fruits and vegetables each day by ...

... starting them off right. Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to meet their daily vitamin and mineral needs and do better in school. Add strawberries to cereal and milk, top waffles with fresh berries or add banana slices to a piece of toast with peanut butter.

... sneaking 'em in. Add grated carrots and chopped sweet peppers to pasta sauce; toss dried fruits into salads; bake quick breads using pumpkin, zucchini or ripe bananas.

... savoring flavor. Simmer green beans in chicken broth; toss fresh herbs - like dill on baked potatoes; eat fresh fruits, like peaches and plums, when they're in season.

... keeping them handy. Stock your refrigerator with fresh fruits such as grapes, apples and pears for a quick and convenient snack or buy baby carrots that are pre-washed and pre-peeled; keep both on an easy-to-reach shelf in your refrigerator.