NSPRA: Messaging in Times of Change

It’s no secret that teachers and support staff are feeling burnt out. When it comes to administrative decisions, this overwhelmed group can also feel overlooked. Building stronger bonds between administration and staff starts with effective internal communications. Join Finalsite’s Director of Communications Morgan Delack, Finalsite Education Consultant Josh Sauer, APR and Glenview School District 34 Director of Communications and Strategic Planning Cathy Kedjidjian, APR,  as they share proven strategies to gain trust and respect from staff during turbulent times. 

In this session you will learn:

• Internal communications strategies that spark human connection in a virtual world 
• The 5 key elements of emotional intelligence and why they matter
• How to gain staff support through unpopular administrative decisions 

We’re all feeling Zoom burn out, but in-person meetings and live graduation ceremonies may still be months away.  Join Mia Major, Morgan Delack and Jake Sturgis to learn how to stay ahead of virtual fatigue and ramp up excitement for your next online meeting or event. 

In this session you will learn: 

• Production steps you’ll need for an amazing hybrid or virtual event
• Strategies for increasing virtual engagement and excitement 
• Using microsites and social media in your virtual event strategy 

There’s no question that school websites are more important than ever before. COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way districts communicate and how parents gather information. Has your district website stood up to your community’s expectations this school year? 

Join our panel of experienced designers and district communicators as they dive into the details of the top district websites from 2020. 

In this session you will learn: 

• The latest web design and navigation trends fueled by COVID-19
• How to think with a mobile-first mindset
• Your website’s essential role for content, brand and messaging 

Social media is a major foundation for connecting your community, especially in the virtual world we are living in today. But what happens when a district post is taken over by negative comments? And what about comments on pages and groups that you don’t manage? 

Join Finalsite’s Senior Growth Marketing Manager Kristen Doverspike and Former Communications Coordinator Crystal Maleski to learn best practices for effectively managing negative comments on social media and how to steer the conversation in a positive direction. 

In this session you will learn: 

• Strategies for responding to and defusing discontent
• Social media guideline examples and how to enforce them
• How to use community ambassadors to sing your praises online 
• Best practices for handling negative comments on outside pages and groups  
• How to fuel positive conversations by owning your district’s story