Building your School Community

What would your community say about your school? 

In our community we talk about the parking lot chatter, and I understand it.  I am one of those moms in that parking lot.  However, when you aren’t in the parking lot, when you meet a new neighbor, what do you say about your community? 

Does your school have an ambassador or mentor program?  When my son started Catholic school in first grade, I felt a little left out of the loop.  My son was fine, but it took me a little while to find my niche. (I may actually still be searching for it.)  A few years ago our school started an ambassador program that pairs new families up with an existing family with children in the same grade.  I love the opportunity to volunteer in this program.  I can brag about our school and help a new family feel welcome and settled.  It has spawned friendships for myself and my children. 

As my children get older and, ultimately, I get older, I realize it is this community of like-minded families that keeps me going.  It is knowing that my children have multiple people in their lives that have the same morals and values that I have.  It is often hard to see the importance of this when your child is young.  As they grow up we often lose control of many aspects of their life.  Gone are the days where the playdates included the parents. I can have confidence in their independence because I know the community that has helped shape them into the young adult they are now.

What does your school do to build its community?  What have you done that worked or didn’t work?

Night of Hope Wrap Up

Did you go to the Night of Hope?  I went and had a wonderful time.  I really love this night.  I always leave the night wanting to give all of our money to the Catholic schools.  Then my husband reins me in and we make a more reasonable donation. 

There is something very special about this night.  I always get a little teary-eyed when I listen to the children in the videos.  Our world is full of negative voices all the time; to hear these children talk about God and Jesus as a friend is amazing.  To hear them talk about walking in the footsteps of the Lord, make me grateful that my children attend Catholic School. 

There are always some funny parts of the night, and this year was no exception.  We always seem to be there for the annual Zombie Walk downtown.  Streets were closed and getting to the event wasn’t easy, but we all made it.  It did feel weird talking to the police officer about the Night of Hope on Zombie Night. 

Fr. Parks did a wonderful job reminding all of us about how important our teachers are.  Teachers never know the influence that they have on our children.  One teacher can truly change a child’s life.  God works to put all of his angels in our lives for a purpose. 

This night truly makes a difference in the lives of many of our students who attend Catholic school in the Diocese of Phoenix.  Thank you to everyone who helped to put this night together and all who came out in support.

Why do parents choose Catholic School?

As a parent who sends her kids to Catholic Schools, I am often amazed by the reasons some parents send their children to Catholic Schools. I admit that I have heard all kinds of stories as to why families come to our school or why they leave our school.  Yet, I still think there is a lot to learn about why families come to our schools.  If you google “why choose Catholic School” numerous links come up, many from dioceses across the country.  I did find this article interesting, even if it is from 2009. (http://catholiceducator.blogspot.com/2009/01/top-ten-reasons-to-choose-catholic.html)

You should start by asking the simple uestion: why are parents choosing your school?  Is it location, cost, better education? Once you know why they are choosing your school, you can use that information as a springboard to other tools to bring in families. 

When I went to Catholic high school, it was simply because that was where my father went to school. We didn’t need a reason.  No one asked me where I wanted to go to school, I was told where to go. Today we have many high schools, public, private and Catholic, that host eighth grade days to allow students to see what it's like to actually spend a day at the school. Students are a part of the decision-making process. What are we doing to appeal to those students and their parents?

There are families who don't need to be sold on Catholic Education. There are some families who see your school as a private school, and there are others who value the education and moral values that you provide. 

What drives families to your school?  What tools do you use to attract and retain students?