A new initiative in New York State’s high school curriculum is preparing Ken-Ton students to be good citizens, be involved in their communities, and make a difference. “These are skills we want our students to have and want our adults to have. We want them to be able to communicate respectfully and be an engaged person,” Mary Lynn Bieron, the Instructional Support Specialist for K-12 Social Studies, said. “This will show their future colleges that they have this enhancement, and their future employers that they have these skills.”
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The school's communication plan for the implementation of the Seal of Civic Readiness (SOCR) includes various channels and strategies to ensure effective communication with parents, students, community partners, and other stakeholders. The plan aims to raise awareness about the SOCR, engage students in community service, and facilitate the overall implementation process.
You may include information about:
Communication plan that targets students, staff, community, and other stakeholder groups
A well-maintained social media presence utilizing the #NYSCIVICSSEAL
A plan to build awareness and to strengthen civics education that align with the Definition of Civic Readiness
A plan to sustain and grow parent and community stakeholder engagement
Here are some examples of ways to communicate with stakeholders:
Website: The school's website will serve as a central hub of information regarding the SOCR. It will feature dedicated pages with details about the program, its objectives, requirements, and benefits. The website will be regularly updated to provide the latest news and resources related to the SOCR. Parents, students, and community members can access this information at their convenience.
ParentSquare: ParentSquare, an online communication platform, will be utilized to inform parents about the SOCR. The school will send regular updates, newsletters, and important announcements through ParentSquare, ensuring that parents are well-informed about program activities, deadlines, and opportunities for their children. It will also provide a platform for parents to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in discussions related to the SOCR.
Student Advocates: Students who are actively engaged in community service and have successfully completed the SOCR will be designated as Student Advocates. These advocates will play a crucial role in educating and informing community partners about the SOCR. They will visit local organizations, businesses, and community events to share information, promote the program, and foster collaboration. This direct student-to-community engagement will help raise awareness about the SOCR and encourage partnerships.
Presentation to students: Presentations will be conducted for students that will outline the purpose, requirements, and benefits of the SOCR. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions, seek guidance, and understand how the program aligns with their academic and personal goals. This targeted approach will ensure that the students are well-informed about the SOCR and can actively participate in its implementation.
Open House: The school's Open House events will include specific sessions or booths dedicated to the SOCR. Parents, students, and community members attending the Open House will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, interact with teachers and administrators, and gain a deeper understanding of how the SOCR will benefit students and the community. The Open House will serve as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, fostering support and engagement from various stakeholders.
Bulletin Board: Bulletin boards can advertise the seal as an opportunity for students to earn with QR codes to the website, brochures with an overview of information and a place to celebrate those who have earned the seal.
Social Media: Social media is an excellent way to inform not only parents but the wider community about the seal. This has the added benefit of promoting the prestige of the seal in the community so when students apply for jobs, employers are aware of the hard work and dedication students have demonstrated towards caring for their community. #NYSCIVICSSEAL
School Newspapers: School newspapers provide advertisement of the opportunity for students from the student's perspective as to what the benefits might be and why their peers should apply to earn the seal.
Radio Stations & Local Newspapers: Reach out to local radio stations and newspapers to advertise opportunities for students, these companies love to have student created work such as articles or record commercials.
Videos: Create a youtube video with interviews of students or staff explaining the benefits of the program. Below are some examples created by NY schools.
This youtube video was produced by the Byram Hills School District to advertise the seal as an opportunity for students and inform families about how to go about applying for the seal.
This youtube video was produced by the Williamsville Central School District to advertise the seal as an opportunity for students and inform families about how to go about applying for the seal.