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Communication Committee Vision and Goals

A four-point statement of vision and goals regarding communications was approved by the School Board June 14.

After tabling approval of the document in May, the board voted unanimously at their June meeting to approve the visions and goals of the schools' Communications Committee. The document represents the overall expectations of communications for the school system, and defines the role of the committee in meeting those expectations.

"The Communications Committee believes in purposeful and timely communication within and between all school and community members," the vision statement says. "The committee will act as a resource for members of the school system who would like assistance in their communications' activities."

The board had tabled approval in May pending review and input from school administrators.

The document lists four main goals, along with objectives for reaching those goals; examples of how the objectives might be completed; and a list of benefits of meeting the goal.

Here is the text of the Communications Committee Vision and Goals approved by the School Board:

Communications Committee Vision and Goals

The communication committee believes in purposeful and timely communication within and between all school and community members.

The following is an overall picture of a communications effort throughout the Cape Elizabeth School District as pursued by all members of the school system. Efforts should be handled at all levels including the school board, administration and staff. It is the hope of the communications committee that all school system members will use this this document as a way to gauge the status of communications and highlight areas that may need improvement. The committee will act as a resource for members of the school system who would like assistance in their communications' activities.

The committee's goals and objectives are to

Advance effective communication with all stakeholders in the community

• Create/support mechanisms for steady reporting of school achievements and operational and legislative news
• Optimize use of website and local access television
• Strengthen outreach efforts to residents without students

Examples:

• The View
• Policies published on website
• School/student groups' outreach
• Regular Cape Courier articles
• More school events on Channel 3
• Audit opportunities in elective classes
• Guest lectures by staff/students for civic organizations, retirement communities

Benefits:

• Builds collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with community
• Raises awareness of issues affecting schools
• Motivates people to get involved
• Creates community buy-in
• May encourage more community members to contribute to school fundraising efforts

Encourage a clear and practical internal communication network

• Develop protocol for bi-directional communication between Board and staff
• Develop a schedule that encourages board member presence in the buildings
• Construct avenues for staff to share information between buildings and grade levels

Examples:

• Board presence at start of year breakfasts, teacher workshop days, parent associations meetings, teacher appreciation luncheon
• School board "morning coffees" in schools
• School program presentations at school board business meetings
• School board monthly reminder to staff of upcoming agenda(s)
• Email and newsletter exchange between schools and with board members

Benefits:

Celebrate achievements and successes:

• Share lessons learned
• Positive and supportive environment

Foster communication between school building staff and parents

• Ensure district calendars, school newsletters are updated regularly and are posted in timely fashion
• Encourage avenues for constructive dialogue

Examples:

• Curriculum night
• Climate committee
• School website
• Guidance department programs
• Parents Association newsletters

Benefits:

• Creates collaborative and supportive building environment

Promote recognition of and honor personal and professional milestones and accomplishments of students, staff and community

• Encourage each building administrator to develop and implement a building recognition plan
• Board and Superintendent develop a recognition plan (staff, students, volunteers)

Benefits:

• Creates positive and supportive environment