Parents and Community Guide

 

 

Reaching Parents and Community

Beth Strike, Content Author Forums

 

Understanding Stakeholder Involvement

Curb Appeal Checklist Understanding Stakeholder Involvement

Does your school building and grounds send a message that effective learning is taking place inside?

  • Any litter and trash in the entrance area?
  • Any old weeds? Any old leaves?
  • Have shrubs been trimmed to an attractive size?
  • Are there any dangerous cracks in the sidewalks or steps?
  • Any evidence of "old litter" around doors and corners? Are windows sparkling?
  • Are parking lot and exterior lights in working order?
  • Are signs up-to-date, welcoming and friendly?

Does your front office project a positive image?

  • Is it bright and cheerful for visitors and students?
  • Is there a sitting area for adults and children?
  • Are materials about the school (APR, newsletters, etc.) within easy reach? Small touches like a bowl of candy or an attractive plant say a lot about a school's attitude.

Do your hallways look attractive?

  • Are they brightly lit and are all fixtures working properly?
  • Are the walls freshly painted?
  • Are there appropriate displays or posters and announcements, or do they look dingy and cluttered?
  • Are the entrance halls clear of empty boxes, unused furniture, etc.?
  • Are the drinking fountains clean and inviting?

Does your cafeteria or lunchroom spark your appetite or squash it?

  • Like the hallways, this room says a lot about your school's attitude toward its students. Is it clean, set up in a good grouping for students with lots of trash cans?

How about bathrooms?

  • Nothing says more about a school—especially to parents and students—than an orderly and clean bathroom. Nor could a job be tougher or less rewarding for custodial staff. However, keeping the bathrooms clean and reminding students about their role in maintaining them is very important, plus it gives the staff the opportunity to remind students about good hygiene, which should become a lifelong habit.

Source: National School Public Relations Association—Principals in the Public (Reprinted in the August 2005 issue of the PRincipal Communicator.)