Index
In this toolkit, you will find everything you need to:
• Host an Open House/Presidential Debate • Customize a News Release and Media Advisory to Promote the Debate • Create Opening Remarks for Debate Day • Host a successful Back To School Night • Customize Welcome Back Letters to Parents & Students • Create Tips & Talking Points
NJ ASK Talking Points
By now, you have received the results of the 2008 administration of the NJ ASK. At your Back to School Night, or even before, parents may ask about the change in the cut-off scores for this Grades 5-8 state test. The talking points about this issue are below: ∆ On the NJ ASK, students’ scores are used to determine whether they are considered “highly proficient,” “proficient,” or “partially proficient.” ∆ The NJ Department of Education recommends the cut-off score for each category to the State Board of Education, which makes the final decision. They must also receive approval from the US Department of Education. ∆ In 2008, New Jersey students in Grades 6 through 8 performed better on the NJ ASK mathematics and language arts literacy tests than they did in 2007. Grade 5 students did not perform quite as well, and many experts believe that the extreme length of the Grade 5 test contributed to the results. ∆ This summer the NJ Department of Education, with approval by the State Board of Education and the US Department of Education, suddenly recommended raising — both retroactively and prospectively — the standard for “highly proficient,” “proficient,” or “partially proficient.” ∆ This retroactive raise in the cut-off scores resulted in fewer students being deemed proficient on the tests they took last spring. ∆ The DOE said, “Our hope is that this will better prepare all students for success in high school and beyond.” ∆ Preparing our students for a competitive world is our goal as well. We want every student to excel in both math and language arts. Please know that if your child was deemed partially proficient either by the 2007 or 2008 standards, she or he will receive additional assistance in order to assure that they are proficient in the years to come. ∆ For more information and a comparison of the 2007 and 2008 ASK scores, go to http://www.state.nj.us/education/assessment/updates/update111607.pdf.
Introduction
Dear Member: NJPSA is developing a campaign to make voters and legislators more aware of the public school principals’ and supervisors’ role as educational leaders. Our goal is to help voters and legislators recognize you as the “teachers’ teacher” and the academic leader of the school community. Branding in this way will help enhance your effectiveness within your community, allow you to have even greater influence in school decisions, help get pro-education legislation passed, and gain fair compensation packages. To plan an effective, research-based campaign, we began by conducting focus groups and a poll of New Jersey voters to determine which voters we are most likely to persuade and what messages would be the most persuasive. Our research found the following: ∆ Our target audience is 50+ year old voters, especially males. This is the demographic that holds the most negative opinions of principals and is also the most persuadable to a positive opinion. ∆ High school principals are most credible on topics such as discipline, leadership, safety, and preparing students for the future. ∆ Elementary school principals are most credible when discussing their work, creating communities of learners, leading and supporting students, and creating welcoming school environments. ∆ Voters’ impressions of principals are driven most strongly by their impressions of public school teachers and, second, by their impressions of school superintendents. ∆ Abbott voters are slightly more supportive of principals than non-Abbott voters. ∆ Principals get the strongest ratings on the public’s most important concern: Keeping schools safe. They get weak ratings on two other very important concerns: discipline and building a community of learners. We are developing a statewide media and public relations campaign based on these research findings. We are pleased to launch the campaign with this exciting Back to School Tool Kit. It includes sample letters, speeches, talking points, invitations, and news releases with the target message for our target audiences, as was revealed in our focus groups and poll. For example, the materials for secondary school principals focus on discipline, leadership, safety, and preparing students for the future. The materials for elementary and middle school principals, focus on creating communities of learners, leading and supporting students, and creating welcoming school environments. This kit is just the first part of a year-long effort. You will receive similar kits later this year. We are mailing a print edition of this first kit. We will send you a postcard notifying you when future kits are available at www.njpsa.org. We are planning a second kit focusing on how to talk with parents about testing and a third about conducting successful end-of-year activities. If you have suggestions about either of these or would like information on another topic, please let us know at www.njpsa.org. Our market research also revealed some steps that would help voters understand your critical role as an educational leader. While you may already be doing all the recommendations listed, we thought you would find them helpful, if only as confirmation of your smart leadership! ∆ Demonstrate and discuss with parents how you help maintain school discipline and build a community of learners, how you keep schools safe and secure, and how you lead the staff and faculty. This is our target message.
∆ Highlight your experience as a successful, experienced teacher, your leadership training, and your dedication to children and their futures. ∆ Our target audience (50+, especially male) still reads a daily newspaper. Submit op-eds and letters to the editor that carry our target message. ∆ Sponsor activities for seniors, such as a senior open house, a “senior prom,” or send the choir or band to local facilities for seniors. Invite them to your plays and concerts. ∆ Showcase yourself working with groups of teachers and students. Whenever possible, be photographed with teachers and students, ideally in classrooms and other school settings. When you host school events for parents, community residents, or legislators, appear with teachers behind you. Be your teaching staff’s most enthusiastic cheerleader. ∆ Talk publicly about your “philosophy of discipline.” That philosophy should include setting high standards, providing the support students need, and being demanding of students because you are dedicated to their futures. ∆ Create and lead a task force of teachers, school employees, students, parents, and community leaders to create or review your school’s code of conduct for students. Share the results with local reporters one-on-one or in a news conference. ∆ School-based programs that reporters, residents, or family members attend should show you maintaining school discipline and building a community of learners. Stand in the hall when students are present and speak to them by name. ∆ Create a cadre of student greeters whose task it is to welcome residents to the school whenever you host an event. These students should be as diverse as possible, but dressed in a similar way (such as chinos with a white shirt). They can sport buttons that say “May I help you?” or “Welcome to my school!” They should be carefully prepared to be gracious and welcoming. This kit also includes a detailed example about how you can reach your target audience with the target message. It provides sample remarks and press materials for two events: a Back to School Night in September and an open house in late October featuring a presidential debate by students. While you will want to delegate as much of the preparation as possible, be sure to focus your own marks on your commitment to leading a well-disciplined school. We will share more information with you as the campaign unfolds this year. We hope September marks the beginning of your most exciting and enjoyable school year ever. Sincerely,
JoAnn D. Bartoletti Executive Director NJPSA
Parent Letter
High School
Sample
DATE Dear High School Parent or Guardian, In just a few days, NAME High School will once again open its doors to welcome [number] students back to school. I am delighted to know that yours will be among them. On behalf of all NAME High School employees, I want to extend a warm welcome back to our school. Parents are an important part of our school community and contribute mightily to our success. You may be surprised to receive a letter from the principal. This is actually the first time I’ve written a welcome letter to parents and students. I decided to write this year because I want you to know a few things about me and about our school community. First, I am proud to say that at NAME School, I lead a staff — teachers, counselors, bus drivers, supervisors, secretaries, food service and maintenance workers — that is second to none. As a team, we work everyday to create a supportive, disciplined school environment. We take pride in being a safe, disciplined school and in the way we prepare our students for the future. Our mission is to ensure that every graduate has the skills needed to succeed at a good job or a good college. Second, I want you to know my “philosophy of good discipline.” I believe in providing the support students need and then setting the highest standards possible. By expecting the best from our students today, we help them succeed tomorrow. We have used the summer months to make some exciting changes here at NAME School. DESCRIBE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN CURRICULUM, POLICIES, FACILITIES, ETC. Finally, please know that my door is always open, and you are always welcome to visit. I appreciate hearing from parents, and I hope I can count on you to share your concerns, ideas, and feedback. I invite you to stop in even before school opens. I’d love to meet you. We’ll be busy setting up, and we might even have a job for those willing to volunteer! I hope you enjoy the last days of summer. In addition to making sure that everything is ready for your child at TIME on DATE, the first day of school, I will be finishing up NAME OF BOOK, putting a last few pieces of NAME OF YOUR HOBBY, and spending a day at the lake with my own family, NAMES of spouse and children. Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. I hope this is the beginning of year-long dialogue, and I look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely,
Parent Letter
Elementary/Middle School
Sample
DATE Dear Elementary or Middle School Parent or Guardian, In just a few days, NAME School will once again open its doors to welcome [number] students back to school. I am delighted to know that yours will be among them. On behalf of all NAME School employees, I want to extend a warm welcome back to school. Parents are an important part of our school community and contribute mightily to our success. While you may also hear from your child’s teacher, I want you to know a few things about me and about our school community. I hope this is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue about our educational program and your child’s progress. First, I am proud to say that I lead a staff at NAME School — teachers, bus drivers, supervisors, secretaries, food service and maintenance workers — that is second to none. Our shared mission is to ensure that your child grows and develops intellectually, physically, and emotionally to the very fullest of her or his ability. As a team, we strive to create a supportive, disciplined school environment. We are a true community of learners. Second, we have used the summer months to make some exciting changes here at NAME School. DESCRIBE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN CURRICULUM, POLICIES, FACILITIES, ETC. Finally, please know that my door is always open, and you are always welcome to visit. I appreciate hearing from parents, and I hope I can count on you to share your concerns, ideas, and feedback. I invite you to stop in even before school opens. I’d love to meet you. We’ll be busy setting up, and we might even have a job for those willing to volunteer! One other suggestion: when you learn who your child’s teacher will be, write them a note. Let them know your child’s special strengths, proudest achievements, and favorite subjects. Teachers at NAME School work hard to bring out the best in their students and a note from you about “the best” in your child would be most appreciated. In the meantime, I hope you savor the last days of summer. In addition to making sure that everything is ready for your child at TIME on DATE, the first day of school, I will be finishing up NAME OF BOOK, putting a last few pieces of NAME OF HOBBY, and spending a day at the lake with my own family, NAMES of spouse and children. Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. I hope this is the beginning of year-long dialogue, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Student Letter Elementary/Middle School
Sample
DATE Dear Elementary/Middle School Student: It’s almost time for school! As the principal of NAME School, I am writing to say welcome back! DATE will mark the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year at NAME School District. I hope you have had a great summer. You probably are excited as I am about getting back to school, and maybe sad that summer is coming to an end. In addition to being excited, students sometimes worry about the first day of school. I am writing to let you know that your teachers, the school staff, and I have been working hard to make sure everything is ready for you. We want this to be your best school year ever. Students sometimes ask me for the best ways to get ready for school. Here’s my advice: 1. Try to gradually get back to a “school schedule” by going to sleep and waking up a bit earlier than usual. 2. On your first day of school, even if you know many people in your class, it’s a great day to make a new friend. Say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don’t. Make the first move. You’ll be glad you did and so will your new friend! 3. Always try your best. You have unique abilities. Give them a chance. And what if you have a problem, question or concern on the first day? Well, whether it’s the first day, the last day, or any day in-between, talk to your mom, dad, guardian, teacher, school counselor, or me. We are here for you, and we can help. I am eager to see you on DAY & DATE. When we meet, please let me know what you enjoyed reading this summer, and I’ll do the same. In the meantime, enjoy the warm weather and have fun. Sincerely,
Welcome Back Presentation High
School
Sample
The speech below is meant to inspire. If you use it, please edit so that it sounds like you. Here are a few tips before you get started: ∆ Keep your speech short and practice it out loud. ∆ Check out the sound system, if you have one, before the audience enters. ∆ When you stand on stage, find a reason to have teachers behind you so the audience sees that you are the leader of the school team. ∆ Speak passionately and show emotion. ∆ Look at your audience, and remember that they want you to be successful. Welcome Back! Thank you, NAME! And welcome parents, grandparents, and guardians! I am NAME, principal of NAME High School. With me on stage (seated behind the lectern) are # men and women wearing bright red lapel ribbons. (TURN AND GESTURE TO THEM.) Will you please stand? These outstanding educators have been serving our children for 25 (or other number) or more years! Dedicated veterans, they are renewed, refreshed, and ready to inspire and motivate. Let’s give them a big round of applause! I have the greatest respect for teachers. Before becoming a principal, I was a teacher for many years. Before I completed my graduate work at _________, I taught _________. And I still feel like a teacher at heart, so I’m going to start with a short history lesson. But first I would ask if all the relatives of our senior class would please stand. That’s right. Up! Let’s give it up for our senior class parents! They have helped their children successfully navigate the shoals of high school, and they’re almost at the finish line. They deserve recognition! Thank you. [WAIT FOR APPLAUSE TO END AND PARENTS TO SIT] And now the history lesson: Remember1995, the year our high school seniors began their education? It was the year that Yahoo and EBay were founded, and the DVD was introduced. Since then, technology has created an explosion in social networking on sites such as My Space and Face Book. Looking back, I believe 1995 marked the beginning of a new American Era: an era of exciting new communications technology. Our seniors, in fact all our students, have been growing up in a world full of phenomenal technologic advances. We have worked hard to help students navigate this new electronic world skillfully — and safely. Because the truth is, keeping our kids safe today — providing a supportive, caring and disciplined school environment — has to be “job one” for every educator. Knowledge is the engine of the new economy, and our students need a safe, supportive, and disciplined setting in which to learn.
My philosophy of school management is simple: I believe passionately in giving students all the support they need and then setting the highest possible standards for them. Our school has a thoughtful Code of Student Conduct that was created by the staff, parents, board members and administrators. I believe in that code, and I expect our students to live by it. After all, by expecting the best from our students today, we help them succeed tomorrow. Our Code of Student Conduct reflects the high expectations we have for students to behave respectfully toward teachers and each other. I am proud that our staff models respectful be havior toward all students and parents. I would expect no less. Courtesy may be fading elsewhere, but it is a very important concern here at NAME School. By creating a well-disciplined civil school environment, we help our students learn, grow, and prepare for successful futures. The challenges our students face navigating the electronic world safely is one reason we take special pride in being a safe, disciplined high school (or a safer and more disciplined school) and in preparing our students for successful futures. Wherever their careers take them, they will face competition from every continent. That’s why our mission is to ensure that all students graduate with the skills they need to succeed at a good job or a good college. For many years, we have been very successful in achieving this goal because you and other parents like you have been the best of partners. (I have (raised) # children myself, so I know first hand the challenges parenting.) You have worked hard to provide and do the very best for your children. You have sacrificed so they might prosper. I know I speak for the whole school team when I say thank you. We appreciate your efforts. And speaking of the school team, will everyone in the audience wearing a white carnation please stand. Thank you! Now give these folks a hand! These are our newest colleagues. Our first year teachers. But they are not (all) new to teaching. They come to us with a track record of success. They were chosen for their dedication and commitment to excellence, so let’s welcome them warmly! And finally, the warmest of welcomes to each of you! I’m confident you’ll enjoy meeting your children’s teachers, and I know they’ll enjoy meeting you. I hope this is just the first meeting of many. Now before NAME comes up here to give us the logistics for tonight, I want you to know that the whole school team appreciates you coming tonight. As they say, “When parents and teachers work together, our children are the winners!” Thank you and have a great evening!
Welcome Back Presentation
Elementary/Middle School
Sample
The speech below is meant to inspire. If you use it, please edit it so that it sounds like you. You can download this speech at www.njpsa.org and make the font larger. Here are few tips before you get started: ∆ Keep your speech short and practice it out loud. ∆ Check out the sound system, if you have one, before the audience enters. ∆ When you stand on stage, find a reason to have teachers behind you so the audience sees that you are the leader of the school team. ∆ Speak passionately and show emotion. ∆ Look at your audience, and remember that they want you to be successful. Welcome Back! Thank you, NAME! And welcome parents, grandparents, and guardians! I am NAME, principal of NAME School. With me on stage (seated behind the lectern) are # men and women wearing bright red lapel ribbons. (Gesture toward them.) Will you please stand? These outstanding educators have been serving our children for 25 (or other number) or more years! As dedicated veterans, they are renewed, refreshed, and ready to inspire and motivate. Let’s give them a big round of applause! I have the greatest respect for teachers. Before becoming a principal, I was a teacher for many years, and I still feel like a teacher at heart, so I’m going to start with a short history lesson. But first I would ask if all the relatives of the (final grade) class would please stand. That’s right. Up! Let’s give it up for these parents! They have helped their children successfully through elementary (or middle) school, and they’re almost at the finish line. They deserve recognition! Thank you. [WAIT FOR APPLAUSE TO END AND PARENTS TO SIT] And now the history lesson: When our (highest grade) students entered kindergarten, America experienced the first attack on its soil since Pearl Harbor. In the seven short years since that day, the world has changed dramatically. It has grown smaller and, for all of us, more challenging. Since our oldest students entered kindergarten, America has been at war. Even our youngest students are aware, and many feel the world is a bit scary. This reality places a special responsibility on our school to provide a supportive, disciplined school environment for your children. And we take that responsibility seriously. We are a true community of learners, and our shared mission is to ensure that your child grows and develops to the very fullest of her or his ability. More than ever, our students enjoy a safe, happy setting in which to learn. We give them a great deal of support, and we ask them — we expect them — to do their very best. My philosophy of school management is simple: I believe passionately in giving students all the support they need and then setting the highest possible standards for them. By expecting the best from our students today, we help them succeed tomorrow.
And this philosophy has paid off. (Cite three outstanding student achievements, such as reading scores on the rise, winning the county spelling bee, or becoming a Blue Ribbon school.) We have achieved successes such as these because you are the best of partners. (I have [raised] # children myself, so I know first hand the challenges parents face.) You work hard to provide and do the very best for your children. You sacrifice so that they might prosper. I know I speak for the whole school team when I say we appreciate your efforts. And speaking of the school team, will everyone in the audience wearing a white lapel ribbon please stand. Thank you! Now give these folks a hand! These are our newest colleagues. They may be new to NAME OF DISTRICT, but they are not new to teaching. They come to us with a track record of success. They were chosen for their dedication and commitment to excellence, so let’s welcome them warmly! And finally, the warmest of welcomes to each of you! I’m confident you’ll enjoy meeting your children’s teachers, and I know they’ll enjoy meeting you. I hope this is just the first meeting of many. Now before NAME comes up here to give us the logistics for tonight, I want you to know that the whole school team appreciates you coming tonight. As they say, “When parents and teachers work together, our children are the winners!” Thank you and have a great evening!
How to Gain Media Attention for Your School’s Presidential Debate
Sample
One Example (You can use the same process for any school event.) The weeks between Labor Day and Election Day present a challenging media environment because the presidential campaigns thoroughly dominate the environment. Unless, that is, you “go with the flow” instead of competing with it. Here is a way to use the campaign season to your media advantage. Many high schools and middle schools will be holding presidential debates and mock elections this fall. If a teacher in your school is planning such an activity, it can be an excellent opportunity to reach your target audience — voters 50 and over, especially males and your legislators — with your target message: “I lead a well-disciplined school where students are engaging in learning.” Here are some tips to help get the target message to the target audience: 1. Determine if a teacher in your school — perhaps an English, communications, civics, history, or public speaking teacher — is planning a student debate. Let him or her know that it represents a great learning opportunity for students, and also has potential to showcase the good work going on in their high or middle school. Seek the teacher’s cooperation. 2. Ask the teacher planning the debate to consider expanding it beyond his or her classroom. The debate, for example, would make an excellent assembly program. Following the assembly debate, conduct a mock school-wide presidential election. 3. Remember — you cannot promote or endorse a specific candidate or political party. Be sure to specifically instruct your staff that they cannot demonstrate in any way or at any time their support or opposition to either party or candidate. 4. On an evening following the assembly debate, schedule an Open House at your school and invite parents and residents to attend the second mock presidential debate. 5. Make a special invitation and a special effort to have residents of nearby “active adult” communities and assisted living residences attend the debate. Arranging rides, for example, will help. 6. No matter how much you try, be prepared for a low turnout. The only attendees you can count on are the relatives and friends of the debaters. Plan to hold the debate in an appropriate size room. Slightly too small is better than too big because a crowd makes any event appear to be a success. Guests, of course, must be comfortable, but it’s important to avoid having 32 people in the gymnasium. 7. Remember that from a communications perspective, a good turnout is not necessary for success. You will be successful if you send out a large number of invitations and if you get
coverage of the event in your local newspaper. Not only do residents like to be invited (even when they decline to attend), but also they like to read about the event in the local newspaper. 8. Have a media advisory sent to your local reporters. (See attached sample.) A media advisory is an invitation to reporters to attend an event. Follow your district’s protocols for contacting the media. If your district has a community relations or communications office, let them know what you want to do. They will be able to assist you. Also, even if it is not required, be sure to give your superintendent a heads-up before sending a news advisory or release. 9. Have a cadre of student greeters created. Their role is to welcome residents to the school on the evening of the mock debate. These students should be as diverse as possible, dressed in a similar way (such as chinos with a white shirt). They can sport buttons that say “May I help you?” or “Welcome to my school!” They should be carefully prepared to be gracious and welcoming. 10. Follow the directions on the enclosed flier, “How to Locate Your State Legislators.” Be sure to send them a special invitation. If they attend, be sure to recognize them on the evening of the debate. Thank them for attending and for their support of public education. 11. Before the debate begins, make a brief presentation to the audience. (See attached sample.) Make sure that all staff members who contributed to the event are behind you on stage so you can recognize them. 12. If a newspaper in which you want coverage does not send a reporter, be prepared to have a news release about the event sent to your local newspaper, with a photo, the next morning. (See sample news release.) Most newspapers prefer to receive releases and photos electronically, so ask to have it sent via email if possible. Make sure the picture includes the debate team, the teacher and yourself. Make sure the person sending the release attaches the names (L to R) on a separate piece of paper, not the back of the photo, as the pen’s point could hurt the photo. 13. Two days after the Open House Presidential Debate, have the results of the mock election announced. Make sure a news release is sent to your local newspaper. (See sample news release.)
How to Locate Your State Legislators
1. Go to the State Legislature’s website http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ 2. Click “Find your Legislator” in the far left column (directly under “Members”). 3. You will be directed to a new page. In the far right column, under “Search Legislative Members by,” click “Municipalities.” 4. You will be directed to a new page with a list of every NJ municipality. Click the appropriate municipality of your school to get the name and address of each corresponding legislator (if other municipalities feed into your school, then check them as well). 5. Call the NJPSA Government Relations Department at 609-860-1200 if you have any questions.
Opening Remarks for the NAME Middle/High School Presidential Debate
Sample
Good evening! What a pleasure to see so many new faces here at school — and so many old friends and parents as well! Thank you all for coming! I am NAME, principal of NAME School. Here with me is NAME, TITLE, who has been preparing the students for this debate and NAME, TITLE, who assisted him/her with that responsibility. NAME will explain the debate format, its rules, and introduce the debaters in a moment. Before we begin, I’d like to thank our Greet & Meet Team. Team, would you please come up front and center? (Be sure to rehearse this move with the team and have them nearby ready to run up front very quickly.) We take pride in being a school that warmly welcomes parents and all residents. We’re proud of who we are and what we achieve — and we want residents to see it. So the welcome mat is always out at NAME School. But a mat is not enough. These students serve as official welcomers — an important role at school events. Let’s give them a round of applause for a job well done! (Students sit.) NAME and NAME teachers, I want to thank you especially for teaching the classic art of debate. I believe it is an important part of becoming a well-educated individual. As a formal way of arguing, it uses logic, facts, and, yes, some emotional appeal to win over an audience. One side can sometimes prevail over the other side by presenting superior “context” and/or framework for the issue. It is, in short, the art of persuasion — within an agreed upon set of rules. Tonight’s debate exemplifies the way our school team works to provide a supportive but challenging learning environment for our students. We believe in exploring our differences, testing our ideas, and discussing the best options. Most of our debates are not as formal as this one, but debates occur in our classrooms every day. One deviation from the norm: Following tonight’s debate, we will not declare a winner. We are debating to give you food for thought in preparation of the upcoming election. You must each decide for yourself which side wins. Just know that the students were assigned to one side or the other, they were not permitted to volunteer for a candidate. So you may have real life Obama supporters on the McCain team and viceversa. It is in this way — forcing debaters to argue either side at will — that debate improves one’s ability to understand logic and structure different lines of thinking. That is not only a critical debating skill — it is also a critical career skill. We work hard to ensure that our students graduate with the skills they need to succeed in high school/college and at work. The ability to understand and argue all sides of an issue is critical to that goal.
Again, I am grateful to NAME and NAME for preparing our students for this important event — and for giving us the opportunity to observe it. Please join me in giving them a big round of applause! Thank you!
Closing Remarks Congratulations students! Congratulations NAMES! Let’s give all our debaters a big hand! (Lead applause.) Each team made an excellent case for its candidate. Your rapid and persuasive rebuttals were really impressive. (Applause ceases.) Now I must confess to the audience that this is not the students’ first debate on this topic. They conducted a similar debate on DATE at a school assembly. That event was followed by a mock election. We will be releasing the results of the mock election on DATE. If you have a child in school, be sure to ask him or her for the results. If you are a resident, check out the NAME newspaper next week. Finally, I want to thank you all for attending tonight. Your presence demonstrates to our students that their education is very important. I personally appreciate that, as parents and residents, you do so much for our students. We take the sacrifices you make to provide them with the very best very seriously, and we never take your efforts for granted. The teachers and educational support professional at NAME School are one half the educational team, and you are the other. So, thank you! Now let’s give our outstanding debaters and coaches one last round of applause! Thank you and drive safely!
Media Avisory
Sample
(Your media advisory for the presidential debate will probably get coverage in the Calendar section of the newspaper.)
East Riverside School 22 East Elm Street Sprucefield, NJ 04362
Media Advisory
Contact: Paula Winants, Principal (or district spokesperson if appropriate) School: 201-324-7212 Mobile: 609-732-1000 For immediate release: October 11, 2008
East Riverside School Students to Debate Presidential Candidates
Who What When Where Residents of Sprucefield and reporters are invited to attend NAME School students debate the presidential candidates 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 22, 2008 Room 120 East Riverside School 22 East Elm Street Sprucefield, NJ 04362
Please use the main school entrance on East Elm. ###
Sample
Your media release for an open house will probably be placed in the Calendar section of the newspaper. However, it can include the good news about what has happened to your school over the summer as a way of educating local reporters who cover the schools. School Letterhead Contact: Name & phone number (include mobile number if possible) For immediate release: DATE
NAME School Invites Parents to Come Back to School!
Municipality-“Name School is happy to welcome its students’ parents back to school,” Principal NAME announced today. On day, date, and at time, Name School will hold an open house and provide an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and guardians to meet the school principal and their children’s teachers. Parking will be provided both in the school lot and… Visitors will see a school with a new… IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE FACILITY OVER THE SUMMER. Also this summer, faculty and staff… describe professional development experiences. Finally, NAME OF PRINCIPAL announced… positive changes in policies, procedures, and curriculum. ### Example:
East Riverside School
Contact: Janet Miller (School) 201-324-7212, (Mobile) 609-732-1000 For immediate release: August 22, 2008
East Riverside Elementary School Invites Parents to Come Back to School!
Sprucefield-“East Riverside Elementary School is happy to welcome its students’ parents back to school,” Principal Paula Winants announced today. On Monday, September 22, at 7:00 PM, East Riverside Elementary School will hold an open house and provide an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and guardians to meet Principal Winants and their children’s teachers. Parking will be provided in the school lot. “No parking” rules on streets surrounding the school will be suspended for the time of the open house. Visitors will see a school with a new roof and renovated auditorium, Principal Winants said. “Also this summer, faculty members have attended more than 22 college courses or professional development workshops. Sixth-grade math teacher Mary Ann Moore, for example, traveled to China to observe how teachers in Beijing present algebra to sixth-graders.” ###
News Release
Sample
East Riverside School 22 East Elm Street Sprucefield, NJ 04362
News Release
Contact: Paula Winants, Principal (or district spokesperson if appropriate) School: 201-324-7212 Mobile: 609-732-1000 For immediate release: October 17, 2008
East Riverside School Students Hold Mock Presidential Debate for Residents
Sprucefield-“On Wednesday, October 16, students at the East Riverside School formally debated the presidential candidates,” Principal Paula Winants announced today. Parents and residents attended. The purpose of the public debate was to inform attendees about both presidential candidates; and for that reason, each attendee was asked to determine the winning team for themselves. Tomorrow the school will conduct a mock election for all students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The debate teams included NAMES OF 8 STUDENTS, all eighth graders. The debate was conducted as part of the Junior Congress Program. Mrs. Jennifer Wilkins, advisor to the Junior Congress, prepared and trained the students for the debate. Principal Winant said, “This debate and the mock election that will follow exemplify the way our school team works to provide a supportive but challenging learning environment for our students. We believe in exploring our differences, testing our ideas, and discussing the best options. Most of our debates are not as formal as this one, but informal debates occur in our classrooms every day,” Winant concluded. NOTE: Students in the photo are (L to R): NAMES ###
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East Riverside School 22 East Elm Street Sprucefield, NJ 04362
News Release
Contact: Paula Winants, Principal (or district spokesperson if appropriate) School: 201-324-7212 Mobile: 609-732-1000 For immediate release: October 21, 2008
Mock Presidential Election by East Riverside School Students Gives Senator NAME a Big Win!
Sprucefield-“On Friday, October 18, students at the East Riverside School gave Senator NAME a victory over Senator NAME in a mock election,” Principal Paula Winants announced today. The results were 235 votes for NAME and 197 votes for NAME. This result is (is not) similar to recent polls conducted in New Jersey. The mock election was held two days after a student debate at an assembly for the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade classes. The debate teams included NAMES OF 8 STUDENTS, all eighth graders. The debate was conducted as part of the Junior Congress Program. Mrs. Jennifer Wilkins, advisor to the Junior Congress, prepared and trained the students for the debate. Principal Winant said, “This debate and mock election exemplify the way our school team works to provide a supportive but challenging learning environment for our students. We believe in exploring our differences, testing our ideas, and discussing the best options. Most of our debates are not as formal as this one, but informal debates occur in our classrooms every day,” Winant concluded.
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