# data[].attributes.body
Free download and printable!

# data[].attributes.headline
Guardians on their Child's School/Classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
Guardians on their Child's School/Classroom

# data[].attributes.body
Get feedback from guardian's on the effectiveness of the school/classroom their child is in.
*If link does not load, click download for a PDF version

# data[].attributes.body
Provide a section on class websites, email, assignment note books, etc. for families to voice their concerns, suggestions, or ideas. If applicable have an option for it be anonymous.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an example of a survey that asks parents how they would like to be involved in the school and what times they are available.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent Involvement Survey and Certificate by Oodles for Little Noodles | Teachers Pay Teach… | Parent teacher communication, Parents as teachers, Family involvement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apr 19, 2019 - This survey is a quick and easy way to get parents involved in the classroom. The format is easy for parents to understand and documents what areas parents would like to be involved in so teachers can refer back to it throughout the year. Teachers can easily create a schedule with the editable files...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I have been posting sneak peeks of my classroom here and there on Instagram and Facebook. I am not yet ready for my full tour. I still have ...

# data[].attributes.body
- Google Classroom ( Maybe one for the students and one for the parents) https://classroom.google.com/u/0/
- Google Sites https://sites.google.com/new
- Bright Wheel https://mybrightwheel.com
- Classroom Dojo https://www.classdojo.com

# data[].attributes.body
-Meet the teacher
-Icebreaker with the parents
-Parent resource board

# data[].attributes.body
https://images.template.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/17101231/School-Wellness-Newsletter.jpg

# data[].attributes.body
Create portfolios with students to show at conferences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tips for putting together an effective classroom newsletter, a simple step that can enhance teacher-parent relationships.

Readers will be able to navigate more readily if they can easily scan the topics you include. Some ideas for content headings: Classroom Highlights, Donors Choose Wish List, Upcoming Events, What We're Reading, Problems We're Solving, Polls, Recommended Books, Homework Expectations, Behaviors We're Working On, Dinner Challenge Questions, Thanks to..., Resources (links), Fun Photos, Exemplary Student Work, Volunteer Sign Up, and Student Quotes.

Celebrate themes. At ProTeacher.net, one teacher writes, "When I do a big unit on spiders for the month of October, I title my newsletter '

can translate your newsletter into different languages for non-English-speaking parents, they often scramble idioms and other content, writes researcher Deborah Ann Jenson. For early grades, Jenson recommends reading the newsletter together as a class so that learners can retell the contents to guardians who have a limited understanding of English. Make to reach the 14 percent of U.S. adults who are illiterate. First-grade teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tips for putting together an effective classroom newsletter, a simple step that can enhance teacher-parent relationships.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether their kids are kindergarteners or high school seniors, parents have many good reasons to volunteer at school.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Involved?

Getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

Many schools now have to raise their own funds for activities and supplies that once were considered basic necessities. Parent volunteers are essential to organizing and chaperoning these fundraising events and other school activities.

Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community. They also show their kids the importance of participating in the larger community.

Working with teachers, administrators, and other parents will help you understand your child's daily activities. You'll also tap into trends and fads of school life that can help you communicate with your kids as they grow and change - all without intruding on their privacy or personal space.

Even if you haven't been involved in the past, it's never too late to start. In fact, it may be more important than ever to get involved when kids reach secondary school.

Some parents get "volunteer burnout" by the time their kids enter high school or decide that the schools don't need them as much then. Many parents who volunteered a lot of time during their kids' elementary years return to full-time careers by the time their kids are teens, so there's often a shortage in the secondary schools.

How Do I Get Started?

One of the best starting points for getting involved is a parent-teacher conference or open house. These are usually scheduled early in each school year. They're a great opportunity to talk to your child's teachers or the principal about volunteer involvement.

If you have something to offer or just want to help out in whatever way you can, talk about it with teachers. They might arrange something with you personally or direct you to a department head or administrator who can answer your questions and make suggestions. It's also a good idea to join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or parents' advisory council.

Here are some of the ways a parent volunteer can help:

act as a classroom helper

mentor or tutor students

help children with special needs

volunteer in a school computer lab

help organize, cater, or work at fundraising activities such as bake sales or car washes

act as a lunchroom or playground monitor

help to plan and chaperone field trips, track meets, and other events that take place away from the school

help to plan and chaperone in-school events (dances, proms, or graduation ceremonies)

organize or assist with a specific club or interest group (if you have an interest in an activity that isn't currently available to students, offer to help get a group started - for example, a chess club or cycling team)

assist coaches and gym teachers with sports and fitness programs or work in the school concession stand at sporting events

help the school administrators prepare grant proposals, letter-writing campaigns, or press releases, or help with other administrative needs

attend school board meetings

work as a library assistant or offer to help with story time or reading assistance in the school library

sew costumes or build sets for theatrical and musical productions

work with the school band or orchestra or coach music students one-on-one

help out with visual arts, crafts, and design courses and projects

hold a workshop for students in trade or technical programs

spend some time with a specific club or interest group (ask the teacher who sponsors the group)

volunteer to speak in the classroom or at a career day, if you have a field of expertise that you'd like to share

supervise or judge experiments at a science fair

Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of involvement. You may have to "try on" a few activities before you find something that feels right. If you need ideas, ask your child's teacher, who will likely be glad to help you think of something!

Questions to Ask

When you offer to help out, find out how much of a time commitment is expected and if it will be ongoing. Are you going to repair the costumes for the spring musical or keep the drama department's supplies in good condition year-round? Are you chaperoning a track meet or coaching the whole season?

Be sure to ask if any financial costs are involved with your volunteer activities. If you're chaperoning a field trip, for example, find out if you'll pay for transportation and admissions costs. Ask if you'll transport students in your own vehicle or ride with them on a school bus.

If you organize or help out with an activity that takes place off the school grounds, find out if there are any specific school regulations you need to keep in mind or any liability issues you should consider.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when signing up to volunteer:

Be clear about how much time you're willing to volunteer. Don't be afraid to say no if you're asked to do more than you feel comfortable with - but try to say it early enough so that someone else can take your place. Many trips and activities can't happen unless the school has enough chaperones or supervisors.

Start small. Don't offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band recital, and a swim meet all at once. If you've taken on too much, find out if you can pass some duties to other parents.

Don't give your child special treatment when you're volunteering at the school. Follow your child's cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if yours seems uncomfortable, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren't there to spy - you're only trying to help out the school.

Get feedback from the teachers and students. Find out what's most and least helpful to them, and ask what you can do to make the most of the time you spend on school activities. It's important to communicate openly with teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers. Be flexible and responsive as the needs of the students and the school change.

Remember that volunteering not only benefits your kids. It helps the classroom, the whole school, and the community by giving students positive interaction, support, and encouragement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether their kids are kindergarteners or high school seniors, parents have many good reasons to volunteer at school. Getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

# data[].attributes.body
Anecdotal Records can support the feedback that the teacher may be giving to the child's caregivers

# data[].attributes.headline
Video on How to Build Using Google Sites

# data[].attributes.subject
Video on How to Build Using Google Sites

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Make a Class Website with Google Sites

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Did you know you can make FREE Google Slides newsletters? Teachers have been communicating with families more than ever this school year. Whether teaching virtually or in-person, families want to be in the loop about safety protocols and academics during a pandemic. By sending out a newsletter each week, parents feel connected to their child's class, while teachers have a place to put all the important information needed for the week. You can customize the newsletter and even make it interactive, linking outside resources.

Here are 10 easy steps to creating your own Google Slides newsletters.

1. Open a blank Google Slides and title it.

You're on your way to an awesome Google Slides newsletter for your class!

2. Change the size of the page.

You want it to correspond with printer paper. Click File > Page Setup > Select the dropdown menu and choose Custom > enter 8.5 x 11 inches > Apply.

3. Write a newsletter title and subtitle.

Drag the existing text boxes to the top of the slide and enter a title and subtitle for your newsletter. Tip: Play around with the font and color to pull readers in!

4. Choose a background.

Right-click on the white slide and choose > Change Background > Choose image OR select a color background > If you chose to select an image, click Google Image Search to search a potential newsletter background > select the image you want > click Insert > Done.

5. Use images to add flair.

To insert other images to decorate the background of your newsletter, click Insert > Image > Search the Web > select an image > Insert. Tip: type the word "transparent" after your search so that there isn't a colored background on your image after being inserted.

6. Enter your class news.

To enter further information onto your Google slides newsletter, click Insert > Text Box. Repeat as many times as needed until all of the information you'd like is in your newsletter.

7. Make it eye-catching with text shapes.

If you'd like your text to appear within a shape, click Insert > Shape > Shapes > Select a Shape > Draw it on your slide > Right-click > Edit Text. Now you can add text to your selected shape size.

While creating your desired text, consider adding in an interactive element! If you include the words "click here" inside any textbox, you can then link outside resources to your Newsletter. Highlight the words "click here" > click Insert Link at the top of your page > paste the link to another resource OR choose another slide within the Google Slides to link to.
Option: For your Student of the Week, create another slide within the same presentation to present your student, then link the "click here" from your newsletters to that slide.
9. Create a "home" button.

If you chose to link to other slides within your presentation, you may want to include a way for readers to get back to the main newsletter. Insert a new image (use Step 5) > click the same insert link button from Step 8 > click Slides in this Presentation > Choose the main newsletter slide.

After you've played around with the information needed for your newsletter, linked outside resources, and made it look beautiful, it's time to share it with families! In order to make sure that families are not editing the slides, you'll want to highlight and delete a portion of the address in the taskbar. Delete everything from "edit" on and replace it with the word "preview."

Copy the entire new address link with the word "preview" and share this with families. This is what their view will look like:

Once you have your original template made, it's easy to switch out information and links for future newsletters! With many schools scaling back on paper distribution, Google Slides newsletters are a creative way to share information digitally with families.
Short on time or inspiration? Click here to copy a free editable template.
ALSO CHECK OUT:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Create Interactive Google Slides Newsletters + Free Template

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Did you know you can make FREE Google Slides newsletters? Teachers have been communicating with families more than ever this school year. Whether teaching virtually or in-person, families want to be in the loop about safety protocols and academics during a pandemic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's the difference between an open house at your child's school and parent-teacher conferences? Both will probably require you taking time off from work and sitting in very small chairs.

These two back-to-school occasions serve different purposes for both parents and administration. Each school event has its own purpose as well, so it's worth talking a little bit about what the aims of the open house and the parent-teacher conferences are.

Before you walk down those locker-laden hallways, know why you're there and you'll get the most out of the event.

The School Open House

For parents with fond memories of high-school romances, open house night can be a nostalgic evening. On the other hand, those with busy schedules can rest assured that these nights are often short and sweet.

Usually held right before school begins or the within the first two weeks of school, the open house gives parents and students the chance to get acquainted with the teacher (or teachers), see the school building and classrooms, and perhaps get a quick overview of class expectations and the year's curriculum.

The school parent-teacher association (PTA) will often present and make appeals for new officers as well as talk about critical events on their calendar. The evening will be geared toward putting the school and the grade in the best light and giving parents a chance to connect faces to names of the administration and teaching staff.

The Parent Teacher Conference

While an open house is more geared toward talking about the big picture at school, parent teacher conferences are the time to speak to teachers about your child.

Parent teacher conferences are typically held after school has been in session for a few months. This gives teachers enough time to perform routine screenings and get to know your child's strengths and weaknesses a little bit better.

These conferences are designed to give you one-on-one time with your child's teacher. The meetings give you the chance to discuss your concerns and create an action plan with your child's teacher to help them do their best work during the school year.

A little planning goes a long way at a parent teacher conference, as the time allotted to each student may be brief. If your student is struggling, you may want to meet with their teacher before conferences get underway to ensure you have the most productive session.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Get the Most From Open House and Parent Teacher Conferences

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What's the difference between an open house at your child's school and parent-teacher conferences? Both will probably require you taking time off from work and sitting in very small chairs. These two back-to-school occasions serve different purposes for both parents and administration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Make your next parent-teacher conference a success with our planning suggestions, preparation advice, and conference forms. Use our great tips on building positive relationships with parents to increase their involvement and improve communication. Printable records will help parents and teachers plan for the student's future by tracking goals and outcomes of each interaction. These resources help maximize the benefits of parent-teacher collaborations to serve each child's educational needs.

Popular Parent-Teacher Conference Resources

Use these handy articles, printables and forms to prepare for, and document, your parent-teacher conferences. Our most popular parent-teacher conference resources include strategies for involving parents in classroom activities, advice for conducting your first parent-teacher conferences, and tips on how to follow up with parents and students after the conference.

Recommended Teacher-Parent Conferences Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent-Teacher Conference Resources (Printables & Articles) - TeacherVision.com - TeacherVision

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make your next parent-teacher conference a success with our planning suggestions, preparation advice, and conference forms. Use our great tips on building positive relationships with parents to increase their involvement and improve communication. Printable records will help parents and teachers plan for the student's future by tracking goals and outcomes of each interaction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Newsletter Templates Worksheets & Teaching Resources | TpT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Browse newsletter templates resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Workshop Wednesday! As early childhood educators it's important to keep parents informed of what is happening in the classroom. There are many ways to share classroom information with parents, today we will examine several different methods; these ideas are from my F.I.S.H. (Family Involvement Starts Here) workshop.

The most traditional method of communicating with parents is the basic newsletter. Many teachers use newsletters to communicate with parents but the results are varied. Some teachers have great success using a traditional newsletter; this success is usually achieved when a teacher follows this simple formula:

Send the newsletter home on weekly basis

Send the newsletter home on the same day of each week

Break up text into small "bite-sized" chunks using text boxes

Use clip-art to add meaning to the text and make the newsletter more appealing to readers, this will also help your parents who are not native English speakers

Explain the newsletter to the parents at your open house or orientation event and show examples

Publish exciting news about individual students in your newsletter to engage your audience (birthdays, honor roll, thank you's)

Keep electronic copies of all newsletters so you can re-use clip-art and ideas from year to year

Never write your newsletters by hand

Teachers who work with populations that are more affluent and have access to technology have found great success using electronic newsletters, blogs, and even Facebook pages to communicate with their parents. My friend Karen at Prekinders just wrote an article about how to use a blog to communicate with parents. Some tips for using electronic modes of parent communication include:

Always get written permission to publish student photos on the internet

When using a blog consider password protecting your posts

When using Facebook close the page wall to comments

Never "friend" or accept friend requests from parents on your personal Facebook account

Before deciding on a method of parent communication first consider your student population then select the method that will best meet their needs.
How do you communicate with your parents?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Newsletters for Preschool and Kindergarten

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Workshop Wednesday! As early childhood educators it's important to keep parents informed of what is happening in the classroom. There are many ways to share classroom information with parents, today we will examine several different methods; these ideas are from my F.I.S.H. (Family Involvement Starts Here) workshop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A class website can be an online hub for all of your students' activity.

Activities can start there.

Additional information can be found there.

Communication happens there.

Fun and games go on there.

I have found my students and I depending on my class website more and more as the year goes on. I toyed with one last year and really jumped in full force this year and have loved it.

On my class website, which I built easily on Weebly, I have individual pages for each of the courses I teach. All of the weekly study guides (documents with all the week's information to learn) are linked there.

The site has become ingrained in my students' daily processes. They have buttons in their Google Chrome bookmark bars and can access it with a simple click.

Plus, I bought a .com domain for it on sale (like $5 a year for three years), so they just type that domain and it redirects to my class Weebly site.

With the boom in online content and great digital tools, there's so much that you can include in a class website to make it one-stop learning for your students.

2. Links to useful sites. If you teach it in your classes, someone has probably written about it online. When you find those sites (or if your students do), gather links and post them on your class site.

4. Embedded videos. I teach high school Spanish, and no matter the new grammatical concept I'm introducing in class, there are numerous educational videos on YouTube (or SchoolTube or TeacherTube) that teach them too. Give students access to them for reinforcement or easy reference for absentees.

6. Photos of student work. My students create a lot of things for me (drawings, comic strips, etc.). Sometimes, we create things together, like illustrations of stories we make up in Spanish. It's fun to refer back to what we've done together, and it's great for jogging the memory on things we've learned.

9. Your contact information. Want to make it easy for students to contact you? Make a link to your e-mail address. Include a contact form (where students type their name and question and send it to you via the site). Or include SpeakPipe on your site, where students can leave you a voice message and it will send you an e-mail to check it.

13. Sub lesson plans. Use screencasting sites like Screencast-O-Matic or Screenr to record video of your computer screen and your voice. Instead of (or in addition to) written lesson plans for a substitute teacher, stick a video explaining what to do - in your own voice! - to avoid misunderstandings or miscommunications. (Thanks Cynthia Basham for the idea!)

14. A poll. Students want to hear their own voices in your class! Ask them for their opinions by linking to or embedding a poll using Google Forms, Poll Everywhere or Mentimeter. Then actually do something with their results to make it count!

16. Something about you. Students love to know more about the people in charge of them day after day. Include a page about you with photos, links to things you like and some information about your background. Write the things they'd expect, but surprise them some, too!

18. Regular updates. Check on the content on your page regularly. If you add new things to it constantly, there's more motivation for students to check it out regularly.

What else can you include in a class website? What have you done with yours? What would you like to do? Share with us in a comment below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20 ideas to jump start your class website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A class website can be an online hub for all of your students' activity. Activities can start there. Additional information can be found there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosures, Terms of Use, and privacy policies on my "privacy" page.

Whether you have a few hours a day or only an hour or two a month, volunteering in your kids' school is beneficial for your kids, for YOU, and for the school. In fact, I even pay to volunteer. ( Read why here.)

All schools and teachers are different. Some are open to parents volunteering; others are a little more closed off. If you're looking for ways to get involved and volunteer in your kids' school, here are some ideas to get you thinking -

Ways a Parent can Volunteer in their Children's School

Volunteer In the Classroom

Attend open house events in your child's classroom

Come into class for your child's birthday or start student presentation

Grade papers

Update bulletin boards

Plan class parties

Read aloud to the kids

Become a reading buddy or lead/supervise small group reading circles

Work one on one with a student - tutoring, editing, math facts, etc.

Help edit in writer's workshop

Lead a class "center"

Chaperone field trips

Run photocopies or do the laminating for the teacher

Prepare crafts, science projects or other materials

Pull library books for special units

Help with class art projects

Cover books

Organize the classroom library

Disinfect classroom chairs and desks

Sharpen pencils, toss old markers, and sort broken crayons

Help students with make-up work

Monitor computer work during small group time

Compile Friday folders

Volunteer In the School

Assist in an extracurricular activity - whether it's an athletic club, music club, art club, or others, these staff leaders are usually in need of volunteers

Help out with a club - student council, yearbook committee, clean team, or others

Join the PTO and help plan and pull-off school-wide events

Participate in an annual event - does your child's school host a yearly fun run, auction, or clothing swap? Give some time to pull it off, or if nothing else, attend the event.

Supervise recess or the lunchroom

Referee after-school games or activities

Run the snack bar or admissions table at events

Serve hot lunch

Help in the library

Help in the school garden

Throw a teacher/staff appreciation lunch

Direct traffic at drop off or pick up

Volunteer with a "specials" teacher who usually doesn't have an aide or assistant to prepare upcoming projects

Volunteer In the District

Monitor the bus stop

Organize a "walking school bus" where kids meet at designated spots to walk or bike to school accompanied by adults

Attend school board meetings or better yet,

Join the school board!

Have a block party and invite the school families in your neighborhood over for a BBQ!

Start your own book club. (Stay tuned for a post about what my 2nd grade daughter and I did.)

Start a prayer group to pray faithfully for the school (Learn how I started one in our school. Post coming soon.)

Question for You ::

What are some creative ways you've found to get involved in your kids' school?

Resources for You ::

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
42 Ways you can Volunteer in your Kids' School | Faithful Moms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosures, Terms of Use, and privacy policies on my "privacy" page. Whether you have a few hours a day or only an hour or two a month, volunteering in your kids' school is beneficial for your kids, ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
School newsletters have always been an essential part of communication between students, school, and parents. Besides being informative, school newsletters should also include entertaining and interactive sessions for students such as club details, various articles, artwork, fundraising events, and so on. Nothing new 'till here. But right now comes the most difficult part: how to design a school newsletter that's both catchy and interesting? This could be quite an overwhelming task, especially if you haven't done this before, but don't worry. We are here to give you a helping hand. Today's article will give you insights about school newsletter ideas and will also offer you some free school newsletter templates that could give you a starting point.

Ready to create a school newsletter that people will actually want to read and will bring your community together? Great! Fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to start. Sooo...

What is a newsletter for school?

" In a nutshell, a newsletter for school is an effective medium of informing students and parents about various school activities and events. "

But it's also a platform that allows both teachers and students to write their thoughts and share their ideas and views regarding different school subjects. Usually, they are sent weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the school's decision and type of information being reported.

School newsletters help both students and parents organize their time to keep up with anything school-related. Awards, performances, schedule changes, updates, events, policies, news, articles, community happenings...everything that seems important and enjoyable should be included here. Keep in mind that you're creating a school newsletter for more types of readers (students, parents, teachers), so make sure to add content for all the categories. But more on this subject later. Now let's see...

...What is the purpose of a school newsletter

When you're thinking of a school newsletter's purpose, you should always have 3 main verbs in your mind: inform, remind and connect.

Inform

First and foremost, a school newsletter should provide essential information to both students and parents. Write about school activities such as trips, meetings, volunteer opportunities, school clubs, and so on. Don't forget to also include precise dates of upcoming events so families can plan accordingly.

We live in a busy world filled with lots of activities and things to do and we easily forget about our own schedules. A school newsletter comes in just handy to remind students (and parents, when necessary) about future classroom activities or events.

Create a school newsletter that fosters a strong connection between the classroom and the home. Write about specific happenings around your school and classrooms. Short notes or updates about recent activities or lessons are also great school newsletter ideas, and they also help parents connect to their children's classroom. Go the extra mile and ask for feedback from parents regarding what they would like to read in the newsletter. This way, you're building a trusting relationship between parents and teachers and further strengthen parental involvement in school programs.

What should be included in a school newsletter?

Let's put it bluntly from the start. There's nothing worse or more boring than receiving the same old newsletter week after week (after week...). We've all been there and know how bad it is. But unfortunately, this is what most of the schools end up delivering, because it seems easier and requires less preparation and strategy. In the long run, you might lose all your readers and you don't want that to happen.

Keeping your readers engaged requires variation and innovation!

Mixing things up from week to week is the perfect way to ensure readers stay on their toes when it comes to discovering your content. That's why you should always think of diverse school newsletter ideas.

1. Current and upcoming school events

2. Mini interviews

3. Self-help articles

4. The kindness corner

5. Other interesting topics

So, here's what should be included in a school newsletter:

Let's dig in:

1. Current and Upcoming Events & Activities

This has to be one of the main subjects of your school newsletter. It's crucial to let everyone know about current or upcoming school events and activities. This way, families can organize their programs not to miss any important occasion. Write about your school's field trips, visits to the museum or school parties. Insert all the important details that could help students and parents. You can also mention if there's any school championships or clubs and how students can enroll. Creating awareness of the things happening around school can teach students that school is much more than education, is also personal development and companionship.

2. Mini Interviews

When thinking of school newsletter ideas, please consider inserting short interviews with teachers and students. Ask them to answer you some questions based on a topic and publish their responses in your publication. You could focus on different school subjects such as "what makes a great student/teacher", "what subject do you enjoy most?" or "what have you read recently?" But you can also take courage and approach personal issues like "what are your weaknesses?" or "what makes you unique?". Take them a picture and post it next to their interview for a greater relevance.

3. Self-help articles

These kinds of articles are the most popular. Students love to discover interesting tips and tricks that help them make the most of the college's years. And they also learn how to develop both personally and professionally. I remember that this was my favorite section of the school's newsletter because there was always something new to find out. Approach evergreen topics such as "how to cope with bullying", "how to find balance between studying and relaxing", or even "how to overcome your fears". Such great school newsletter ideas, right?

4. The Kindness Corner

Think outside the box and insert a kindness corner in your school newsletter. Report each act of kindness given by students to encourage them to create a healthier and happier school community. Things like sharing the meal, organizing fundraising for poor kids, or tutoring a colleague are worth writing. Usually, teachers and parents try to convince students to get good grades and study hard. We agree, this is the meaning of education after all, but we should also make sure that our students are also becoming great adults, not only smart kids. So, the next time you're thinking of useful school newsletter ideas, please do take the kindness corner section into consideration.

5. Other interesting topics

There are many sections that you can include in your school newsletter, but for a more entertaining experience, it's good if you mix them up month by month. For instance, you can think of inserting a section with jobs or scholarships opportunities for students. You can also include a special section called "in the spotlight" where you present both teachers and students that deserve to be appreciated by the entire school. Give credits for the best jokers, best-dressed girls/boys of the school, top teachers of the month, top students of the week, and so on.

Go the extra mile and come up with interactive activities for students such as puzzles, riddles, quizzes, crosswords, and games. You can easily do this with the help of SurveyMonkey. We've tested them with good results. Their interface is intuitive and friendly. Here's the final result:

Make this section even more entertaining by offering cool prizes for the first 5 or 10 readers with correct answers. The prizes can consist of tickets to a drama play, football match, and music recital.

School newsletter examples

There's a lot to cover when it comes to school newsletter ideas. Now that you know so much about this subject, you might think you're ready to create your own school newsletter. But before getting to the most exciting part of this article, we firstly need to see how schools like Cambridge create a fun and interesting school newsletter to facilitate communication between schools all around the world.

Let's explore some school newsletter examples where you can get some free inspiration from:

Cambridge Assessment International Education Outlook - Issue 33

This is a school newsletter example intended especially for teachers. It has an attractive design that is easily noticeable from the start. Everybody knows that a newsletter that is visually appealing is far more likely to be read than a daunting text-based alternative. Besides its layout, a professional newsletter should grab the attention of the readers and hold their interest by means of its on-point content.

This example over here definitely knows how to communicate something valuable: topics such as "self-regulated learning - the idea of students taking a proactive and self-reflective approach to their own learning", "what represents teacher research" or "the power of school self-evaluation" will always be useful for teachers all over the world, because they all fight together for a better education system. So, next time you're thinking of school newsletter ideas, make sure to insert a special section addressed to teachers.

Cambridge Assessment International Education Outlook - Issue 34

The second school newsletter example from Cambridge makes a good impression from the front cover because it features a stunning design. It keeps the same layout as the one before, but the intent is focused on the entire school, not just on teachers. Remember that appealing design should be crucial. The formatting, structure, fonts, and the use of photos and colors can have a powerful impact on readers' choice if they're going to read an issue or not. This example from here surely looks catchy and makes you want to read it and discover more.

Besides general topics such as upcoming events or school activities, this school newsletter from Cambridge approaches current worldwide topics like "supporting schools during Coronavirus" or "tips for teachers who taught remotely". These kinds of topics will always be successful, because people are eager to learn how others are handling some situations and like to see different perspectives.

Cambridge School of Bucharest - Issue 1, February 2018

The Cambridge School of Bucharest issue is far more different than the previous ones. It features a more simplest layout and less content, yet qualitative. You can notice from the start that it's a primary school newsletter because it approaches topics for younger students. The newsletter is really well-structured and the text is broken up into bite-size chunks. This way, the information is more clear and cut-and-dried. People won't feel like they're reading a neverending story.

This school newsletter is composed of short articles written by children. They write about personal experiences or interesting facts happening in school. It's a really great idea to encourage children to write, because who knows, maybe they'll enjoy it so much and become future journalists. Teachers should invest in their students' future from a young age. But what makes this newsletter even more wonderful, is that there's an entire section dedicated to interviews. The children asked teachers a few questions, and then they shared the answers with everyone. Such a section helps students bond with teachers, because they find out personal things about their educators and will cherish them more.

Still, the ending of this publication has really won our hearts. It's filled with different games for children, it gives you hints of what's going to happen in the next school newsletter, and it also presents the (little) editorial team. There's nothing more special for the kids than to see their names written here in the contribution section. What an inspiring school newsletter, right? Make sure to insert some of these school newsletter ideas in your next publication, because it will surely bring you more readers.

How do you create a school newsletter in Flipsnack?

We're finally here! You have assimilated many useful pieces of information, and now it's time to prove that you can create a school newsletter like a pro. Why do we feel that there's something that doesn't make you happy with our statement? Maybe because you're still feeling a bit lost and not very talented at design? Don't worry, we're here to help you till the end and already thought of easing your job even more. We're presenting you Flipsnack, the greatest and simplest tool that will help you create any school newsletter you want. All you have to do is to create an account, pick a suitable template (more on this a bit later) and let creativity do the rest! See how easy you can design a school newsletter that will stand out in the crowd.

1. Choose your template based on your audience

2. Formatting is everything

3. Content is king

4. Think visually

5. The distribution situation

Tips & tricks to design a school newsletter with Flipsnack's Design Studio:

Let's discuss them more widely:

1. Choose your template based on your audience

After creating your Flipsnack account, you have to select a school newsletter template suitable for your audience. If it's for primary school, you should opt for a more colorful one and full of photos. If it's for universities, then you should choose something that looks more professional and elegant. No matter what you're looking for, we have plenty of various school newsletter templates for all the occasions.

2. Formatting is everything

Before thinking about school newsletter ideas and visuals to insert in your publication, you should keep in mind a few aspects regarding formatting. First and foremost, it should be in sync with the grade it represents. If it's a lower grade, then you should make it as colorful and vivid as possible. Choose funky fonts, write only short sentences and try to keep it as succinct as you can. It should have a maximum of 4 pages, filled mostly with images, and not text. Don't forget to also provide a link to the school website where both children and parents can get more information.

However, if it's addressed to parents and faculty, then you should definitely go for a more professional and serious look. Use only a few colors (neutral, preferably) and stick to only 2, maximum 3 fonts. It can contain 6-8 pages, depending on how much information you want to insert. Focus on choosing the right images for your content and also try to keep a balance between these two. In case you're short of ideas, look through our list of school newsletter samples.

3. Content is king

Our Design Studio gives you full control over your templates and allows you to make any changes you want. The front cover is always the most important one, so pay huuuge attention when designing it. Start by placing the school name at the top of the front page. Add in a footer with page number, date, edition, or other important information you might want to include. Then put your school's logo in the right or left corner of the front page. You should think then about catchy headlines and stunning photos that deserve the spotlight.

Once the front cover is done, it's time to start focusing on the entire content of your publication. With so many school newsletter ideas, it's almost impossible not to create something extraordinary. Start by writing an entire section about the school's current or upcoming events and activities. This is highly important and should be found in every school newsletter. Then you can mix up the sections month by month. For instance, for this particular issue you're creating right now, you could insert an interview with a teacher. Next month, you should opt for a personal school experience of a student.

Don't forget to also include a self-help articles section where students share useful information that could also help their colleagues. You can end your school newsletter with entertaining and fun games. On the back cover, you can give thanks to the editorial team and add your school's website and social media buttons, so that people also find you there.

4. Think visually

A text-heavy school newsletter will definitely discourage regular readings from both parents and students. We know what we're saying. No one wants to flick through pages filled only with boring writing. If you want to increase engagement, you should take into consideration the visual part of your newsletter. Images, images, images!

Consider adding a representative image to every article of your news. After all, they speak a thousand words, right? That also means it's less time spent writing to you. As a great school newsletter idea, you could also think of having an entire visual section, such as a spotlight on a certain topic, or a behind-the-scenes look at the school play. Make sure to always (but always!) insert high-quality images. You want to look professional after all, right?

Go the extra mile and also add videos and GIFs in your school newsletter. You can totally do this with our amazing Design Studio. Maybe there was a special party in your school or another special occasion and somebody filmed it. Insert that video in your publication. Students will totally love this.

5. The distribution situation

Flipsnack gives you the opportunity to share your school newsletter both online and offline. When you're done designing your masterpiece, it's time to choose a distribution method. If your school believes firmly in the power of the printed world, then please make sure to choose high-quality paper for a more pleasant experience. Physical copies should be delivered or placed in a public space where everyone can easily pick them up.

If you, however, have the possibility to share your school newsletter ideas online via email or social media, then make sure to also insert your school's official website and social media buttons. This way, both parents and students can access any type of information from anywhere and with the help of any smart device. But the best thing about digital newsletters is that they are cost-effective and help you to reach a large number of readers

School newsletter templates to get you inspired

We promised that we will stick with you till the end, so here we are, ready to help you with one more major thing. Our talented designers have created these professional and versatile school newsletter templates to help you build a newsletter that everyone will enjoy and find useful. They are all free, fully customizable and ready to be used by you. Don't worry, just follow our steps, take into account our school newsletter ideas and take some courage!

Back To School Newsletter Template

School has just started and we know it's no easy job to work in this field these days. Since the whole pandemic situation, it's pretty difficult to be a teacher and to move completely to online learning. You have to prepare your lessons, organize activities with your students and also keep them updated and informed about worldwide and school happenings. Put all these ideas into a school newsletter template like this one from here.

You already know that Flipsnack allows you to make any change you want. Insert your own sections. Choose from our list with school newsletter ideas. Be directly on point and write back to school articles such as "how to make new friends", "impressions about the first day of school" and so on. Go about and beyond with a special section dedicated to the new children. Upload photos with each of them and a short characteristic description. Download this school newsletter sample and then take it to print. Distribute it to the entire school.

Printable Elementary School Newsletter Template

If you're a teacher, then you know that it's kind of hard to keep both students and parents informed about everything going on in your school. But it doesn't have to be a daunting task anymore. Gather all your school's information, updates, activities and so on, and insert them into a school newsletter template. This one from here works perfectly for any type of classroom. Besides being appealing, the design is also vivid and bright and it makes you want to grab it fast and discover what's inside. Personalize it with your own content right away.

Write about school interviews, the student of the month, and any other useful things for the entire school. Remember that formatting is everything, so try to keep the same font and style throughout the whole newsletter. Add photos or videos from extracurricular activities using our drag and drop editor. Customize it online and let your imagination fly. Share your school newsletter ideas with the entire school community and post it on social media, so that others can inspire from your example.

Primary School Newsletter Template

We said already that a school newsletter connects the school with the home. Keep things organized in your school with the help of this newsletter template from Flipsnack. This example from here is suitable especially for primary classes because it features happy and vivid colors and it contains little content.

Customize this primary school newsletter template as you wish in just a few minutes. Remember all the ideas we've written before and insert the ones you find the most interesting for your school. Insert a kindness corner, write your school's activities and updates and even include some fun games for kids. Make it very detailed because parents will want to know everything about their kids' school updates. Keep it as bright as possible and save it when you're done. You can print it anytime you want and then share it with both parents and children.

High School Newsletter Template

Since we've designed a school newsletter for primary kids, we thought it would be a great idea to also create an editable high school newsletter template. Things are a bit different, because you're creating content for teenagers and you have to update your ideas to their age and style. Take this sample and customize it with your school's logo and colors. Write up-to-date articles such as "how to cope with bullying", "how to be an exemplar student", and so on. Keep your class informed with school's events and news, and also ask them to come up with school newsletter ideas for the next issues.

Remember to also think visually when designing your publication. Pay attention to formatting, colors, fonts, and so on. Download and print your school newsletter and make sure everyone has access to it. You can always choose to share it online via email, so people can read it anytime they want, on any devices.

Preschool Newsletter Template

Everyone knows that teaching little children is one of the most difficult jobs to do. They are full of energy and they get bored easily, that's why you have to keep them entertained every second. If you want to come up with something new for them, you should try creating monthly newsletters. We will help you with this preschool newsletter template from here. Our amazing Design Studio allows you to customize it to the fullest.

Since it's a preschool newsletter, make sure to fill it with many photos. Write as less text as possible, because the little kiddos are only at the beginning of their reading process. You could insert school updates or events that are useful for their parents. Instead, insert many games and drawing activities to keep the kids entertained and happy. Download your school newsletter and print it. Distribute it then to every child and let them enjoy it!

Primary School Parents Newsletter Template

Looking for some school newsletter ideas? Search no more, here's an amazing template that can totally inspire you. If you're teaching primary students, then it's perfect for you. But don't worry, this template is versatile and it can be updated easily to every kind of educational stage. When we're referring to primary school, we should have in mind three things: colors, less text and games. Create content sections suitable for their age. Write articles about friendship, learning tips, and so on. Interview some of them and publish their answers. Post photos with them from trips and activities and also add some fun games to entertain them as much as possible.

And since this newsletter addresses the parents, as well, make sure to insert children's achievements and details of upcoming events. The vibrant colors and our cute illustrations will bring a smile to the parents' faces. Download and print this primary school newsletter template and share it with both parents and children.

Primary School Newsletter

Here it is, our final school newsletter template from this list. We'll promise you we'll come up with some more in the foreseeable future. Till then, please enjoy the existing ones.

Through this school newsletter, you can keep children and parents on board with all the school related activities. Facilitate the communication process by inserting all school's updates, events, changes, and so on. With an orange and blue cover, it's the perfect layout to start a primary school newsletter. The colors are very suitable for children this age. Start with a word from the principal and maybe end it with some cool activities that parents can do while at home with the little ones. In between, you can also add some fun interviews, drawing games, or riddles. It's all about entertainment! Download, print and distribute these school newsletter ideas with everyone in the school.

As a conclusion

Besides keeping people informed and connected, school newsletters can strengthen your school brand if done correctly. They are also an effective and unique form of storytelling, so make sure you publish good and valuable content.

We hope that today's article gave you a glimpse of what's a school newsletter and its purposes. With a little bit of courage, ambition, and this list of school newsletter ideas, you can create your own school's publication that people will actually read.

So, if you're a teacher, make sure to bookmark this article. Don't keep all these pieces of information only for yourself, share this article with other teachers or students, it might be helpful to them, as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School newsletter ideas - a complete guide for teachers - Flipsnack Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
School newsletters have always been an essential part of communication between students, school, and parents. Besides being informative, school newsletters should also include entertaining and interactive sessions for students such as club details, various articles, artwork, fundraising events, and so on. Nothing new 'till here.