Networking Dinner
Want more time to network with your WSPRA friends? Join us for a no-host dinner on Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen. If you are staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, we will meet in the lobby to walk over.
Please RSVP for dinner.
Cowiche Canyon Kitchen
202 E Yakima Ave
Yakima, WA 98901
Tentative 2019 Fall Agenda
7:30-8:30 – Registration & Breakfast (
Quiches, Yogurt Parfaits, Granola, Fruit, Muffins, Coffee Service)
8:30-9:00 – Welcome & Culture Bingo
9:00-10:00 – Internal Communications: From Strike to ‘Stronger Together’
Natalie Hurd, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, Medford School District
In 2014, teachers from the Medford School District (in Southern Oregon) went on strike for 16 days. While the end result was a contract both district and teachers could “live with,” trust between the board, administrators, and teachers was destroyed. Districtwide morale was at an all-time low. For the last five years, the district implemented an internal communications plan to rebuild that trust. Learn how Medford created engagement opportunities, messages, and events that celebrate all staff, including a red carpet gala and a welcome back party that literally had the entire district dancing. Practical strategies to implement in your own district!
10-10:15 – Break
10:15-11:30 – Straight from the Horse's Mouth: What You Can Learn from Senior Exit Interviews
Doreen McKercher, APR, Communications Director, Camas School District
As communicators, we strive to engage all of our audiences, but students can often be the most challenging to reach. In this session, you will see how one district has created an opportunity for authentic two-way communication by interviewing each of its 600 seniors every year. Learn how they use the data collected to inform decision making, guide strategic planning and impact teaching and learning. You’ll take away the nuts and bolts, including how to build an interview team, manage logistics and create protocols for the interviews.
11:30-12:30 – Lunch Provided
Taco Bar, Cheese Enchiladas with Green Sauce, Chips with Salsa & Queso, Garden Salad, Fruit Salad, water bottles
12:30 – 12:45 – Climate Quote Walk
12:45-1:45 – Recognizing the Heart of Your District
Kristine Liptrot, APR, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Yorkville Community Unit School District 115
A supportive educational environment is one of five essential indicators that affect and predict school success. Although hosting a single employee recognition event may bring about good feelings short-term, it most likely will not affect the overall positive culture of the district. Real change requires an authentic evaluation of what is truly meaningful to employees and district leaders dedicated to the effort. By focusing on being present, celebrating the small things and modeling gratitude, learn how one district developed a comprehensive, multi-tiered, yearlong employee engagement program.
1:45-2:00 – Break
2:00-3:00 – Mastermind: Internal Communications & Culture Building
L. Michelle, APR, Executive Director of Communications, Issaquah School District
This session will introduce the Mastermind group discussion process—a method that supports people striving for a common purpose to find solutions, pool resources, and share ideas. Then, working in small groups, attendees will have a chance to try it on the topic of internal communications and culture-building issues, ideas or problems of practices.
3:00-3:30– Closing & Survey
Hotel
While our group hotel block closed in September, you can still make reservations at the Hilton Garden Inn on a space-available basis. Call 509-454-1111.
Thank you to our sponsors
Fall Keynote Sponsor: SchoolMessenger
Fall Signature Sponsor: Peachjar
Fall Signature Sponsor: Finalsite
Fall Event Sponsor: WA529
Fall Event Sponsor: Blackboard
