Q#3 – Building Community: What strategies can high schools use to foster a strong sense of community spirit among students, staff, and families?

We know parent engagement leads to healthier schools and better student experiences. “Parents’ discussion and encouragement was positively related to children’s academic adjustment for all ethnic backgrounds.” Read more in this study by the American Psychological Association.

Pizza parties and social posts and spirit nights have all worked to grow the community spirit. We need to make sure our in-person opportunities are plentiful but not demanding. I think schools could work harder at creating a fun environment involving students (skits, short performance, give-aways, etc.) and less evenings staring at a screen or listening to a speaker. I also would explore creating sub-groups or themes that parents can associate with, mainly by student activities or interests. 

It’s hard to get to know hundreds of other parents, but a dozen or so that you will likely see again at a future activity would be more engaging. Chances are these types of meetings are already happening, and that’s a good start. It is important that you know what is being said at these meetings. Check for message consistency, equal opportunities, and a positive student-centric tone. You should be willing to ‘coach the coaches’ for these team meetings. They are speaking on behalf of your school, and this audience is going to be engaging throughout the season. Make it a positive experience with room for feedback.

I think it’s key that school administrators are assigned to ‘work the room’ at sporting events. They can hang out by the gate, near the concessions and thank people for coming as they leave the event.

I mention the pizza party for key parent events because it solves part of an issue: With all that parents have on their calendar, when do they have time to eat? (Granted, you can’t solve the question of what the kids will eat.) Foster community spirit by being aware of the busy schedules of our families.

Creating volunteer events that become tradition (sophomore parents help with landscaping duties before the school year begins, or junior parents take the lead as volunteers at prom, as just two examples) can help re-engage parents who want to help and connect. 

Then I think we need to celebrate our successes on social media quickly and loudly so that everyone can toss out a ‘like’ or ‘heart’ as a congrats.

Community spirit is a major draw for parents – both in real time and online – and can not be forced. But you have to show up with a purpose. Help it grow and reap the benefits.