NSPRA 2018: Insights and Secrets Shared by School Communicators
The #ROAD2NSPRA cultiminated in Southern California this weekend as thousands of school communicators descended on Anaheim, Calif. to share experiences and strategies for engaging their communities at the 2018 NSPRA national seminar.
With myriad challenges facing today’s school districts, school PR professionals play a vital role in promoting and preserving public trust and confidence in their local schools.
In addition to the rich conversations and sessions taking place in the conference hall, this year’s seminar also features a vibrant online community. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting our favorite social media posts here. So, be sure to check back throughout the week for the latest happenings at NSPRA 2018.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/valerieatpj/status/1019676809116282880
Last day of #NSPRA2018 and @cbaez3 is still going strong and repping @AustinISD by hosting a Gold Mine session! #AISDProud #DrinkItIn pic.twitter.com/Vfcdq8nBhD
— Sammi Baez (@SammiSaysIt) July 18, 2018
@elliotsmama hosting a really interesting #goldmine session at #NSPRA2018 on welcoming and supporting #transgender students pic.twitter.com/wLH0kIfE6t
— Chip Parker (@ChipAParker) July 18, 2018
BLOCK PARTY: Dist. 205 enrolling kids here at the party at Summerdale! pic.twitter.com/Yb39G7hNgh
— Rockford PD (@RockfordPD) July 18, 2018
These people ROCK my world. That is all ❤️ #K12prchat #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/0HhpeRqZw1
— Melissa K Robinette (@tvmelissa) July 18, 2018
Great advice! Get out of the office and see students in their classrooms. #k12prchat #NSPRA2018 https://t.co/sNcFXNexnz
— Jonathan Rivera (@riorivera) July 18, 2018
I cannot thank these talented and amazing individuals enough for sharing their life and work lessons during our live #k12prchat at #NSPRA2018.
Lead. Learn. Grow. – these people model it professionally and personally
Love more – Grow more – Expand your borders – join us 😘 pic.twitter.com/qtkNFyFVOa
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 18, 2018
Communicating during a crisis situation. Scary but very informative, much needed information. Thanks @SB_CitySchools #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/JbOauiP1NL
— Ashley Thomas (@athomas1981) July 18, 2018
Love that our work allows us to be authentic! Empower yourself to admit that your superhero cape is at cleaners. #k12prchat #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/gl6YG3Vd2l
— Lesley Bruinton, APR 🥋 (@lesleybruinton) July 18, 2018
Find your tribe! This was an incredible live #k12prchat facilitated by these #schoolPR dragons! Who else feels pretty damn grateful for this community? 🙋🏼♀️ #nspra2018 #findyourtribe pic.twitter.com/GBKbtngMHR
— Emily Buss (@TheEmilyB) July 18, 2018
#k12prfit runners are the best kind of runners! Loved starting every #NSPRA2018 day with these friends – can’t wait to run the Tidal Basin and the monuments together at #NSPRA2019! pic.twitter.com/fEcpLSV1lq
— Catherine Kedjidjian, APR (She/Her) (@cateked) July 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/mreese2/status/1019588480064634881
Miss our #NSPRA2018 session w/ @KleinISD's @JustinElbertPR. Don't worry! We got you covered? Read more on how Justin and his team developed the #KeepKleinSafe initiative using #LetsTalk! https://t.co/yjzdSQr3NC #k12prchat #supchat #edchat #schoolpr
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) July 18, 2018
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Day 1 and 2 did not disappoint! Make no mistake, #NSPRA2018 is just what I needed to reset my professional and personal “refresh” button #NSPRAStrong pic.twitter.com/Em4e3l25IJ
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/shanehaggerty/status/1019471244159094784
NSPRA Seminar 2018 did not disappoint. Truly the best conference I attend. Thanks for continuing Supt strand, it is truly remarkable! #NSPRA2018 #calspra2018 #SRSchools pic.twitter.com/FUbYBKMfyA
— DrWat (@DrWatenpa) July 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Carla_Pereira2/status/1019324640315838464
Excited for this one! Fingers crossed for Spaceballs. #NSPRA2018 #ludicrousspeed #maytheSchwarzbewithyou pic.twitter.com/8Vnu7PcDAC
— Matt Engelhardt (@MattEngelhardt) July 17, 2018
Excited to hear communications ideas from @SuptVPS #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/fGZKHJtJgn
— Bob Mosier (@Bob_Mosier) July 17, 2018
LOVE THIS!!! 😍😍😍 See it – Say it – Don’t Spread it – Report it @JustinElbertPR @K12Insight #KeepKleinSafe #NSPRA2018 #KeepAllStudentsSafe #SafetyFirst https://t.co/IMcsdTDREh
— Melissa J. Laramie (@MelissaJLaramie) July 17, 2018
No surprise here that @brian_woodland has his audience laughing and has already mentioned his good friend @ShaniaTwain in thefirst five minutes of his presentation 👍🏻 #brianinspires #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/Rcni4tzayj
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
So this is the first and only presenter I have seen recognize that we are on tribal land (this year or last) at an @NSPRA conference. Thank you @brian_woodland for modeling the way! #equityined #NSPRA2018 #schoolpr #NativePride pic.twitter.com/6doFaNZkrG
— Melissa J. Laramie (@MelissaJLaramie) July 17, 2018
Corporate showcases offer great opportunities as #schoolpr professionals to find effective tools and techniques to help us do our jobs for our communities. Thanks to all our amazing @NSPRA partners for helping us engage our publics and tell our students’ stories #nspra2018 pic.twitter.com/DXxechSnDZ
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
At the heart of our @HighlineSchools strategic plan—which is also our equity plan—is our #HighlinePromise. These are not just words on paper, this is who we are and what we work toward each day. #WeAreHighline @NSPRA #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/tleeW2NLlV
— Dr. Susan Enfield (@SuptEnfield) July 17, 2018
#1 things to not say is “I’m not a superhero” says @brian_woodland #5thingsPR #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/SyAJXfo0SH
— Melissa K Robinette (@tvmelissa) July 17, 2018
@AnnetteEyman sharing that yes, people will get worked up about any change in colors or logos or mascots…but those things are not your BRAND. #NSPRA2018
(Image is one I’ve used in house from @The_Brand_Dr) pic.twitter.com/CQHO0OLhpi— Melissa McConnell (@EdPRMack) July 17, 2018
.@ShelbyTXk12: The stats about #schoolsafety in 2018 say it all. Schools need to provide effective ways for students and community members to report threats. #NSPRA2018 #schoolpr #k12prchat https://t.co/gd99ARDWCL pic.twitter.com/krMIiX12kl
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) July 17, 2018
Check it out! https://t.co/kAnVvZ1Hwg#NSPRA2018 #schoolpr @NSPRA
Thank you @JustinElbertPR for sharing! @K12Insight pic.twitter.com/Tn9yrWZedn
— 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆 (@andreagribble) July 17, 2018
Proud of my Texas colleague and fellow #k12prchat leader @JustinElbertPR for enacting change with strong safety messaging in his district; example of a great partnership between @KleinISD and @K12Insight #NSPRA2018 @NSPRA @tspra https://t.co/PzwnkROeol
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/mreese2/status/1019318388416339969
“Our brand is our people” – @AnnetteEyman presenting with @BBDaneDell on Storytelling Through Research – you have to be “all in” for your #schoolpr investment with employee training, visibility, resources, decision-making & incentives #NSPRA2018
(graphic reminder from Monday) pic.twitter.com/jbWOtwSzeq— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
“I have a dream, a dream to one day speak at @NSPRASeattle” says @brian_woodland. Well the @wspraboard loved having you at our Annual Conference and can’t wait to see you in #NSPRASeattle! #WSPRAProud #OurDreamIsYourDream #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/MewvzRU0H7
— Melissa J. Laramie (@MelissaJLaramie) July 17, 2018
.@brian_woodland says you should ask yourself: “What have I done for students today?” #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/AvkQpO0hLS
— Toni Tatman (@tkonz) July 17, 2018
.@JustinElbertPR: @KleinISD w/ Let's Talk! Is better than @KleinISD without Let's Talk!" #NSPRA2018 #schoolpr #k12prfit #LetsTalk! pic.twitter.com/aynJnaAnEO
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) July 17, 2018
.@JustinElbertPR leads our session on @KleinISD's #KeepKleinSafe initiative. For more on how Klein made safety a priority: https://t.co/u1CEid3UCd #NSPRA2018 #k12prchat #schoolpr pic.twitter.com/HiBZ1X2NCj
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) July 17, 2018
See it – Say it – Don’t Spead it – Report it@JustinElbertPR and @K12Insight sharing great tips about #KeepKleinSafe #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/7fPgkU3Whs
— 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆 (@andreagribble) July 17, 2018
“Keep standing” – powerful message for our dedicated #schoolpr folks working tirelessly for kids across nation – don’t give up; keep standing- your message is important – tell the truth – do what you say you are going to do
“How we live matters most” – @DrRickRigsby #NSPRA2018— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
Stories matter. Brand matters. They inspire a community to act with focus and coherency to advance a strategic vision on behalf of children and families. @VancouverSD communication team rocks! #NSPRA2018
— Steve Webb (@SuptWebb) July 17, 2018
So proud and honored to have served on @NSPRA Board with Terry Locke, winner of Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award; congrats to a #schoolpr pro who serves others #workhard #playhard #sleepwhenyougethome #mentorothers #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/hKaOmIirED
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
“Good enough isn’t good enough if it can be better. Better isn’t good enough if it can be best.” 💯 #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/FJyuW3e0Yo
— 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙈𝙘𝙆𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙥, 𝘼𝙋𝙍 (@ShawnMcKillop) July 17, 2018
So thrilled to be in the #NSPRA2018 ‘house’ today. So inspired by this morning. So inspired by these school communication leaders. So proud to represent #TeamVPS! #StoriesMatter #PublicEngagementMatters #BrandMatters
— Steve Webb (@SuptWebb) July 17, 2018
.@tomdelapp opening up #nspra2018 general session: “Schools should be a sanctuary for our children, where students feel secure, safe, loved, nurtured, respected, and supported. As a society, can we make our schools a sanctuary that our children deserve?” #schoolpr pic.twitter.com/N3nEAgY9S9
— Christine Paik, APR (@ChristinePaik) July 17, 2018
Stories matter. Public engagement matters. — Steven T Webb, Vancouver Public Schools. Bob Grossman Award Winner. #nspra2018
— Evelyn McCormack (@evelynmccormack) July 17, 2018
Congrats to Washington's very own @SuptVPS of @VancouverSD, your #NSPRA2018 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Commuications winner! Thank you for leading superintendents across the country in #SchoolPR! 🏆👏🏼 🎉 #NSPRA2018 #WSPRAProud #WSPRA @NSPRA @Schoolmessenger pic.twitter.com/q6vzLYIibj
— WSPRA (@wspraboard) July 17, 2018
Amazing that your brought and shared your children’s story with us here at #NSPRA2018.👊🏼
— Ryan Strang, APR (@ryanstrang) July 17, 2018
Stories matter. Authentic two-way communication matters. Brand matters. You have to tell your story so your community supports your mission and funding initiatives. Steven Webb @SuptVPS gets it! #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/F0y9GlfCwW
— Greg Turchetta (@NewsBoss) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/mreese2/status/1019238116698120192
We’re in the Royal Ballroom bright and early this morning where @andreagribble and @EdTechMack are rockin a full house as they share easy ways to up your #schoolpr social media game #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/2pkucUEQ2P
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
Loved starting my day running with the #K12PRFit group. Thanks for letting me join you! @lesleybruinton – we’ll chat later about what we’re going to wear tomorrow 😉 #NSPRA2018 #WeMetatNSPRA https://t.co/NkvZ3jpN5T
— Alicia Mowry (She/Her) (@Almowry) July 17, 2018
I hope there are lots of tweets on this one. I want to follow from home. #NSPRAenvy
— Stephanie Smith, APR (@smithsteph) July 17, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
I am asking my fellow superintendents to take the time to publicly thank their school communications folks. Without them the amazing stories in our districts wouldn’t be told. @HighlineSchools is lucky to have @CCarboneRogers @ToveTupper sharing ours. @NSPRA @AASAHQ #NSPRA2018
— Dr. Susan Enfield (@SuptEnfield) July 16, 2018
My conference is better than your conference ❤️ #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/CGskxMRVOC
— Melissa K Robinette (@tvmelissa) July 17, 2018
I surround myself with the smartest people.
Networking with #schoolpr experts #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/X3ufafKZQw— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 17, 2018
And that’s a wrap for Monday. Sweet Dreams Y’all! 😴 @wspraboard #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/rKkuoKOuou
— Olymama (@Ceschrieve) July 17, 2018
Work hard. Play hard. Sleep when you’re home. #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/7C33EqWMyF
— Ashley-Michelle, APR (@AMThublin) July 17, 2018
Real recognize real! Well done, @CalSPRA! Proud to take 2nd against some of the best karaoke performers at #NSPRA2018. Keeping it 💯! pic.twitter.com/MjSH3y3rFP
— NSPRASeattle (@NSPRASeattle) July 17, 2018
We came, we sang, we dropped the 🎤🥇🥇🥇@CalSPRA drops a 3rd straight win at the #battleofthespras2018
Thanks @PeachjarInc! #NSPRA2018 #karaoke #champs pic.twitter.com/Od0TahB5IK— Ryan Foran (@RyanPForan) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/KaelaaaW/status/1018974604646219776
https://twitter.com/share_goodness_/status/1018980807841443840
https://twitter.com/JustinElbertPR/status/1018986685952999424
#SchoolPR pro’s role when supt who gets discouraged with negative social media comments: “Lead from the bottom up and kick him in the behind.” – @CarstarphenMJ #NSPRA2018 #suptchat
— Catherine Kedjidjian, APR (She/Her) (@cateked) July 16, 2018
Overhearing some conversations and finding out that there are some people who have paid their own way and/or have used their earned, personal vacation time to be at #NSPRA2018. They’re here to better their skill set and advance their district’s narratives and tell their stories.
— Cody Kennedy (@IamCodyKennedy) July 16, 2018
The story of the one-page strategic plan! #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/y40VgUBt3Z
— Andrew Fernandez (@SMCISD_Comm) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/JustinElbertPR/status/1019001486943051777
https://twitter.com/JustinElbertPR/status/1018963093265657856
Great collaboration from two #schoolpr pros, @JustinElbertPR & @NewsBoss, from hurricane-ravaged districts on communicating in the midst of disaster in “Weathering the Storm.” #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/59Y0F5IHHQ
— Joel Weckerly (@CyFairJoel) July 16, 2018
Excited to engage in a national conversation with #schoolpr leaders about #equity & communicating authentically in our communities. #NSPRA2018 Here is the link to our @KentSchools415 Race & Equity Policy for those districts embarking on that journey: https://t.co/tjvpRzfYCD
— Melissa J. Laramie (@MelissaJLaramie) July 16, 2018
@NSPRA lunch with this awesome crew. @SanJuanUnified @FolsomCordova @B43Productions @hyattregency #nspra2018 pic.twitter.com/m3TdSO5Acq
— Wendy Aguilar (@WendyAguilarTV) July 16, 2018
Defining community engagement. #NSPRA2018 @NSPRA pic.twitter.com/VfwBKA8qyw
— 𝑨𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒍𝒆 (@andreagribble) July 16, 2018
The value of #schoolpr communication professionals is continuing to grow nationally. This is the largest @NSPRA conference ever. More than 1,000 attendees, 385 first-timers, & 50 superintendents. Your communities can’t hear your stories if no one is telling them. #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/6ku2ZxsJgA
— Ryan Foran (@RyanPForan) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Carla_Pereira2/status/1018916442484367360
This should be hanging in every organization. Our individual daily actions create our collective overall brand. #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/odSX95Xemn
— Beth Strike, APR ⚓️ (@bethstrike) July 16, 2018
When you see a logo or brand, you think two things:
1) your most recent experience with that brand and
2) your most extreme experience with that brand @unmarketing #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/5gSvszXHPq— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/FHS_Kathy/status/1018911253773729792
Congrats to Dr. @CarstarphenMJ, Superintendent of @APSupdate! She is this year’s #NSPRA2018 Communication Technology Award winner, sponsored by @Blackboard pic.twitter.com/1OeZLA96Wx
— NSPRA (@NSPRA) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/whitleelusk/status/1018911870567079941
@karenkleinz sums up her acceptance speech with her favourite @TheTimMcGraw song for a piece of advice for all #schoolPR folks:
“When you get where you're going, don't forget turn back around,
And help the next one in line,
Always stay humble and kind.” #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/h1EkZcCtoI— Ryan Strang, APR (@ryanstrang) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/DevraAshby/status/1018898371531010049
"When it comes to proving the value of public education, we just can't stay silent anymore…there's a four-letter word that can make all the difference: VOTE" – Executive Director Rich Bagin, APR #NSPRA2018
— NSPRA (@NSPRA) July 16, 2018
Citizens can make all the difference for public education by voting! Truth. #NSPRA2018 #getoutthevote pic.twitter.com/67Vxj7bw6R
— Stephanie Ingersoll (@singersollPR) July 16, 2018
Is your communications plan speaking to everyone? Are you not only LISTENING but HEARING all voices? #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/MuMkcYBDQq
— Ashley-Michelle, APR (@AMThublin) July 16, 2018
First of what I know will be three days of great information to take back home, share, & improve. #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/RHqTRxW2qJ
— Ted Beasley (@tbeasleyjr) July 16, 2018
Double Peach socks masters rocking #NSPRA2018 @PeachjarInc pic.twitter.com/1eb0dfDrtX
— Joyce Whitby (@jwhitby1) July 16, 2018
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Socializing at the #NSPRA2018 Opening Reception. People can’t get enough of me 🌴 #ROAD2NSPRA pic.twitter.com/ejkfQN3GUa
— #ROAD2NSPRA (@ROAD2NSPRA) July 16, 2018
Having fun with my #chespra peeps at the K-12 Insight event! @HouseOfBluesACA #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/9lscyDXKxf
— Shelley Mackey, APR (@ShelleyMackey) July 16, 2018
Thanks @K12Insight #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/mVWyI1JzJB
— Kim Eves (@kimeves24) July 16, 2018
What a fun night celebrating our #k12prchat cool kids with Chattie Awards – they’re kinda like the Oscars of the online Twitter world #NSPRA2018
Thanks @thoughtxchng for a fun Tweetup at @NSPRA https://t.co/iGvSDVY8zp— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/tjentz/status/1018727604394733568
@wspraboard ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework! #nspra2018 #wspraproud #wspra #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/byhebOfLsH
— Olymama (@Ceschrieve) July 16, 2018
Raising funds for @NSPRA Foundation scholarships while connecting #schoolpr pros across the Nation, all while promoting the #NSPRA2018 seminar and #k12prchat – Josh, you are the PR genius behind @ROAD2NSPRA #road2nspra and we 💙you! pic.twitter.com/YFa9wg9GYt
— Julie Thannum, APR (@JulieThannum) July 16, 2018
Amazing to see #NSPRA2018 trending on my Twitter with more than 1,000 tweets already! Way to go #SchoolPR and #K12PRChat tweeps! 🔝👍🏼 #mydayinla pic.twitter.com/zFqpBI7sNO
— Ryan Foran (@RyanPForan) July 16, 2018
It’s official! We just kicked off our 65th Annual Seminar with our Opening Reception, co-sponsored by NSPRA and West (@schoolmessenger) #NSPRA2018 #SchoolPR pic.twitter.com/cvSU86bAEK
— NSPRA (@NSPRA) July 16, 2018
Congrats to the 2018 Accreditation recipients! #ItTakesAPRro #NSPRA2018 pic.twitter.com/2SHIDgxBlc
— NSPRA (@NSPRA) July 15, 2018
We're all set for #NSPRA2018! Don't forget to come see us in the @NSPRA marketplace. #schoolpr #Road2NSPRA #k12PRchat pic.twitter.com/uK5n7IT7km
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) July 15, 2018