It’s the most exciting time of the year – time to head back to school! Today we are talking about the importance of being a welcoming school and having a welcoming atmosphere. As a charter school, your students and parents have chosen you. The beginning of school brings many opportunities to be intentional about demonstrating that they have made the right choice. How will you welcome your students this year? See if these tips to create a welcoming atmosphere give you any ideas:
- Greetings: We encourage you to greet every student as they come to school, not just the first day – but every day. Have greeters available during carpool and at the entrances to the school. Also, be sure teachers are greeting every student that comes in their classroom. You may be surprised at the positive impact that a simple greeting such as “I’m glad you are here today” or “Have a great day” can make.
- First Point of Contact: Who is the first person parents or guests have contact with when they walk into your school office? Hopefully, it is a person who will greet them warmly, provide useful information and is calm, pleasant, and professional at all times. What if someone tries to reach your school by phone – how are they treated? The front office operation is the first, and sometimes only impression that many visitors will walk away with.
- Back-to-School Events: Open house, teacher meet and greet, parent/student orientation, back to school kick-off party – there are so many ways to begin the relationship with your families before school even begins. Holding events before the first day can ease jitters, forge trust, and build a bond that will last the whole year through.
Let us know how your school plans to roll out the welcome mat this year. If you are looking to improve the quality and performance of your school, the experts at Charter CFO are always here to guide you to success. Contact us today.