Communications Strategies in Action: Top 5 Takeaways for Catholic Schools

This is the final installment in a three-part series sharing how Catholic schools use Bridges for Schools communications capacity building grants from the Crimsonbridge Foundation to welcome, engage, and serve Hispanic students and families. The first part of this series explores the lasting impact of investing in cultivating inclusion and belonging at the high school level. The second part highlights four elementary schools successfully expanding their communications strategies to include robust methods for promoting family engagement and building community. 

1) The communications and family engagement needs of each school are unique; conduct an internal needs assessment to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement.  

Thorough back-to-school night surveys, intake interviews with new families, surveys to assess parents’ preferred language to receive communications, and focus group meetings can all provide helpful context to better understand the current and future needs of your school community. 

2) Consider a liaison program to bridge parish and school communities, like the Madrinas Model. 

Families that can see themselves represented within the school community and have an advocate will feel more compelled to consider that school as an option. Identify a messenger, whether it is the pastor or a Madrina, who can act as a trusted source for your school and invite families to visit.   

3) Incorporate various tools into your communications strategy, including social media and video, to better reach prospective and current parents and families. 

Videos can bring your school community to life! Identify staff members or parents in your school community who you might invite to create Spanish-language videos to share on social media. This can help showcase the inclusive support and services available at your school. 

4) Bilingual websites can help bridge accessibility gaps and promote inclusion for prospective and current families. 

Integrating Spanish content by creating a Spanish language microsite or an “En Español” tab promotes accessibility of school information, which can lead to greater parent and family involvement in school activities and community engagement. For maximum visibility, be sure to add an “En Español” tab or button on the home page. 

5) Create lasting impact in your community by enriching and sustaining inclusive programs. 

Add communications and family engagement initiatives to the school budget. Keep up the momentum of successful programs and initiatives by continuing to assess the evolving needs and talents of your school community.  

Inclusive, welcoming communications are an integral part of enrolling and engaging families in your school. Additional featured examples of best practices and resources, including bilingual video and representative imagery, are available on the Resources page of the Bridges for Schools website. You can also contact us to learn more about how a small grant could have a lasting impact on your school community.