What did you do in practice?
Our spring mini hack, the Student Ambassador Program, was introduced to be a link between school and prospective and/or new students. The fall hack welcome dinner included the student ambassadors, new students and families, and team members (established parents and school personnel). We shared a meal together and engaged in conversation. Our intent was to establish connections, help new families feel welcome, and hear their stories about transitioning into the school district in order to hear what needed to be improved and to answer questions they might have.
Why did you do this implementation trial?
By incorporating input from current students, parents, and faculty members, we hoped to provide an opportunity to not only welcome and support new families, but to also create a dynamic relationship in which participants felt safe to provide feedback for future engagement strategies. Their comments led to some insights about what our district does well and what needs to be improved. The young leaders represented the school. Their role is to make school a place where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and connected. The ambassadors were a helpful presence at the welcome dinner.
