How Gates Chili CSD Transformed School Communication and Parent Engagement
Maintaining consistent and effective outreach can be a challenge, and with 4,000 students and a diverse community, Gates Chili Central School District needed a tool that was user-friendly, accessible, and powerful enough to re-establish best practices post-pandemic. Smore for Teams provided the solution to a pressing need for streamlined communication.
The Challenge: Addressing Post-Pandemic Communication Gaps
Like many districts, Gates Chili experienced a communication surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when in-person learning resumed, the rhythm of outreach faltered.
Iva Petrosino, Communications Director at Gates Chili, reflected, “We had these weekly videos for my superintendent during the pandemic, and everyone felt informed. But afterward, the requirement fell off. We needed a tool to re-establish consistent, effective communication.”
Key challenges included:
- Establishing Consistency: Rebuilding a regular communication cadence.
- Engaging a Diverse Audience: Supporting a community with 12% English language learners.
- Enhancing Processes: Simplifying and improving outreach for staff and parents.
The Solution: Smore for Teams
Smore for Teams emerged as the ideal solution for Gates Chili, offering features that matched the district’s needs.
➡ Ease of Use
With a straightforward interface, Smore allowed staff to create visually appealing, clutter-free school newsletters. The tool’s intuitive design required minimal training, empowering staff at all levels to contribute to communication efforts.
➡ Accessibility Features
Translation tools and adjustable text options ensured inclusivity. Smore’s ability to bridge language barriers supported Gates Chili’s commitment to engaging all families, including their newcomer families.
➡ Centralized Content Planning
The Smore content planner enabled Ms. Petrosino and her team to map out newsletters months in advance: “We plan our superintendent’s messages and other stories for the month. It’s invaluable to see the year at a glance,” Iva shared.
➡ Boosted Engagement
Since adopting Smore for Teams, Gates Chili has observed a measurable increase in newsletter views and parental engagement. Smore’s enhanced analytics made tracking and improving communication efforts seamless.
Why It Worked: Smore’s Impact
Gates Chili’s success with Smore for Teams can be attributed to several key benefits. “From a content management perspective, you can’t get any simpler. It’s plug-and-play,” said Ms. Petrosino, highlighting the platform’s ease of use. Smore’s clean, professional layouts not only elevated the district’s communication but also strengthened their brand identity. Engagement metrics offered actionable insights, enabling the district to identify what resonated with their audience and adjust their strategies effectively. Moreover, automated workflows streamlined operations, freeing up the team to focus on high-priority initiatives without sacrificing quality.
A Force for Good in School Communications
Smore for Teams has not only solved Gates Chili’s communication challenges but has also become a powerful tool for fostering connections within their community. “It’s become a really positive force for good in our district,” Ms. Petrosino noted.
Ready to Transform Your District’s Communication?
If your school district is facing similar communication hurdles, it’s time to explore Smore for Teams. With features designed to simplify communication and amplify engagement, Smore is empowering schools across the country to build stronger connections with their communities.
For the full Gates Chili case study, click here to learn more.
Discover how Smore for Teams can elevate your district’s communication strategy today.
- Request a demo to see Smore in action.
- Learn more about how we’re transforming school communication nationwide.
Let Smore for Teams help you create a more connected, engaged, and informed school community.
