1. The Power of Public Relations in Schools Establishing and Promoting Partnerships within the Community

2. The primary function of the Public Relations officer is to develop and maintain informational communication supportive of the district’s programs through various forms of media within the schools, the community, and with the press, television, and radio stations (Lober, 1993 p. 21).

3. The Functions of School Public Relations: The Functions of School Public Relations: getting positive messages out Promoting community input and building strong relationships Anticipating image problems; providing solutions Handling all aspects of district publications Acting as the key contact for the media

4. Creating avenues for student/staff recognition Promoting good educational practices Maintaining knowledge of the district’s curriculum and instructional programs Attend community meetings, school meetings, and events to maintain close contact with citizens, staff, and students Be knowledgeable of district status

5. Key players: Superintendent of Schools Cabinet Level Staff Central Office Staff Building Principals Directors Department Chairs Teachers Guidance Counselors

6. Library Media Specialists NursesSecretariesCustodians Food Service Workers School Bus Drivers Crossing Guards Public Relations is Everyone’s Job!

7. The four-step public relations process: Research - up front analysis on where the district stands in regard to all publics it wishes to reach Action plan - developing public relations goals, objectives and strategies that go hand-in-hand with the district's overall mission and goals Communicate - carrying out the tactics necessary to meet the objectives and goals Evaluate - looking back at actions taken to determine their effectiveness and what changes are needed in the future

8. Local and National Public Relations organizations:

9. NYSPRA is the New York School Public Relations Association – an organization that promotes best practices in the field of educational communications. For PR professionals and school leaders across the state, NYSPRA is a common link--- offering support, information and proven ideas for building and strengthening a successful communications program.

10. Why NYSPRA? NYSPRA knows education and the challenges you face: from breaking news to crisis communications, to ever evolving state and national standards, schools are put to the test every day. It is clear that a strong school communications program is more important than ever. (NYSPRA)

11. NYSPRA Provides: Conferences, Workshops & Seminars Networking Opportunities Membership Directory Website Conference Stipends Strategies That Work

12. Why NYSPRA? The New York School Public Relations Association is the state-wide professional organization of school communications practitioners, administrators and chief school officers who are responsible for the public information program of their school district or agency. NYSPRA supports its members with: practical and proactive approaches to school communications professional development opportunities professional recognition Contact: Marcia Kelley 315 463 2128Contact: Marcia Kelley 315 463 2128

13. Mission Statement The National School Public Relations Association is a professional organization dedicated to building support and trust for education through responsible public relations that leads to success for all students.

14. NSPRA Goals and Objectives: NSPRA Goals and Objectives: Goal #1: NSPRA will be the professional organization that school public relations professionals and other education leaders cannot live without. Goal #1: NSPRA will be the professional organization that school public relations professionals and other education leaders cannot live without. Objective 1: School communicators will have the skills they need to implement an effective public relations program. Objective 1: School communicators will have the skills they need to implement an effective public relations program. Objective 2: School communicators will use NSPRA products, services, and resources. Objective 2: School communicators will use NSPRA products, services, and resources. Objective 3: NSPRA members will be recognized and valued as critical members of school/district leadership teams. Objective 3: NSPRA members will be recognized and valued as critical members of school/district leadership teams. Objective 4:NSPRA members will exhibit commitment and dedication to the Association.

15. Goal #2: NSPRA will be the recognized leader and authority on school public relations. Objective 1: NSPRA (staff & members) will be visible throughout the educational community. Objective 2: NSPRA will be the primary source of expert information and knowledge on school public relations. Objective 2: NSPRA will be the primary source of expert information and knowledge on school public relations. Objective 3: NSPRA will have beneficial relationships with other organizations. Objective 4: NSPRA will advocate for effective public relations in education organizations.

16. This site is Copyright ©2006 National School Public Relations Association. All rights reserved. Register for the 2008 NSPRA Seminar in Washington, D.C. Just Announced: Pre-Seminar Offerings, Hotel Information, and Other Details You Need to Know LearnLearn More About Your NSPRA Membership! Click here for the NSPRA Owner’s Manual NSPRA CAP Research Strong communication helps students and schools achieve and succeed. Superintendents Latest issue of Communication Matters. Not getting your e- newsletters? Try these tips.

17. Keys to Success Build personal, trusting relationships. These strategies take the most time, but are much more effective than strategies such as mass mailings that supply information but do little to build the kinds of relationships that result in a high level of support for schools. Learn about internal audiences in your district, like school staff. Really listen to them. Have a dedication and love for education, young people, and schools.