Bayview Secondary School

Successful Parent Engagement Presentations Parent’s Voice Symposium

April 9, 2014

Success o a ts

• Organization & Details – Ideas, apply for PRO

Grant – Find speakers, develop

promotional material – Work with school’s

administration – Registration, reminders – AV equipment,

refreshments, volunteers – Thank yous

• Marketing & Networking – Advertising, networking – Community supports and

businesses – Getting the word out and

seeking gift cards – Personal touches – Promotion at the

presentation – Thank yous

Key Points

• Work with core team that has complementary strengths – organization, sales, marketing, hosting, etc.

• Involve students in the presentation – volunteers prefects, AV students, etc.

• Develop timeline • Confirm speakers early • Keep everyone apprised of status – and often • Create a checklist to keep track of things

Speakers • Look for experts • Negotiate speaking fee – PRO Grant amount • If they are published authors, allow them to

sell their books at the event • Find out what equipment they need and

format they prefer for the presentation • Have them arrive early to set up • Thank them afterwards • Pay their invoice in a timely manner

Details, details, details

• Remember you are representing the school • Impressions count, details matter

– Flyer – Registration and confirmation – Reminders – Agenda and information about the evening – Welcoming upon arrival – Thank you afterward – Comment cards

More Key Points • Professionalism goes a long way

– From initial contact to final thank you – Formal registration process – Reminders and agenda information – Opening and closing remarks

• Work with school’s administration – Support of team crucial to successful

event – Start early and communicate often – Don’t forget to say thank you!

Creating Memories

• Not just a presentation, an atmosphere and a memory – Reception filled with flowers – Refreshments – Door Prizes – School Band – Parent Council hosts – Book sales – Chocolates – Thank you

• People don’t always remember what you said but they never forget how you made them feel

Advertising • Schools

– E-bulletin – Other high schools and feeder schools – Schools in York Region

• Local media – Liberal – Rogers Online – Snap – Libraries – Community centres – Hospitals

Community

• The school is part of a community • Seek out businesses and organizations within

the community for support: – Donations - Expertise – Gift cards - Other – Door prizes

Use Community Resources

• Involve community organizations to highlight their resources: – Family Services York Region

• How to Talk to Your Teens

– JACS • Substance Use and Abuse: What Every Parent Should Know

– SmartRisk • Reducing Risk in Your Teen’s Lives

Acknowledgements

• Acknowledge support received at the event and in promotional material: – community, businesses and advertisers – Volunteers – Administration

• Write out and deliver thank you card – will build good will and long-term

support for the school’s events

• Send thank yous to those who helped at the event

Parents • Use the parent survey to develop topic ideas • Use the school’s resources to reach them (e-

bulletin) • Warmly welcome them at events • Get feedback at events • Provide opportunities for them to give back to

the community – Donation of school supplies

Final Thoughts

• You are showcasing the school • Build relationships within the community • Bring information, resources and

education to parents • Encourage engagement • Use what is available to you • Big events don’t have to cost a lot • Have fun

• Mary Merkowsky • Jolene Brackett Bayview Secondary School Council Members – Parent Presentation Subcommittee