Welcoming Ritual:
5 - How does an invitation make you feel?
5-10 minutes: attendees review their school's “invitation culture” through an inventory of touchpoints like website, email, parking lot.
What was the first impression of the school you currently work at?
10- Audience discussion in partnerships: How might we create a powerful first impression? Mapping out touchpoints
15-20 - Storytelling: provides examples that show rather than tell people that your school is irresistible. Attendees will create a 30 second story to highlight the school’s strengths and values.
Which direction do you want the story to lean —
Personal success story (individual graduate)
Day-to-day school life (current students/teachers)
Legacy and tradition (longstanding excellence despite change)
5-10 - Leveraging staff: empower people in various roles to tell their own stories to leave an impression.
5 - In your role, what shifts can you make that make people truly feel invited? Key takeaway: Every interaction is an invitation.
After this session, participants will be able to
Review their school's current "invitation culture" by examining all touchpoints—from the first phone call to the school website.
Create a powerful first impression by focusing on key moments that shape perceptions.
Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your school’s unique strengths and values, moving from telling people what you do to showing them who you are.
Empower every staff member to become a key player in the school's invitation strategy.
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-School-Irresistible-Attracting/dp/1416633529#:~:text=Make%20Your%20School%20Irresistible%20is%20a%20must%2Dhave%20for%20school,action%20steps%20for%20real%20impact.
https://ies.ed.gov/rel-northwest/2025/01/infographic-16
https://betterlesson.com/blog/innovative-recruitment-strategies/
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