Our staff had a committee that worked on pen pal and get together programs. They had the kids do posters telling about themselves and hung them in the school.
Our PTO had a big free dinner at Open House, and we just keep communicating every chance we get.
Things are going pretty well. The kids adapt quickly, it's the parents that take longer!
We had some open gym and playground days through the summer. (I think I got the idea from this website.) It was a nice way for the new families to get to know the facilities and some of the staff. (We asked a few to come each time.) It also introduced the children to one another in their favorite environment-play! They appreciated it and thanked us for offering it. I would try several approaches if I were you, but this one was successful for us.
This happens often in our growing area. We have a wonderful school with some of the highest scores in the county, but because our school is older we sometimes have to battle those first impressions of walking into a 40 year old school.
We're expecting a large group of kids from a neighboring school in 2008, but until a month ago thought the move would happen in 2006. Those parents love their school, so of course they weren't thrilled. We immediately started brainstorming ways to welcome them and ease the transition.
We planned an ice cream social for the spring that included activities and a "Meet the Experts" (our kids) who would answer questions and give tours and pencils/erasers with our mascot. We talked about having them come during the day, matching them up with a student their age and attending class--that was just in the talking stage, didn't know how we would work that to make it possible.
We also reached out to the other school's PTA and said that we hoped any members of their board who were affected by the move would consider merging with our board. We could get together over the summer and incorporate some of their school traditions into our calendar. If the incoming parents have been active in their school, it would probably make them feel more at ease to know they could pick up where they left off at their new school.
When they had the public hearing at our school, we had a slide show going in the front that flashed not only pictures of our kids and staff, but stats about our school, our test scores, fun facts, etc.
It turns out it's possible to delay this move for two years, which is good for everyone because this move involved us losing some of our kids as well. But I hope this gives you some ideas--it's tough on everyone when these things happen.
Wow-I can think of TONS of ways...first and foremost -- tell them...tell them...tell them.
Send letters home now outlining your programs...
Link their children with "buddies" for the following year and the families with "sponsors"
Have a PTO briefing specifically for the new families...
Have a "meet the teacher night" now so they can get a feel...
Show them the changes in student/teacher ratio...
Be your own good publicity...if you are doing something neat in the coming months...get the local paper to cover it...
be up front about the bad scores and show what you're goals are and what the plan is and HOW THEY CAN HELP!!!!
And finally--embrace them...let them know that a smaller population has incredible benefits and can make the "community" really come together and shine...give them a planning night for next year so they can jump in with both feet to contribute to your programs...
The sky's the limit in my mind...! Good luck...dianna
Ok, here's the situation...district is moving the lines due to overcrowding in one school, and empty rooms at our school.
Due to some low test scores and bad publicity, obviously some of the parents are not happy. We are planning an open house for these students in a few weeks.
Any suggestions on how the PTA can help make these parents see what a great school they are coming to? One plus, they are coming from a school of 500+ to one of less than 300:)
