Positive Public Relations

Tips in developing positive public relations are taken from a back issue of Alabama Education News:

• Contact the parent of every child by phone early in the school year.
• Remember the first thing you say will set the mood for the rest of the class. Not every student comes from a loving home. Look for opportunities to start the day in a positive way.
• Letting the cat out of the bag is much easier than putting it back in. Don’t participate in rumors. Be known as someone of character.
• Don’t say anything negative to anyone who can’t do anything about it. When you have a problem, only address it to someone who can solve it.
• What you say in the grocery store is gospel. You are “the school” to the people you meet. When people overhear what you say in the checkout line, are you bragging on your students, or are you saying things that reflect badly on the school?
• Smile and say “please” and “thank you.”
• Keep parents informed on student progress.
• Return phone calls within 24 hours.