January is a great time to “shake things up” for your school council. With the holidays behind us and an exciting next half of the school year ahead, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the work that has been accomplished so far and plan for the next few months.
Here are some ideas to consider as you look at how to “shake things up”.
Rev Up Technology Use
- Use a platform like Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams allows members to participate even if they are unable to attend in person. This will help increase the number of parents who can be involved in council meetings and council work. In addition it will make people feel more involved in the operations of the council.
- Consider your social media plan and look for ways to increase your presence. January is a great time to attract more parents in your school community to follow you on social media. Remember to keep them up to date with the exciting things your council is working on. Social media is a great way to educate parents on the value of engaging with their child and school.
Change Up Your Major School Event
- Try something new this year. Often, we get stuck in a rut because it’s easier to just repeat the same event each year. January is an excellent time to look at the possibility of doing something different this year.
- Take the time to talk to other school councils to explore new ideas. Find out what has worked as well as what has not. It is also a good time to consider partnering with a nearby school. Partnering is a great way to offer an event that both school communities will benefit from.
Reward Your Team
- Your volunteers have worked hard these past few months. January is a great time to boost their spirits by recognizing their valuable contribution to the council and school. It costs less than $20.00 to purchase blank certificates which you can design yourself for each volunteer personally. A Certificate of Appreciation combined with a cost effective frame will do wonders to inspire your group! It is also a wonderful way to re-energize them for the second half of the school year.
Hold an “open to all” Roundtable Meeting
- Host an open meeting. Invite all parents to provide input on what they would like to see take place in the upcoming months. Use this time to ask for parents feedback on information they would like to receive from the council. This is a great way to increase parent involvement and to plan for the next several months. Remember when sending notice and or invitations to parents to stress that this is not a forum for individual or staff related issues to be voiced. Rather remind them that this is an opportunity to contribute to making the educational experience of every student better. It is also a meaningful opportunity to increase involvement of all parents in their children’s education, mental health and school.
Change Up Your Meetings
- After a few months of meetings it is easy to just continue on the same path for the rest of the year. Use this time to shake things up! Changing things up will not only keep current members interested in attending meetings, it will also attract new people to consider taking part in upcoming sessions. Consider changing meetings to alternate dates and times that might allow more parents to participate. Have a guest speaker at each meeting. Many are available at no cost (for instance school board staff, public health, local service providers, school bus companies might offer a presentation on safety etc.).
- Consider adding a social element to meetings. Adding a social element will help members get to know each other better.
The most important thing to remember in January is that even the smallest accomplishment made thus far is a benefit to the students and school. Even councils with just a couple of members can make a difference.
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