If you do a quick scroll through the headlines of a news website, whether it is local or national, you are bound to stumble across a story about education or a school district. Sharing stories about students and schools is popular reading material! Unfortunately, many of the stories about schools that you will find in the news are not always, or sometimes ever, positive stories. I believe that every district and every school has a story. As a school administrator for more than 10 years, I have learned about the importance of telling your story because if you don’t tell your story, someone else will.
I am currently in my seventh year as the principal at East Grand Rapids Middle School. My school has a story. Our story revolves around the 730 students who walk through the front doors of our building every morning. Our story involves cardboard boats, rigorous and engaging lessons, a passionate teaching staff, students volunteering in the community, an inclusive and welcoming culture, and so much more. One of my goals as the principal of our school is to share our story outside of the four walls of our school building. And not just to the families that send students to our school, but to the greater East Grand Rapids community, West Michigan area and even across the State of Michigan.
There are many ways that a school can share its story. To reach your school community, you might rely on a weekly parent newsletter. These types of communication should be tailored to your specific community. But don’t just get caught up in sharing details about upcoming events. Utilize these modes of communication to share your story with the parents and guardians in your community. Include photographs of school events and classroom activities to make your newsletters more engaging and personal. To reach your regional area, make connections with local reporters and invite them to experience schoolwide events. In West Michigan, School News Network was founded in 2013 by the Kent ISD to report on the 20 school districts in Kent County. This organization shares the unique stories of each community with our region. Or maybe you want to share your story with a greater audience across the State of Michigan. At my school, we utilize the social media site X. This provides a place to share your story and tag other people and groups that may be interested.
This year, MASSP is highlighting innovation in schools around the state. If you are doing something innovative at your school, don’t be afraid to share your story with your community, your region and the rest of Michigan. Remember, your school has a story. If you don’t take the time to tell your story, someone else will!