District Level Communication Guidelines
Through a combination of staff supports, the website, social media, e-newsletters, School Messenger, and printed documents, Batavia Public School 101 strives to keep the entire community up to date with relevant, timely, and high-quality communications.
School and Staff Supports
The communications department will provide guidelines and support for communications. By meeting regularly and providing photo and graphics libraries and pre-made templates, it is the department’s goal to make communications seamless and simple for all staff members and schools.
District Website
The BPS101 website is the central hub and primary source for information about the district and is the authority on its mission. Parents, guardians, employees, and community members should have confidence if important and up-to-date information is needed, it will be found on the district’s website.
Calendar
Frequency: As needed
The district utilizes Google Calendars for event management. These calendars are displayed on the district website and are easily accessible and shared with the community. Every effort is made to continuously keep the calendar up-to-date and accurate.
News
Frequency: Three to four per month
News and celebrations are shared on the district website through the news feed. News items are a celebration of students, staff, or an event that has occurred. High-quality photos or graphics accompany every news story. The news feed is also utilized to announce important events or to educate the community about important district information.
When sharing news about classroom events, the focus is on the student experience. Any stories resulting from a politician’s visit to a school are not an endorsement and will remain neutral in tone and content.
Email Newsletters
Frequency: Weekly (During the School Year)
The district uses an email newsletter, The District Weekly, to consolidate all important District updates into a single communication.
Social Media Content Framework
BPS101 uses social media to inform, educate, and celebrate our school community. Our Board-approved Social Media Content Framework provides consistent guidance for what is shared on District and school social media accounts, with a focus on student learning, staff and student accomplishments, school celebrations, educational information, District operations, and other content directly connected to our educational mission.
BPS101 social media accounts are intended primarily as information-sharing and storytelling channels, and commenting is turned off. We value community feedback and conversation and encourage individuals with questions, concerns, or feedback to connect with us directly through our other communication channels, including email, phone, Board meetings, surveys, and direct contact with District and school administrators. These options allow for more meaningful one-on-one communication and help ensure that questions reach the appropriate person for a response.
View the BPS101 Social Media Content Framework
Facebook
Frequency: Weekly
Facebook insights show that Facebook remains an important platform for parents and staff to access information about BPS101. The district’s goal is to post one to three items weekly. These posts may include important announcements, news stories, upcoming events, and other similar items.
X
Frequency: Deactivated
Due to limited oversight of the X platform, the District has chosen to limit the use of X and ultimately deactivate the BPS101 X account. Please do not use X as your only source for information shared by BPS101.
Instagram
Frequency: Weekly
Instagram is a growing platform for BPS101. The District uses Instagram to share visual highlights of events, celebrations, and the success of students and staff.
YouTube
Frequency: as needed
Video will continue to play a more significant role in the district’s communication strategy. Throughout the school year, videos are created to celebrate events, showcase classroom activities, or explain processes or programs. Additionally, the district streams its monthly Board of Education meetings live on YouTube and archives past videos for future reference.
School Messenger
Frequency: As needed
School Messenger is used to share the highest-priority announcements and emergency messages. There is no set frequency; this is used as needed. These communications are through phone, email, and text messages.
Printed Materials
Frequency: Annually
At times, printed materials remain necessary and can be used to announce District events or to send important information home to parents and guardians. The district creates an annual “School Facts” sheet, distributed at all BPS101 schools and in BPS101 Kindergarten Meet and Greet packets. It is also available upon request to local real estate agencies. The Batavian includes three pages of BPS101 and affiliate organization information in each issue and is mailed to every resident within BPS101’s boundaries six times annually.