#prinleaderchat Archive
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is starting a new #prinleaderchat every Sunday at 9:00 pm EST. We will be starting this Sunday October 2. Our schedule is listed on this google spreadsheet https://goo.gl/SI9LVo.
Sunday October 16, 2016
Welcome to this evening. Tonight we will be discussing "Telling Your School's Story." Please introduce yourselves.
Aloha, welcome to ! Today we are discussing Telling Your School's Story. Please introduce yourself.… https://t.co/spGVD9wvVA
Glad to be participating in this evening. My name is Dr. Jay Dostal, Principal of Kearney High School in Kearney, NE.
I'm Melissa, a principal in Texas
BIllie, high school principal from North Carolina
Hi everyone! Mandy from Willard elementary, asst. principal
Hi . Kara from E. WA., dean of students @ Hawthorne Elementary, Kennewick, WA.
Tonight we will use Q1, Q2, etc. for questions. Please respond using A1, A2, etc. for your answers. Always include
Hello -- Dennis -- Middle School Principal -- Long Island, NY
Welcome Jay. Glad you could make it
Hey - Don - MS Principal Long Island
Thanks for being here Scott.
Hi, Bob Sinclair, principal of John Poole Middle School in Poolesville, MD
Thanks for being here Melissa. Great topic
great to have you here!!!
****** Q1 is up in one minute ******
Good evening/afternoon Ted here from MO.
Thanks for joining us Billie
Hello! Steve Carlson, Principal of Sandusky Jr./Sr. High School in Michigan.
Glad you could make it Mandy
I didn't forget this week! Bethany, elementary lead learner in Arkansas.
Q1: “Tell your story or someone else will.” Why is this quote so important for leaders in education today?
Glenn, checking in from Wash DC tonight!
Glad you could be here Kara
Q1: We need to talk about all the good things going on in public education.
Hello all from ☔️ Sacramento, CA
Jonathan - HS Principal NC
Hey Don, great you could join us
Hi all. Keith from Md; Assistant Principal
Kimberly, JH principal, Texas
Q1: Public Schools need to control the message because there is more good going on than bad. Focus on the positive.
A1: with social media so strong, anyone can beat you to it, especially the bad news!
A1. We need to celebrate the great things taking place in our school. Others will not tell our story - we need to do this.
A1: Branding our school is important because actions speak! Kids deserve us to be ambassadors for them, to celebrate them.
A1: Because we have so many great things happening in our schools that goes unnoticed!
Q1 https://t.co/fRTZTViVlM
Q1: “Tell your story or someone else will.” Why is this quote so important for leaders in education today?
Right back at you, Bobby!
A1. Our staff, students, parents, and community need to hear this great news from us.
A1 in the absence of information, people will assume. Why let someone assume when you can show them? Paint ur own picture
A1:There are excellent things happening in our schools. If we share, neg. comments are a drop in an ocean of goodness!
HI from New York City MY first !!
A1 The principal has to shape the conversation about their school. Make it a positive one!
Glad you could make it Bethany
A1 We need to tell our story to ensure that the public is aware of all of the great things happening in our schools.
A1 also you can control the information that gets out. Feed the positive, show love, and brag shamelessly.
A1: We owe it to our Ss,Ts, school district and community to share the great things happening!If we don't, someone else will
Glad you could be here Ted
A1 For years - parents didn't know what happened in school - now we have the tools to show them all the awesome things
Josh, junior high principal, Texas
Ellen Weber Teach Brain Based Practices to Ed. Leaders Have written for
A1: Free paper press is on the outs. SM is the new refrigerator door.
this is so true. https://t.co/5MyrkNKl7u
A1 For years - parents didn't know what happened in school - now we have the tools to show them all the awesome things
This is like a dream come true for me. I've been wanting to connect with leaders who are interested in Brand. Thank you all!
Definitely. Sometimes the media portrays the negative as the only thing we do https://t.co/RV5cO3i5ew
Q1: We need to talk about all the good things going on in public education.
A2 Teachers actions of love and hard work everyday are often our best kept secret. Get that news out there!
A1) Every1 has voice w/ SM. You must provide positive stories in a high volume. Highlight Ss & Ts early & often!
thanks for being here Ken
A1:There is no excuse not to communicate all the positives our schools are doing. Social media has made this very efficient.
A1. Tell all the great things happening like learning and awesome teaching so the community buys in to what we're doing!
A1. In telling our story we are also affirming the work of our teachers and students.
Very true! https://t.co/Qi4HT4AoOg
A1 For years - parents didn't know what happened in school - now we have the tools to show them all the awesome things
A1 world is more connected than ever ppl now have the tools to share & others are listening, so embrace/share before they do
Great to see you here Jonathan
A1: SM is a FREE way to celebrate, share,invite others into our schools! Not taking advantage is unfair to kids/families.
KImberly...yes...so true...We can't afford to be humble in this transparent world.
The old rule... it takes so many positive messages to wipe out just one negative
****** Q2 is up in one minute ******
A1: If we don't brand our school, someone else will and it might not be what we want. Share the good we do.
Couldn't agree more . We need to affirm the work of our great Ts and Ss.
A1 builds support for innovation -- everyone is in on it -- part of the team
Thanks for being here Kim
Q2: As leaders, we are the lead storytellers. Who else do you get to help disseminate your message and how do they do it?
You said it https://t.co/eImDZdTGd0
A1: If we don't brand our school, someone else will and it might not be what we want. Share the good we do.
A1: It is important to hear news from the school leader. No worse feeling than someone telling u something u should know.
I like this. Ambassadors for Ss is a great way to explain it https://t.co/SYBaHioPzs
A1: Branding our school is important because actions speak! Kids deserve us to be ambassadors for them, to celebrate them.
A1 why would we want to keep the amazing work of our teachers a secret
Everyone has a flashlight, shine it on the positive & empower your school community to do the same
A1 School leaders are tuned into how teachers foster a culture of learning daily. We have an obligation to our profession.
A2: School leaders need to find their biggest cheerleaders and empower them to speak about the positives of your school.
School Brand isn't a path to selling...it's a path to branded purpose! Yes...everyone is right Tell your story.
Aloha Kimberly! Glad you could join us.
A:1 live by this! if all the internal communication is focused on a common goal & we share it externally it's so powerful
A2. My admin does a great job in getting our our message and story out to the community.
A2 I have a group of teachers that has access to our school FB page to ensure we publish our good news.
We have assumed for too long in education. Assuming can crush Ss learning if too much is done https://t.co/2BgpmAin6C
A1 in the absence of information, people will assume. Why let someone assume when you can show them? Paint ur own picture
A1- Telling your story is an opportunity to engage and invite your community into the work of your school
A2: my secretaries are incredible & they see the public even more than me. They have to know the message!
How do they do that @ tedhiff?
A2 My APs are essential in this storytelling process. Ts and Ss alike all have valuable voices to be heard.
A2. STs and parents through social media and school gatherings. Former staff and central office staff.
A2:We created a position (supp contract) for marketing. T shares on FB, website, SchoolMessanger. Supported by district
A2:It is the responsibility of all those associated with a school talk about the positives of what is going in the building.
A2: Vivid vision pushes for all stakeholders to promote hastags and various forms of SM branding. Teamwork builds pride
Such an important concept. Need to work to create, manage, and maintain the brand
Kerri, junior high principal 💜,
A2: PTA facebook Ss & Ts tweets/instagram with hashtag
the stuff that tells our Ss stories beyond the numbers
A:2 as a supe, I ask all principals and central staff to get the message out! It'sssssss working!
....I wish I had found you and months ago. Just wrapped a book on branding leadership for Wylie w/Eric Sheninger.
Do you feel FB is more powerful than Twitter for branding?
Many of our staff use Twitter on a regular basis to share awesome things in their classrooms.
A1: Innovation truly begins with mindset. If one is stuck in a pattern, innovation will never flourish.
Q2 https://t.co/mA4ABzC45M
Q2: As leaders, we are the lead storytellers. Who else do you get to help disseminate your message and how do they do it?
A1: media focuses on the abnormal, that's what makes news, thus negative is "news"-ensure the daily positive is news instead
thank u for ollowing me earlier...I love this community!
A2- Staff, students, parents, visitors telling the same story is powerful! Multiple stakeholders with the same perspective.
A2)Encourage the use of SM amongst Ts & Ss. Every class, club, & team is an opportunity to tell story
In my community it is. Our parents will share our posts and good news spreads quickly.
Aloha Trish, glad to be able to connect
any platform is better than nothing. FB reaches more parents. Why not start YouTube channel?
Lead storytellers build relationships with others who can tell stories.
A2) Know your audience! We use Instagram for kids, Facebook for parents, and twitter for teachers!
A2:A clear message from the top regarding direction is key. Leaders should engage all stakeholders into sharing the vision.
****** Q3 is coming up in one minute *******
A2 Empower everyone who cares about our school community, the PTA, the classified staff, teachers, our STUDENTS
Engaging local media is crucial. Keeping them informed can help you spread your message https://t.co/AyaCzf5BQd
A2: I try to encourage Ts to use social media to highlight their success & student successes. Also engage local pri… https://t.co/OnEnbbBd8L
I would say it is even more powerful to get those who are not on board and turning them into cheerleaders
A2: I think all of your community should be involved and using a # is a great way to get everyone on the same page.
. I discovered ERIC on the news here in NYC...and now he's my co-author . he is the best!
A2:Find and stick with one platform to share the good news and do it really well.
Q3: How can telling your school’s story help other leaders grow & their schools get better?
A2: I have also found that my office staff plays a key role in spreading good news. They are the face of our school.
A2 Anyone working for kids is responsible for school culture. It doesn't require an invite, because it's part of who we are.
A2 trying to establish a # this year -- getting there
You start with yourself and your brand.
I will look into a YouTube channel. I'm trying to figure out if I should invest into FB or Tw.
is now trending in USA, ranking 41
Facebook has been a great marketing tool for our school.
Q3 https://t.co/EtEpfi8uFe
Q3: How can telling your school’s story help other leaders grow & their schools get better?
Well rounded positive information being shared with the community consistently can be transformational
A3: don't reinvent the wheel see what others do, emulate & tweak it! Many great ideas out there that are free via twitter
A3) sharing is caring! Networking with other principals and building a community is where it's at!
A3: I have learned so much from many of the leaders here. It's great to see what other leaders are doing.
A:3 it's a lot of pressure to set a public story- you have to live up to it.
A3: I love seeing what others do. Let's me visualize how we can it or something similar.
A3: Building a network of others who are leading is very powerful in helping discover what works
A3: All that have shared on Twitter have made me better, my staff better, and most importantly my students better!
A3. When we hear of the great things others are doing, it pushes own thinking forward.
A3: Networking is vital to our success as educators. The more we share, the more impact we can make in our profession.
A3 Sharing of information and stealing ideas! I get tons of great stuff from and
is right Internal stories come frm a culture of openness & ur staff and teachers and kids all make the brand
Q3 It helps you realize we are all in this together. Find ways to connect and collaborate between buildings.
A3. My groups are excellent at this!!!
A3.A network of collaboration and sharing of success provides a wonderful apparatus for growth.Learn from the path of others
A2- getting people to tell your story without asking is amazing, give people a reason to talk
A3: taking ideas to use on Parent-Teacher Conf nights & for staff appreciation are great to utilize
agreed Billy! if everybody gets it then everyone is part of the effort to share the message
A2: Shared leadership is essential to spreading messages. Empowering Ts to make intelligent decisions spreads a strong msg.
Having your leadership brand in order and talking about it is a great model.
A3: We need to focus on teamwork instead of being ultra competitive w/schools next town offer.Aren't we all in this 4 kids?
has created a great Voxer group for that is constantly teaching me new things
A3) Share! Share! Share! We have to learn from each other, and if it does not work, just keep trying!
I agree. We all need to get better and keep working https://t.co/HtIYAwDprG
telling your story will bring to light what still needs improving. What a great way to model the growth mindset!
...yes...a distributed leadership approach builds a brand...BRAND Ambassadors are everywhere
A3 It's also my network for calibration. A conversation starter later. Makes me want to research more and find out.
all three!! Don't forget to blog too. Trust me, it's worth the effort
A3: When we tell our story it allows us to share good ideas and those ideas can impact other schools.
Totally agree . They are all our kids and building walls due to competitiveness only hinders growth
That's awesome https://t.co/MRij775GD6
has created a great Voxer group for that is constantly teaching me new things
our PTA prez & secretary are cc on communications, it's about a strong partnership for kids
A3- telling my story has led to others sharing their stories, the learning I get from these interactions is amazing!
A3)They can see the benefit from strong relations due to messages being sent. Still get comments on my monthly 1 min videos
Right on! https://t.co/wHHYj3lN9O
A3: When we tell our story it allows us to share good ideas and those ideas can impact other schools.
Fb live is a great way to connect
Yes, was instrumental in this group organization. What a great voxer team. https://t.co/ZD6tcn25zH
has created a great Voxer group for that is constantly teaching me new things
Great point. A common platform leads to openly sharing the space with anyone willing to contribute to the story.
A3. Leadership shouldn't be a secret. My PLN has given me a ton of ideas.
The kids need to be part. Gen Z lives brand.
Great point. Sharing ideas & letting others use resources help all Ss grow https://t.co/vV6fQHMef7
A3: We need to focus on teamwork instead of being ultra competitive w/schools next town offer.Aren't we all in this 4 kids?
Still have not figured Voxer out. Definitely on my todo list
***** Q4 is coming up in one minute *****
Me too... Eric told me about Voxer. I have to get there!
A3 Other P's in my county have increased SM presence and ultimately their storytelling thru peer pressure of other P's.
I can't leave out of the kudos for setting up the Voxer group. This guys is a genius.
A3: Sharing our story will model for others to do the same, so others don't share the wrong story! https://t.co/BGwTxUC3Ms
Q4: There are many different resources that we use to tell our stories. List some of your favorites & how you use them.
One of the best things abt connected education --I don't know what competitiveness means anymore
Blogging is on my list. We're doing some amazing things at our school. the story needs 2 b told
don't forget bus drivers and front door staff - Chief Greeting Officers
Q4 https://t.co/0YWNo88Mre
Q4: There are many different resources that we use to tell our stories. List some of your favorites & how you use them.
It's about storytelling-and it's about Stewardship. the stories are communication. Stewardship is maintaining the brand.
A4: Twitter, by far, allows me to tell my school's story 140 characters at a time.
A4) our favorite is making videos that highlight our students and teachers
an amazing tool that keeps us connected when we don't have time to meet face-to-face
A4: I think it is important for school leaders to blog on a regular basis.
A3 Twitter is my main one, FB, newsletter. Also, Ss voice. They have fun at school and go home to tell their parents
Hey . Poking my head into for a few minutes. Looks like lots of good sharing tonight!
Yes...Twitter! it's opened up a world of relationships & partners outside of school too
A4: Facebook is my "go to" resource (It's more popular among parents). I also use Twitter, Smore, and YouTube
A4: Students in there own words via video is one of the most powerful
Q4 Loving video tools --- video worth a 10,000 words --- GOA - Facebook Live - Instagram - Periscope - Touchcast - I-Movie
Aren't we all just competing with ourselves & driving one another to be the best we can be for kids?
A4: Jay stole my answer... https://t.co/qeANYrAQaO
A4: Twitter, by far, allows me to tell my school's story 140 characters at a time.
A:4 primarily Twitter linked to Instagram so I connect with students and professionals. Also, town hall meetings on fb live
A4- Twitter is my top choice (FB is now blocked in my system), also love using a blog with staff and parents, weekly email
Not when we aren't willing to share successes with one another.
A4: expanding use of to notify parents of positives, fundraisers, emergencies & changes at school.
A4: Social media of all kinds spreads whole school msg. At the classroom level, app spreads story.
A4: You name it and make it yours! Never to much great news to share, as it only takes one bad to try to wreck it.
Ohhhh, that is a thought!! I'm going to mention it at our next ATP meeting. Nice!!
A4 using a school hashtag has been essential this yr. Allows me to run analytics to show staff our reach
A4: Twitter, Facebook, old fashioned written newsletters English and Spanish.
A4. Facebook Live, Smores, Twitter, Facebook, Periscope...
A4: Flipagram- Poplets- Padlet with photos...all for parents and students.
This is competitive advantage at its best! So many voices raised for kids.
Absolutely, and they are often underutilized with regard to this. https://t.co/wCMFsQtwY0
A2: I have also found that my office staff plays a key role in spreading good news. They are the face of our school.
we are finishing up. Only a 30 min chat
periscope is my fav! https://t.co/P9w7OU1x8h
Q4 Loving video tools --- video worth a 10,000 words --- GOA - Facebook Live - Instagram - Periscope - Touchcast - I-Movie
A4: Wkly communication with families is important too. From both leaders and teachers.
A4 Without question Twitter is my go to media, but I'm branching out to include more consistent blogging, FB, Insta & SnapC
A4: we have to use all resources--social media, email, website, snail mail, and word of mouth.
Oh yes, I really like it! https://t.co/nyKwWdCgHj
A4: Flipagram- Poplets- Padlet with photos...all for parents and students.
We started a school hashtag a couple of years ago and it has been awesome to see the story evolve
Cool to see Nebraska in the house. My wife and I earned our Ed.D. at Creighton.
Voxer is amazing. I have learned so much. Definitely worth it.
yes, but too often Ego takes over and forces individuals to look down on others.
A3. Staff meeting -awesome place to share diverse & common story! Why do people run from meetings? https://t.co/5og6LbETql
A4- Periscope has been a great way of sharing some awesome events!
Our Supt is having Lunch and Learn sessions. They are open to anyone that wants to attend
A4 Local newspaper, assemblies, BOE recognition and of course SM (FB, T, Instagram). It depends on the situation.
A4 strongest resources for sharing our school's story are relationships/trust/consistency tools irrelevant if missing these
Thank you for including me on this chat! I'm looking for people across the country to profile on this topic.
A4: enjoy using as well to create videos, professional development, & step by step videos
As we wind down remember it's Nat'l Principals Month. What is your favorite memory about or as a pr… https://t.co/m2MQg8QXpq
A4: We use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram! My favorite is our school's student produced news channel! They are awesome!
A4. Storytelling resources: Media, blogging, FB, Twitter, Instagram, videos, email &phone calls,forums, newsletters!
We owe that to kids & our profession. Isolation is a choice in school leadership. Now more than ever.
A2: Ts are my PR group. They talk with Parents and are truest the face of the school. Ss take positive messages home.
My fav memory is now with all of these amazing principals!!!
Love the way the example of Principals like you for me!!!
My AP got us started on too! Love that tool!! https://t.co/C273DWdPWy
periscope is my fav! https://t.co/P9w7OU1x8h
Q4 Loving video tools --- video worth a 10,000 words --- GOA - Facebook Live - Instagram - Periscope - Touchcast - I-Movie
Thanks for being here this evening. Its been amazing. Join next week on to discuss Digital Learning Cultures.
Isolation is a killer for schools . How can we expect Ss to collaborate if we don't model it?
A4 Schoolwide hashtag is a great venue for branding.
That's awesome my man! Good stuff!
Those who help to build the story tend to stay with, enhance and support its takeaways. Build it WITH them.
A4: Postcards are a great way of sharing good news with families. It's a nice personal touch that parents appreciate.
...Yes to ur comment on T's honor them and their stories.
Thanks everyone! Go be awesome this week!
Thank you for welcoming me to my first . I look forward to many more!
Anyone know if Smore would be more beneficial than School Messanger?
Hey Jerry --- so happy you joined !!!!!!
NAtes_dad1...LOVE that postcard idea.
agreed, yet try telling that to the Northeastern states, or others who have merit pay over them.
LOVE this! Mic drop! https://t.co/1ik3Dt6H7M
Those who help to build the story tend to stay with, enhance and support its takeaways. Build it WITH them.
Don't forget to grow your PLN. Follow your new PLN Pals from tonight's
Chats like this help to push me rather than make me feel like I'm not doing enough. My PLN has made me stronger.
my first too!! LOve meeting you all.
I have not used School Messenger. I can only speak for Smore, but I love it and it's easy to use.
don't know School Mess. -- is it free?
all in this together buddy. You make us better!!!
stealing it! https://t.co/eaps7mLLSL
A4: Postcards are a great way of sharing good news with families. It's a nice personal touch that parents appreciate.
Thanks for hosting, ! Looking forward to next week!
Again, every leader on this chat is inspiring.
Thanks and for leading a great chat tonight
Thanks and . We appreciate your time and passion.
THANK YOU!!! Looking forward to learning more from you!
What do you use to make all calls to students and parents?
Thanks for hosting a great chat!
Thinking we need to create a Voxer group for so we can continue the discussion throughout the week.
, Thanks for the invite! I loved this! 💜
Thanks for joining. Enjoy DC and have fun celebrating the Student Voice Award!
thanks for being here Billie
We need to get on this Voxer thing
THANKS! Thanks for a great chat!! pumped for a great week of learning!!!
Yeh, she needs to get on there
going to try Facebook live for students presenting tomorrow!
Thanks for an informative night!!
We could use SchoolMess. Just learned about it last week. Using it soon!
thanks for being here Don
I'll have to check it out.
We use Infinite Campus which has a built in messenger for Ps and Ts.
That's unfortunate . We can all learn great things from one another.
I'm so happy I work for such a great digital leader! from the best!! thanks for the i… https://t.co/QRp9VZpKHV
you did awesome! Glad to see RISD Leaders in the house!
SM is what we have used to make calls home, but I have not explored other options of SM.
Definitely going to have to look in to it . Your Voxer updates are great! Keep them coming.
Kerri, welcome!! First chat ever!! Welcome to a whole new world!!
I need to look into Voxer. Phone call this week?
What a fun group of inspired thinkers! Makes leading what it should be! Wishing you a fun and awesome week!
Know what's great on a Sunday night! Talking shop with some AWESOME leaders on
A2: Our parent coordinator started texting last year and they loved it and responded quick… https://t.co/lbAIk89S3A
In the SchMess. training I was told it times out and you could lose what you wrkd on. Beware...
, , , Lamar Miller , , Hendricks , NC GOP , North Carolina GOP
I think the message is to remember where the end product is - mission might be to educate, purpose is who it's for
Imagine the benefits if our collective story cultivates more curiosity and fosters fewer fears? https://t.co/sq7mwPqd7B
