New Smore Playbook Helps Schools Build Family Trust from Day One
5 Ways to Win at Back-to-School Communication offers a blueprint for turning early-year messages into lasting engagement
Sacramento, CA — July 22, 2025 — As districts prepare for another high-stakes school year, Smore is helping educators meet the moment with a new resource, 5 Ways to Win at Back-to-School Communication. This playbook offers clear, actionable strategies to help schools connect with families early—and turn that connection into partnership.
“Families want to engage, especially in those first few weeks,” said Dr. Kara Stern, Ph.D., Director of Education at Smore. “But the tools have to work for everyone. If your messages are hard to find, understand, or translate, you lose the window to build trust.”
A shared system for reaching every family
Smore’s new playbook lays out a practical, three-tiered approach to school-home communication, with aligned outreach from district, building, and classroom levels. It also includes messaging tips, free downloadable tools, and plug-and-play templates for welcome letters, classroom updates, and more.
With this playbook, educators can:
- Align messaging across levels to avoid overload and confusion
- Share information through multiple channels and in families’ preferred languages
- Ensure every caregiver receives clear, timely, and accessible communication
A foundation for trust and belonging
Early communication doesn’t just share logistics—it sets the tone for the year. Research shows effective school-home messaging increases attendance, builds belonging, and improves student behavior. Smore’s playbook gives educators tools to do that well—without adding to their workload.
“Most families scan every message during back-to-school season,” said Dr. Stern. “This is the time to show that your school values partnership—and knows how to reach them.”
Download 5 Ways to Win at Back-to-School Communication now!
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