Help! We have a message to put out, but how should it be communicated to families? What constitutes an all-call? Who should deliver the message? Most importantly, how can we make sure we communicate consistently so families know what to expect?
Join us Friday, Feb. 9 for an OHSPRA virtual Lunch and Learn with Shawn McKillop as he presents Enhancing Engagement: The Power of Communication Standards in Schools.
Explore this award-winning approach to how school districts engage with families and communities during an Delve into Communication Standards and their role in promoting clear, consistent communication to bridge gaps and build trust. This presentation will examine who is responsible for communications, focusing on staff awareness of how, what, and when to communicate, and identifying when a topic is expected for direct communication. It's about keeping parents well-informed and setting clear expectations. This represents a school district's commitment to effective communication. The Standards aim to provide uniform experiences across schools, streamline communication, and eliminate redundant messaging. Engaging case studies will highlight how standards can improve your school PR offerings, build trust, promote engagement, and enhance customer service.
This February Virtual Lunch and Learn is sponsored by Class Intercom and free for OHSPRA members.
Register Now!
OHSPRA is excited to launch our Patron Program, inviting educational organizations to make a meaningful difference in school communication and receive recognition and exposure among our 200+ members across Ohio. As a Patron, your organization will be instrumental in advancing the professional development of school communicators in Ohio. Your support is not just an investment in OHSPRA, it's a step towards shaping the future of school communications and gaining valuable exposure for your organization.
With the launch of the 2024 OHSPRA Achievement Awards program, we are excited to share the Board of Directors have added two new Distinguished Individual awards: The School Communicator of the Year Award and the Doug Baker Mentorship Award.
The School Communicator of the Year award recognizes the exemplary leadership of Ohio's school communications professionals for demonstrated commitment to the enhancement of communication and relationships between public schools and the students, families, and communities they serve. The award honors those who recognize that communication is a critical component of leadership. The winner will be nominated by OHSPRA for NSPRA's National School Communicator of the Year Award.
Established in 2023, The Doug Baker Mentorship Award is a distinguished honor presented annually to an outstanding member of the Ohio School Public Relations Association (OHSPRA). This award celebrates the legacy of Doug Baker, a cherished OHSPRA member who was deeply committed to mentoring his peers, fostering connections, and serving education through school public relations.
The recipient of this award exemplifies Doug's spirit by going above and beyond to guide, support, and inspire fellow OHSPRA members. Whether it's through one-on-one mentorship, leading workshops, or creating platforms for meaningful dialogue, the awardee has made a significant impact on the professional growth and community spirit of OHSPRA.There is no entry fee for Doug Baker Mentorship Award nominations.
These awards serve as a platform to honor the outstanding work you do in your district. We invite you to submit your best projects and campaigns by Monday, January 22, 2024.
We are excited to announce the launch of the 2024 OHSPRA Achievement Awards program. These awards serve as a platform to honor the outstanding work you do in your district.
Professional awards provide recognition for the outstanding communication efforts of members and non-members of OHSPRA. Distinguished individual awards recognize individuals who support, champion, and help advance the great work school communicators are doing.
We invite you to submit your best projects and campaigns by Monday, January 22, 2024. Last year, OHSPRA members submitted over 180 entries! Don't delay and submit your entries today!
Professional Awards:
E-Newsletter Marketing Materials Photography Podcast PR & Marketing Plan Quality Profile/Annual Report (Electronic or Print) Social Media Campaign Social Media Page Special Purpose Publication Student Video Video Website Writing
Distinguished Individual Awards:
School Communicator of the YearDoug Baker Mentorship Award Crystal Award Friend of Education Award Innovator Award
OHSPRA and OSBA are excited to offer an additional PD session to our Fall Communications Workshop next Wednesday, Oct. 11! Learn the ins and outs of branding your district with intent as Carl Mitchell, Brand Manager for St. Louis Public Schools, joins us for this interactive session.
Session Description:
Did I Do That? School Branding with Intent:
Join us in this engaging session where we'll uncover actionable strategies to align principals with your district's branding objectives and simplify the art of school branding. Learn how a cohesive brand can bolster your reputation and contribute to student success, all while drawing inspiration from the iconic Steve Urkel's determination and creativity.
Register for the Fall Communications Workshop or click this link: https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/events/view/ohspraosba-fall-communications-workshop-0
See the full list of presenters on our Event page.
OHSPRA and OSBA are teaming up once again to provide a virtual Fall Workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You won't want to miss these timely and information-packed sessions as your communication conundrums are de-mystified!
We are excited to have these workshop features:
School Board and Levy Campaigns
During this portion of the virtual workshop, Sara Clark, OSBA's chief legal counsel, will discuss guidelines for communication professionals about requests to work with candidates on their school board campaigns and navigating the newly released guidelines from the Auditor of State regarding levy campaigning. During her presentation, Sara will provide an overview of the guidelines, practical applications and answers to questions specific to workshop attendees’ own situations.
Finding and Disseminating Positive Stories and Keeping Stakeholders Engaged
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! OHSPRA “Best-of-the-Best” Award-winning communications pro, Dan Rajkovich, runs his Communications & Marketing Department at Fairview Park City School District like a newsroom. He collects information on the positive news in his district, writes his own stories, and publishes the articles where he knows his stakeholders are reading. Join Dan as he shares how this approach helps him to not only stay “in the know” on positive stories across his district, but also keep his stakeholders engaged in what’s happening in his schools. Dan will provide samples of his award-winning work and data to back up that it’s working!
Register Today!
The OHSPRA Spring Conference agenda is now live on our website! View session times, speakers, and activities here.
Don't miss out on this jam-packed, two-day conference. Space is limited and we're already seeing a record number of registrations. If you haven't already, snag a spot and get ready to learn best practices, hear from seasoned PR pros, and connect with school communicators from around the state.
View OHSPRA Spring Conference Agenda
OHSPRA is excited to welcome Scott D. Henry as an OHSPRA Spring Conference keynote speaker.
From a self-described “incredible nerd” who was bullied as a kid; to a construction superintendent, TikTok sensation (with 1.5 million followers!), a contestant on CBS’s “Tough as Nails and husband, dad and stepdad as an adult; Scott D. Henry has evolved into a sought-after (if somewhat reluctant) motivational speaker, bringing his audiences from chuckles to tears to belly laughs as he spreads his message of positivity. Henry uses his own personal experiences to illustrate how taking the negatives we encounter and turning them around into a positive attitude can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives.
Join us for the 2023 OHSPRA Spring Conference at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel at 409 Altair Parkway in Westerville on April 27 and 28, 2023.
Additionally, we will celebrate the winners of this year's OHSPRA Achievement Awards and recognize the hard work that school public relations professionals do around the state.
Pricing:
At the February OHSPRA Board of Directors meeting, the board voted to streamline pricing for the 2023-2024 school year. As you begin preparing your budget for the following year, be sure to plan for these new prices:
1 Member: $100
2 Members: $175
3 Members: $250
4 Members: $325
5 Members: $400
6+ Members: $25 off each additional member
More information about membership and pricing for future conference and awards submissions can be found here.
Every other year, NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program recognizes professional and professional partner members who are making a difference for their school districts or education-related employers. Ohio was well represented this year as three of our members were selected for the 2022-23 class. Congratulations to:
Be sure to check your inboxes as NSPRA will recognize Olivia, Alexandra, and Kelsey with a profile piece in upcoming issues of its monthly Member Memo e-newsletter.
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