PR Opps at Back to School Night

    This week included the first of my three Back to School Nights. I have been so thankful for the variety of posts lately on utilizing this event for marketing our School Counseling Programs! Entirely Elementary...School Counseling and Savvy School Counselor have both published great interpretations of this event.
     As not only a new school employee, but also as an unfamiliar position to the elementary level, I was excited to meet parents and discuss my role and services with them! At this specific school, my counseling space is way at the end of the building. Therefore, in order to increase the likelihood of getting traffic-I set up my table right at the school entrance!
     At the recommendation of the aforementioned blog posts, I created an eye-catching poster with information on my role, as well as some helpful handouts on the school counseling program, student success, and how to talk with students about their school day. I also had my business cards available for parents who wanted to continue our conversations at a later date. Naturally, I also had to include some incentive to come visit me--so lollipops were available for students who brought their parents up. :)

   I was so excited to meet parents with whom I had previously only had phone or e-mail contact.  Being present at the Back to School Night also reminded parents that School Counseling services are now available, and encouraged some great conversations!

   I look forward to the Back to School Nights at my other two buildings, and even more conversations with parents. Thanks again to those who posted previously on this event--your ideas were so helpful and provided me with the confidence to place myself right at the entrance! :)