CommunicationMonthly Theme TemplateSchool Newsletter

Celebrate January with Smore’s Fresh New Templates!

Dr. Kara Stern
4 min read
Design with two newsletter templates for

January is a time for fresh starts, meaningful connections, and effective communication with your school community. Smore makes it simple for educators, administrators, and school staff to share important updates with style and clarity. Whether you’re setting a positive tone for the new semester or managing unexpected weather changes, our January school newsletter templates are designed to meet your communication needs effortlessly.

Let’s dive into how these templates can transform your school newsletters and keep your community informed and engaged this January!

1. Reconnect and Inspire: Happy New Year Newsletter

Start the year with positivity by sharing resolutions and goals for the new semester. This template is perfect for fostering a sense of community by encouraging families to share their aspirations and achievements.

  • Why Use It? Build stronger connections and set a collaborative tone for the year.
  • Pro Tip: Add a survey or interactive link to gather family feedback on their hopes for the semester.

2. Seamless Transitions: Welcome Back to School

Returning from winter break can be a challenge. This template makes it easy to provide clear details about school schedules, transportation, and exciting events to entice students and families to re-engage.

  • Why Use It? Improve attendance and reduce confusion after the break.
  • Pro Tip: Include a countdown to your first big event of the semester for added excitement.

3. Keep Everyone on Track: January Weekly Update

Consistency is key to success. Use this template to deliver weekly updates packed with schedules, assignments, student shoutouts, and family resources.

  • Why Use It? Keeps everyone informed and builds trust with families.
  • Pro Tip: Highlight a “Student of the Week” to boost morale and engagement.

4. Honoring a Legacy: MLK Day Activities

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by providing teachers with resources to inspire meaningful classroom conversations. This template includes space for lesson plans, reading lists, and links to educational videos.

  • Why Use It? Promotes equity and inclusion in the classroom.
  • Pro Tip: Add a community challenge to honor Dr. King’s legacy, such as a day of service or reflective writing project.

5. Learn About Democracy: Inauguration Day Template

Help students explore the history and significance of the Inauguration Day ceremony and life in the White House. This template provides links to educational videos, articles, and activities that dive into the presidency and democracy.

  • Why Use It? Encourages civic engagement and an understanding of government.
  • Pro Tip: Include fun facts about past inaugurations or a virtual tour of the White House to make it even more engaging.

6. Stay Prepared: Snow Day Message

Whether it’s a surprise snowstorm or a planned snow day, keep families in the loop. This template allows you to share at-home learning resources, emergency contacts, and tips for keeping kids active and engaged.

  • Why Use It? Helps families manage the day with minimal stress.
  • Pro Tip: Include fun, optional snow day challenges, like building the tallest snowman or indoor scavenger hunts.

7. Be Ready for Anything: Weather Cancellation

Not all weather closures are due to snow! Use this template to communicate efficiently about any type of inclement weather situation.

  • Why Use It? Provides clarity and ensures safety.
  • Pro Tip: Incorporate links to your district’s emergency preparedness page for added reassurance.

8. Simplify Substitute Planning: Substitute Teacher Planner

Winter illnesses happen, and this template helps teachers prepare for the unexpected. Provide subs with everything they need, from schedules to emergency procedures, ensuring a smooth day for everyone.

  • Why Use It? Minimizes disruptions and supports substitutes.
  • Pro Tip: Add QR codes linking to digital attendance sheets or key lesson plan materials.

9. Celebrate Diversity: Lunar New Year Newsletter

Welcome the Year of the Wood Snake with a template rich in cultural learning. Share teaching resources, activity ideas, and ways families can celebrate at home.

  • Why Use It? Promotes cultural awareness and inclusion.
  • Pro Tip: Include a section on how Lunar New Year traditions align with broader themes like perseverance and renewal.

January is full of opportunities to inspire, connect, and engage with your school community. Smore’s January templates are your ultimate tools for impactful communication—whether you’re celebrating MLK Day, managing a snow day, or welcoming families back after the break.

Ready to elevate your communications? Explore these templates and more on Smore today!

Dr. Kara Stern

Dr. Kara Stern began her career as an ELA teacher, then shifted into administration as a middle school principal. Dr. Stern is a fervent advocate for equitable communication and family engagement. She spent five years as Executive Director at Math for America, where she designed the professional learning community that exists to this day. An unexpected move to Tel Aviv launched her into the world of EdTech where she became the Director of Education Content for Smore and then the Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus. Outside of work, she indulges her love for reading, devouring two novels weekly, with a particular fondness for heists and spy stories.

Keep Reading

Jan 8, 2024

Banish winter blues with these 10 fun and helpful templates for all of your February needs. From holidays to snow days and everything in between.

Aug 27, 2023

Welcoming faculty back from summer requires a certain sleight of hand: you have to acknowledge that vacation is ending while inspiring your team with the hope and promise of the new school year. Principals as motivational speakers!

Jun 30, 2022

Put your school newsletter to work helping families feel at ease as they approach Back-to-School with Smore's "Meet the Building" Template.