Welcome, We’re Glad You’re Here: Tools to Start the Year with Connection
TL;DR
You’re already doing a lot to welcome families. This guide makes it easier to coordinate, connect, and create messages that feel thoughtful at every level—district, school, and classroom.
🎓 First-Day Emails = First Impressions
Back-to-school season is more than logistics. Families are forming impressions.
Are they welcome here? Do they know who to turn to? Can they trust the school to keep them informed and involved?
Maybe you’ve already fired off a barrage of messages throughout August? This guide helps you bring them together into a communication strategy with intention—so they reflect the trust and partnership you’re working hard to build.
Start with the 3-Tiered Welcome Series
A simple, aligned message strategy across three levels helps everyone feel seen from the start:
- District-Level: A warm, high-level message two weeks before Day 1. Share goals, priorities, and how to get support.
- School-Level: About a week out, building-specific info: key staff, routines, pick-up procedures, and what’s new.
- Classroom-Level: Just before or on Day 1, friendly teacher notes. What students will be learning, how to stay in touch, and a little about who they are.
This is work that pays off in trust, clarity, and belonging 🙌
Learn more about how to design a newsletter here.
Tools to Make It Easy 📁
The free Smore eBook includes:
- Planning templates for each message level
- A first-week newsletter checklist
- Tips for aligning tone and design across buildings
- Real examples from districts like yours
Everything is customizable and built to work with whatever tools you already use.
Why It Works
When communication feels intentional and aligned, families feel like partners. That trust builds early momentum for the year ahead—boosting engagement, attendance, and connection.
(And let’s be honest: anything that helps reduce “Did you get the email?” replies is a win 😆)
Back-to-School Starts Now 📆
If you’re looking for ways to support your teams and bring more heart to your back-to-school messages, this guide is for you.
Start the year strong—with a welcoming communication strategy that brings everyone in. 🚀
FAQ
When should we send messages?
Does this work if different schools use different tools?
What kinds of messages are included?
Is this just for K–5?
How much time does this take?
