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Host a Community Event (Activity)[*]

An event for the entire school community can showcase the district’s magnet program, You can highlight each school’s theme, mission, and focus by presenting examples of student projects and work. Design the event to appeal to parents of current students and to prospective families and community partners.

Planning and Preparation

For this important activity, the Community Connections Team will need help and support from students, staff, administrators, parents, and partners. Convene your stakeholders to identify an event that highlights the school theme(s), demonstrates the program’s commitment to academic rigor, and aligns to the values and goals of the community. Hosting such an event will require support and many volunteers, but may become the signature event that defines your magnet school or program.

Possible Considerations

  • Provide opportunities for parents and community members to experience dynamic examples of theme-related student work and team projects. Highlight examples that demonstrate academically rigorous coursework aligned to state and district standards. Guests should come away with a clearer understanding of the school’s theme and how it contributes to student learning.
  • Display student work in various formats and ways, and provide opportunities for guests to travel to various classrooms or areas to see these examples of student work. Students can offer live demonstrations or host mini workshops in a particular area. Consider a culminating event in a common area at the school.
  • Include students as guides, ambassadors, curators, or scientists, who assist visitors by answering questions and explaining projects while in character.
  • Initially, build on an existing event like a back-to-school night or board meeting. Once the event takes root, reserve a date dedicated exclusively for the event.
  • Build on an existing tradition or strength of the community that demonstrates the school’s theme.
  • Invite community partners to attend and to support the event by providing speakers, displays, and other theme-related presentations.
  • Invite reporters from local TV, radio, and newspapers to cover the story, or have a parent volunteer take photographs and send them to the media.

Planning Tips

  • Set aside time to plan the event and recruit volunteers.
  • Make the event special–more than just a school open house.
  • Look to parents, staff, students, and the community for ideas and potential partners and consultants.
  • Advertise in all neighborhoods where magnet students live.
  • Involve students in the planning, marketing, decorating, and set up.
  • Check with the school’s insurance carrier to find out whether additional insurance is needed for the event.
  • Offer sponsorship opportunities on flyers and posters.
  • Evaluate and ask for feedback on the event–how can we improve for next year?

[*] Module: Facilitating Magnet Theme Integration

This document is offered as a suggested tool and can be modified to best serve the needs of the individual program or school.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Contract Number: ED-OII-10-C-0079