Monthly Theme TemplateSchool Newsletter

Welcoming Winter: Design a ‘Winter Is Here’ Themed Newsletter

Dr. Kara Stern
4 min read
Smorinio in the snow

Winter is here—cue the layers of scarves, thermoses of hot cocoa, and those classic indoor recess days where everyone loses their minds (teachers included). But winter isn’t just about surviving the cold; it’s the perfect time to sprinkle some magic into your school newsletters. With Smore’s easy-to-use templates, you can create festive, engaging newsletters that parents will actually want to read (yes, really!). Let’s dive into how you can make your ‘Winter Is Here’ newsletter both functional and fun.

Why Winter Newsletters Matter

Think about how much email clutter parents wade through every day. A winter-themed newsletter can cut through the noise like a snowplow on a frosty morning. Plus, a cheerful design sets the tone, whether you’re sharing event updates or reminding everyone about the importance of snow boots (because socks in sneakers aren’t going to cut it).

A winter newsletter also gives you the chance to showcase the amazing things happening at your school—concerts, student projects, even a “Lost and Found’s Greatest Hits” section for all those missing mittens.

Design Your ‘Winter Is Here’ Newsletter

Start with a Seasonal Look

Smore has a range of templates that say, “I spent hours on this,” even when you didn’t. Think snowy backdrops, frosty color palettes, or a hint of twinkle lights. Choose one that feels festive without looking like it was designed by an elf on a sugar binge.

Add Some Personality

Parents love a newsletter that feels personal. Kick things off with a friendly note, like:
“Dear Families, Winter is here, which means it’s time for hot cocoa, holiday cheer, and approximately 2,000 reminders to wear a coat. Here’s what’s happening at school this season!”

Use Photos and Videos

Visuals are your best friend when it comes to engagement. Include snapshots of decorated hallways, students’ snowflake art projects, or a quick video of the choir rehearsing their big performance. 


Pro tip: Don’t forget to double-check your photo permissions—no one wants to end up in a “privacy policy” conversation during the holidays.


Sharing the Important Stuff

Winter newsletters should balance fun and function. Share updates that parents actually need, like:

  • Holiday concert times (because someone’s always going to ask, “Wait, is it this Thursday or next?”).
  • Weather-related schedule changes. Snow days are magical—until you’re the one coordinating childcare.
  • Highlights of student achievements or projects. Bonus points for showcasing things like classroom gingerbread house competitions.

Keep it short and sweet. If parents feel like they’re reading a novel, they might “accidentally” skip to the bottom.

Make It Interactive

Want to really impress? Add some interactive features:

  • A poll asking parents about their favorite holiday traditions.
  • A countdown to winter break (not that you’re counting, of course…).
  • Links to fun extras, like a holiday craft guide or a sign-up sheet for volunteers (because there’s always room for more help at the winter carnival).

A Few Tips for Success

  • Test Before You Send: Check how your newsletter looks on a phone, because if it’s not mobile-friendly, it’s likely staying unread.
  • Keep It Light: Parents appreciate a touch of humor—like a gentle jab about the “mystery mittens” in Lost and Found or the annual “Will We Have a Snow Day?” guessing game.
  • Less Is More: Don’t overload the design. Festive is good; a digital winter wonderland might be a bit much.

Wrapping It Up

A winter-themed newsletter is your chance to brighten up inboxes and keep parents in the loop without resorting to “URGENT” subject lines. With Smore, you can make your updates look polished, fun, and totally stress-free (unlike last-minute gift wrapping). Whether you’re sharing a holiday wish or giving a heads-up about early dismissals, a cheerful newsletter will remind families why they love being part of your school community.

Ready to create some winter magic? Grab a hot cocoa, cozy up, and start designing your ‘Winter Is Here’ newsletter with Smore. It’s as easy as pie—holiday pie, that is.

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.

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