Template: Invitation to Policymakers
This template letter to policymakers is intended to help you use theback-to-school talking pointsto invite policymakers to visit your school. We encourage you to tailor it to your context, putting it on your school or district letterhead and inserting suggested information in highlighted areas. We also recommend making edits and adding language to highlight issues that are important to your school and your community. Or you can use the template as inspiration for the messages you want to send to policymakers this back-to-school season.
Get tips on communicating with policymakers.
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[INSERT DATE]
Dear [INSERT POLICYMAKER, such as Senator, Representative, Governor, Mayor or State Delegate]:
It’s back-to-school time! We at [INSERT SCHOOL OR DISTRICT NAME]would like to invite you to come visit our [SCHOOLS/CLASSROOMS] to see what we are calling “the Secret Life of Public Schools.”Great things are happening in our public school[s], and we want to show you up closehow we areequipping students with the tools and skills they need for future success.
We work hard to meet the unique needs of all students. Our building has students who come from homes that collectively speak over [INSERT NUMBER] languages.We also have [INSERT NUMBER/PERCENTAGE]children on free and reduced-price lunch, for many of whom our lunch program is their only full and nutritious meal of the day. We have [INSERT NUMBER/PERCENTAGE]children with individualized education plans, who we strive to support with the resources they need. We have [INSERT NUMBER/PERCENTAGE] students who are performing well above their grade level, who we must challenge to reach their full potential. Educating students with such diverse needs is a challenge but one where we gladly strive to give our best—these students deserve nothing less.
Yet, as interesting as these challenges are, theyare not what I want you to come see. I want you to come see our [INSERT THREE PROGRAMS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF, such as 1:1 technology programs, expanded access to AP courses, a school garden or outdoor classroom, or debate or robotics club].
These programs are just a few examples of the opportunities we offer to ensurethat all students’needs are met; that they build a strong foundation of basic skills and knowledge; and that they develop their strengths, interests and talents. Because of them, we will provide our community with graduates ready to meet the requirements of college and the workplace.
We know that programs like these accelerate the learning and growth of our students. They show what neighborhood public schools can do. And we could do more, if we had the resources we need. We want you to see what our school[s] is/are doing well, and what we have the potential of doing even better. Please contact my office at [INSERT TELEPHONE NUMBER] or [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS] to arrange a time. We—our staff, students and community—look forward to sharing our work and our hopes for this school year and beyond.
Sincerely,
[INSERT NAME, TITLE, ORGANIZATION]
The Secret Life of Public Schools