Chapter 16 - Develop Strong Public Relations Using the Elementary Classroom by William Allan Kritsonis, PhD See: www.nationalforum.com - William Allan Kritsonis, PhD NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982)

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Chapter 16 – William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
Develop Strong Public Relations Using the Elementary
Classroom
Public relation’s is an area of schooling in which teachers are not always well
versed. This chapter offers practical suggestions for using the classroom to develop a
strong public relations program.
Children are the best public relation agents a teacher could possibly hope to
employ. Promoting a happy atmosphere in the classroom, along with creating an
environment that is conducive to learning will result in favorable comments from the
children when they speak of their classroom and their teacher.
The teacher is the first to know if a child is doing well in school. Writing a
postcard or letter to parents informing them of their child’s accomplishments promotes
positive human relations. Praise the child, mentioning him by name rather than saying
your child, your son, or your daughter. The letters do not have to be lengthy, but they
must be personal, distinctive, sincere, truthful, and honest. Avoid sending negative
letters. If something negative must be said, telephone parents and schedule a
conference. Only strong, positive letters must be sent to parents. Appreciative letters
sent to parents make children happier in school.
Sometimes parents believe their child has or has not accomplished certain goals
during the year. Questionnaires designed to provide teachers with feedback can be
drafted and sent home to be completed by parents. Invite parents to the classroom to
observe classes for a day. Be sure to allow time before they leave to talk with them and
reflect upon what they observed. This will give parents a positive feeling about their
child’s school and teacher.
Keep the following two thoughts in mind when writing letters to parents:
1. Is this letter good for the child and parents and is it good for the school?
2. Is the letter a positive reflection on the classroom and school?
If these two questions can be answered “Yes,” a teacher’s professional judgment in
sending the letter is probably on target. Remember to secure permission from the

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school principal before sending letters to parents.
Many times parents come directly to the classroom to pick up their children for
dental, doctor, or other appointments. In such instances, insist that the parents report
first to the school office to fill out a record indicating they have picked up their child and
are assuming the responsibility of taking them home. Misunderstandings result from
such enforcements can be avoided if parents understand the rules under which the
school operates. A friendly letter sent to parents explaining the standard operating
procedures of the elementary school fosters good relations between parents and
teacher. Preparing special bulletin detailing important school events and sending these
to parents also prevents misunderstandings between parents and the school.
Designing and sending a monthly newsletter to parents helps to develop more of a
connection between the home and school.
Local television stations often would be happy to cover positive news stories
about ceremonies and projects at the school or in a specific classroom. Going a step
further, developing partnerships with local radio and television stations, if organized
properly, are shown to have mutually beneficial rewards. For example, a local radio or
television station may donate up-to-date print and non-print materials to the school's
library instructional center. This could be announced and made into a media related,
news worthy story.
Reach out to businesses in developing involvement types of relations. This
exchange could net educational materials or cash donations to the school for
classroom supplies or equipment as businesses publicize their involvement in
proactively helping with the academic success of all students.
Study the community and its various organizations to gain a better understanding
of the cultural background of students. Learn as much as possible about which youth
groups are most active in the community, where recreational activities are located,
which church is most predominant in the area, and which business establishments are
doing poorly. Visit industrial complexes, and talk with business people. Seize the
opportunity to have individuals in the community talk to students. Elicit suggestions
from community leaders on what they think should be emphasized in the classroom.

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This information will afford a better understanding of the character of the community.
Having good relationships between the teacher, business, and industrial organizations
is important, especially when field excursions are being planned.
When meeting with members of the community, whether they be happy or
dissatisfied with the school, talk with them and not at them. Become an active and
sincere listener. As a representative of the school system, as well as the teaching
profession, the teacher must understand the value of communicating with people in the
community.
Be aware of community resources. If properly used, these resources will
strengthen the school’s relationship with the community. Further information can be
obtained form the Chamber of Commerce, public health service, law enforcement
officers, and other civic organizations. All available resources must be tapped.
Suggest to the principal that school facilities be offered for community use. For
example, the gym and athletic fields could be used for adult education programs, the
library could be made available for adults during the week. Teachers could offer their
services for supervision purposes or perhaps stop by the library to interact with
parents. If community residents are allowed to use the school facilities, they will realize
the value of the school and will want to protect their investment.
Suggestions for developing and maintaining human and public relations have
been integrated throughout this book. It is highly recommended that teachers take the
time to review them, underlining or circling those passages in each chapter. Use
personal creativity to develop other public relations techniques and begin now to
practice these techniques in order to nourish relationships among children, parents,
teachers, administrators, and community members.
A Thought in Words
Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers. Alfred Lord Tennyson “Locksley Hall”

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Copyright © 2018 by William Allan Kritsonis
William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
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