Tip 17: Send a heartfelt message to unify your community

As it becomes clear that a growing number of schools will remain closed until the end of the school year, many have begun to send out kind messages of solidarity and empathy. These can help provide comfort and connection in uncertain times, if done right.

Here are some best practices we see emerging as school principals message their communities.

1. Show empathy. It’s important to express to families that you understand the gamut of emotions that they may be feeling (anger, sadness, frustration, fear, anxiety, stress). Empathizing with families helps them feel heard and understood in times of disconnectedness. Let them know that these feelings are warranted.

This post from Vintage High School does a great job even though they don’t know all the answers. Not only does it provide an update about the current situation, it is personable and authentic, acknowledging uncertainties.

Note that Principal O’Connor used emojis. While this was a great choice for connecting with students and making the tone more heartfelt, you don’t have to — showing authenticity and empathy is the most important part! Don’t use emojis if it feels forced or unnatural.

2. Admit that it hasn’t been perfect. And that’s okay. We are all figuring this out as we go. By being honest and upfront with parents, you can build trust. Many are starting to transition from “supplemental learning” to “distance learning.” Or maybe you’re going to “Distance Learning Round 2” after learning a bit of what has and hasn’t worked. Either way, be honest but also convey that you will strive to learn from the situation and improve as you go.

This post from Sandy Grade School communicates this well — updating the community of the academic shift while also being understanding and supportive.

We love how Principal George writes “This will not be perfect, and yet our goal will be to make it more perfect with each passing day. This is like nothing we have seen in our lifetime.” It’s a nice blend of realistic optimism.

The rest of that last paragraph is also powerful in that it acknowledges family hardships in this time, and reassures parents that the school will work with them to help find a solution. Which leads us to our next point…

3. Let students and parents know you are there to support them. Many are feeling very disconnected and overwhelmed, so sending reminders that the school is still a community and that you are there to help and support parents, will be much appreciated.

This post from American Canyon High School does a great job of breaking the news that the campus will be closed for the remainder of the school year, while still supporting their community. 

We especially love how Principal Lopez writes "Just because the building is closed, does not mean school is closed. We are still here for our students and families." It's so important to make sure your families are reassured and feel supported!

4. Provide resources for students to communicate. Many students might be having troubles adjusting to new circumstances at home and with online classes. These students are feeling the effects of loneliness and isolation being away from their friends, peers, and a normal academic environment.

5. Send a message to seniors. Although COVID-19 affects everyone within the school district, the cancellation of events and in-person classes hits especially hard for seniors and their families, anticipating celebrations such as prom, senior week and graduation ceremonies.

Even if your school has not yet decided how to replace planned events for seniors, reach out to your seniors and their families with what you do know. And make sure to congratulate them on all of their hard work and achievements.

Vintage High School shared this great email addressing their seniors.

This post does a great job acknowledging the disappointment seniors must be feeling in not getting to experience their “lasts” and provides an avenue for them to engage and contribute.

K-12 Remote Tips

We send out an email with each new remote communications tip for K12. Some examples use ParentSquare, but these tips will work with any comprehensive communications tool. Sign up to receive them straight in your inbox.

We’d love to know what you are doing — what great examples or ideas would you like to share with other schools? Simply comment below or submit your tip via our web form.