The Storyboard

The campus communication team at Gilbert Classical Academy are the winners of the Communicators of the Month trophy for November 2024! Some of the reasons they won the trophy include:

• Regularly updating their Principal Update on their Family page with current information.
• Along with links to important tasks for Parents and scholarships for students.

• Keeping their newsletter ADA compliant while reaching an above-average click-through-rate.

• Showcasing various aspects of their student life on social media.

Who will take the trophy away from them next month?

As we approach the end of the semester and enter the “Season of Giving,” it is important to remember the powerful impact storytelling can have on our communities. By sharing compelling stories this holiday season, we can contribute to building stronger relationships with our audiences, inspiring positive change, and fostering a sense of community. Whether it’s showcasing a food drive on social media or ensuring your communications are accessible for everyone, there are countless ways we can Contribute through Communication.

Ensuring that your communications are accessible to all is crucial. By adhering to ADA guidelines, you can create inclusive content that reaches a wider audience. This includes using clear and concise language, providing text for images, and using color contrasts that are easy to read. By prioritizing accessibility, you can contribute to a more inclusive communication landscape.

Pro Tip: Although there is an option to add alternate text, images in Smore newsletters should be paired with text below the photo using the paragraph element. Any text in the photo should be included in the paragraph below the image.

Your communication efforts can play a vital role in shaping your school’s culture. Beyond academics and athletics, highlight the unique aspects of your school community, such as arts, music, clubs, and volunteerism. By showcasing the diverse talents and interests of your students and staff, you can foster a positive and inclusive school culture.

Below are some examples of social media posts following this Best Practice.

• Pioneer Elementary's Native American Heritage Month celebration.
• South Valley Junior's showcase of a theatre performance hosted by its Drama Department.
• Mesquite High's highlight of its Dance program.

Your school communications can help drive positive change in your community. By sharing stories about your school's community outreach efforts and events, you can inspire others to get involved. Showcasing your school's commitment to giving back can also help strengthen your connection to the community and foster a sense of pride in your staff and students.

Below are some examples of social media posts following this Best Practice.

• Carol Rae Ranch Elementary promotes its canned food drive.
• Sonoma Ranch Elementary's update on its sock drive.
• Islands Elementary thanks people who made its Giving Tree possible.

The CCT Shared Drive is where you can find many important resources for your school communications. Here you can find a document that discusses Communication Best Practices, including ADA Compliancy and Accessibility. Please review the document, found in Training Materials > New Website.

To effectively connect with your audience, it's important to understand what resonates with them. By utilizing social media analytics, you can gain valuable insights into your audience's content preferences. Regularly check your analytics to identify your most engaging posts and use that information to plan your future content.

Want to take your social media to the next level? Schedule a social media assistance session with Triniti-Lynn Thornhill to learn strategies for planning, creating, and optimizing your content. You can also discover how to leverage analytics to maximize your impact and engage with your audience.

If you have access to the CCT Shared Drive, you can find it by clicking "Shared Drives" on the left-hand side of your Google Drive homepage. From there, the CCT Shared Drive should appear with the title "CAMPUS COMMUNICATION TEAMS 2024-25." If the CCT Share Drive does not appear, you likely do not have access to it. If you'd like access, please contact dawn.mackay@gilbertschools.net or hailey.borden@gilbertschools.net.

Our December theme is 'Contribute.' Next month, we'll utilize our communications to showcase how our district contributes to our students, staff, families, and communities. To do this, we'll highlight the people, programs, and events that aim to make a positive impact on those around them.

Having trouble thinking of content to post on social media? Check out this social media content calendar that details the many opportunities worth sharing on social media throughout December. Click through this Canva slide to find information including content ideas, relevant hashtags to use, links to resources, and more - all broken down week by week throughout December. | Read More

– Andrew Peterson, Musician and Author