Welcome back! We've been in school for a few weeks and we have hit the ground running! I am super excited to have a new intern this year. Check out her intro on our awesome Smore flyer!
What do you do at your school's Open House? Here at Cameron Park, we don't have a formal presentation so I am usually running around trying to help parents find classrooms, bus schedules, etc. I've always been torn between sticking near my office and being out and about to be helpful. I've also found that parents are pretty goal oriented at open house and it's not a good time to overwhelm them with new information. For that reason, I haven't found much success with setting up an information booth.
This year, I decided to put out a little sign welcoming parents.
What do you do at your school's Open House? Here at Cameron Park, we don't have a formal presentation so I am usually running around trying to help parents find classrooms, bus schedules, etc. I've always been torn between sticking near my office and being out and about to be helpful. I've also found that parents are pretty goal oriented at open house and it's not a good time to overwhelm them with new information. For that reason, I haven't found much success with setting up an information booth.
This year, I decided to put out a little sign welcoming parents.
On the easel, I put some fabulous counseling requests that I got from here. It's free (it says middle school, but what can I say- I'm a rebel)! I also included my business cards that I ordered from Vistaprint last year.
I didn't have any notes in my mailbox when I returned. I wish I had counted the business cards so that I would know if any were taken. No matter what, I am happy that it was inviting for anyone who stops by. I have the pleasure of having a restroom next to my door so I get lots of foot traffic - a pro and a con all in one!
Oh WAIT! You're wondering what is that bright colored awesomeness going on around my "foyer" as I lovingly refer to it?? My awesome intern did it! We were inspired by this which originally came from this. She printed the words on bright colored paper, backed with black construction paper and then laminated. I think it looks so fun! And the kids are definitely intrigued.... they want to come in and see more!
I didn't have any notes in my mailbox when I returned. I wish I had counted the business cards so that I would know if any were taken. No matter what, I am happy that it was inviting for anyone who stops by. I have the pleasure of having a restroom next to my door so I get lots of foot traffic - a pro and a con all in one!
Oh WAIT! You're wondering what is that bright colored awesomeness going on around my "foyer" as I lovingly refer to it?? My awesome intern did it! We were inspired by this which originally came from this. She printed the words on bright colored paper, backed with black construction paper and then laminated. I think it looks so fun! And the kids are definitely intrigued.... they want to come in and see more!
So how about you? What great ways do you have to warm up your space and make it inviting? Having my door inside a mini-hallway isn't exactly ideal (we won't even talk about the bathroom!) but I think this has really helped to draw attention in.