Welcoming Environment
The first impression of your campus is vital. Use the checklist below each month to ensure your campus is “guest ready” at all times. Ask a close friend or professional colleague (from outside your staff) to serve as a “secret shopper” for critical feedback.
Building Entrance
Ensure the front entrance is clearly visible from the exterior either through signage, structure, landscape, pathway or other methods.
Position a welcome sign (in several languages) near the front door.
Properly place prominent signs directing guests to sign in at the office; make sure the sign is visible in/near the parking lot and as soon as you enter the building.
Place staff photos with names near the entrance to allow students, staff and guests to become familiar with the staff.
Clearly mark the school day hours and office hours.
Have a bulletin board with community and school information that is bright and well maintained.
Main Office
Ensure that the main office is organized.
Ensure signage at all entrances clearly directs parents and visitors of school protocols and directions to the main office.
Maintain a waiting area in or near the main office with adult-size furniture.
Immediately greet all people who come into the office.
Staff the office with people who speak languages that reflect students, families, and the school community.
Ensure Rapter visitor check-in system is operational each morning.
Ask parents and guests to sign in.
Provide name badges to guests that indicate they are a parent, volunteer, guest, or other.
Staff should inform the office when parents or other guests will be visiting, so they are prepared to greet the visitors and direct them to their destination.
Throughout the Building
Place signage throughout the building for directions to frequently visited areas such as the cafeteria, restrooms, library, meeting rooms, etc.
Mark all rooms with names or numbers for easy navigation.
Visibly display student work and commit to changing displays regularly so that all students get time in the spotlight; all student work displayed should include the academic standard being taught. Student work should be no older than 2 weeks.
Staff should have identification badges visible at all times.
Staff should greet all visitors, guests, etc. to inquire if assistance is needed as well.
Make sure hallways, classrooms, and restrooms are well lit, free of debris and clutter, and inviting.