Washington School Public Relations Association

Your guide to Seattle/Bellevue for NSPRA 😎 Apptegy's team visited Bellevue and Seattle to scope out the best spots to eat, drink coffee, take pictures, and spit your gum (what?!) with Jessica McCartney from Enumclaw School District! Thank you to Apptegy for sharing their video so you could check them out too! 😊 Click here to check it out! https://lnkd.in/gPXRVf7x National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) #sasquatchsighting #nspra2024

WSPRA Members, Join us for Virtual PD! Free to all members, we have two amazing virtual sessions available this coming Thursday, May 16 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is no need to register, calendar invites have been sent to WSPRA members. We can't wait to see you! 9 a.m. - Humanizing Your District with Nikki Henry, Chief Communications Officer || Fresno Unified School District The word “district” doesn’t usually conjure up warm, fuzzy feelings – rather the opposite usually. In such a divisive time, being seen as a faceless, nameless bureaucracy makes our school districts an easy focus for community frustration. Even in a large district like Fresno Unified, I know that we aren’t just a faceless, nameless bureaucracy and I’m sure your district is not either. Instead, our districts are made up of staff who have dedicated their lives to bettering our communities, of students who have big, beautiful dreams for their futures, and of families that want the absolute best for their children. Join this session to learn actionable communication strategies you can implement today to humanize your district and build ambassadors of your students, staff, families, and community. 10:30 a.m. - Making History: How Oregon’s Largest District Navigated a Historic Teacher Strike with Will Howell, Communications Director and Valerie Feder, Director of Media Relations || Portland Public Schools Join us to hear firsthand accounts from communicators who have been at the forefront of the historic Portland Association of Teachers strike. They will share their experiences, insights, and the lessons they've learned during this pivotal time. Discover how you can apply these valuable lessons to your own practices and situations, whether you're involved in similar labor disputes or interested in effective communication strategies under challenging circumstances. If you are a WSPRA member and did not receive the email invitation or calendar event, please email us. https://lnkd.in/g8DrQczk

Introducing the 2024-25 WSPRA Board! Please join us in welcoming our 2024-25 WSPRA Board who will begin their terms July 1. President, Curtis Campbell, Puyallup School District President Elect, Jessica McCartney, Enumclaw School District Past President, Elena Olmstead, ESD 105 Vice President of Communications, Lisa Gilchrist, Meridian School District Vice President of Logistics, Sarah Foy, Oak Harbor Public Schools Vice President of Finance, Jenn Markaryan, North Kitsap School District Vice President-Elect of Finance, Ruth Richardson, Sedro-Woolley School District Vice President of Marketing, Claren McLaughlin, Moses Lake School District Vice President of Membership, Erin Bischoff, Bainbridge Island School District

We are excited and looking forward to hosting powerful sessions and speakers at the WSPRA Winter Conference on March 6-7 at the Puget Sound ESD in Renton, Washington! If your experience with community engagement looks like angry parents venting their frustrations at a school board meeting or fed-up teachers walking out on the job in protest, then it’s time to revisit what authentic community engagement really means and the power it can have to bring your community together. Learn how stakeholders can share their own perspectives and listen to diverse views in a civilized, productive manner. There's Still Time to Register! Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. For more information and to view the full conference agenda and session descriptions, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dXN_J6b6

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 wspra.com has a new look! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website in partnership with Finalsite! With a fresh, modern look, our updated site is designed to enhance your experience and provide you with resources at your fingertips. Streamlined Mobile-Friendly Design Latest News: Stay informed with the latest updates. Event Calendar: Mark your calendars! Register for upcoming events and never miss out on important dates. Member Resources: Exclusive access to resources for our members. And so much more! 🔗 wspra.com #NewWebsite #StayInformed #MemberResources

Registration is now open for the Winter Conference! We hope you will join us on March 6-7 at the Puget Sound ESD in Renton, Washington. With an agenda full of nationally renowned speakers and outstanding WSPRA presenters, you do not want to miss this incredible learning and networking experience! We’ll discover innovative strategies for using community engagement as a tool to bridge divides and foster unity within diverse educational communities. Learn how to break the mold with storytelling techniques that disrupt traditional communications to captivate your audience and inspire change. Understand how to effectively use data to showcase the impact of your work and drive strategic decision-making. And, so much more! Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gjvPRTRU

Are you planning to attend this year’s NSPRA National Seminar? WSPRA has put together a website www.nspraseattle.comto help make your trip to the Evergreen State and Seattle area one you won’t forget! Plan delightful day trips, discover dining gems, indulge in shopping sprees, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our state parks. 🌲🍴🛍️🏞️ Plus, don't miss out on our fun photo scavenger hunt - a perfect way to explore the city and create lasting memories! 📷 🚌 Navigating Seattle/Bellevue? We've got you covered! The site provides handy tips on getting around, ensuring you make the most of your time at the seminar. 🤝 We hope you’ll join us at this year's NSPRA Seminar for a remarkable experience of professional growth, networking, and exploration in one of America's most vibrant regions!

Happy Holidays from your WSPRA board! https://lnkd.in/dmVVBYUM Wishing you rest and relaxation this Winter Break! https://lnkd.in/dY5DKvvX

If you've been to an National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Annual Seminar in the last five years or so, you know! You know that we've been advocating hard for NSPRA to come back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We are beyond thrilled to be the host chapter for the 2024 NSPRA Annual Seminar for the first time in nearly 30 YEARS and we want all of our fellow school communicators and school leaders from across the U.S.A. to join us! See you in Seattle!

It's official - WSPRA has a LinkedIn presence! We hope you'll join us and stay tuned in for posts about everything from job openings across the state to our upcoming state conferences to - of course - NSPRA Seattle! Let's get connected!