WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE

What does great customer service look like?

What does poor customer service look like?

What does it look like at school?

Welcoming Environment Initiative: Guiding Principles

• Research shows that student achievement increases when parents are engaged. Parents as partners=student achievement

• Ensuring that every school has a welcoming environment for students, parents, community members, staff, etc. “Ritz-Carlton” Level of customer service

•Schools can’t do it on their own- need outside perspective

• Confidential

• Not an “I got you.” Voluntary process

• Consultation from PAC

• Minimal effort on school’s part

Format•Schools go through a needs assessment and then can request any component of the process that they want:

•Walkthrough•Perspective Parent/ Secret Shopper •Communication Review•Parent Interviews/Focus Groups•Customizable Request

•Follow Up Results Meeting

Successes

•35+ schools since January 2010•Promoted by word of mouth- MS principals/not mandated—voluntary•Brought climate to forefront- committees born out of this- instruction priority so this helps because of research•Helped schools have courageous conversations supported by data •Reaffirmed what schools are doing well•Enhanced websites and newsletters•Shared best practices- plasma tv screen

We need your help! What Could this Look like in WCS?

• Roll out in November? • Family Friendly Schools Campaign- visit in

the fall and then revisit in the spring and awarded family friendly school badge

• Stakeholder support • Scenario videos

QUESTIONS?

For more information or if you would like to participate, contact:

Rachel Sprecher, Wilson County Schools252-399-7588Rachel.Sprecher@wilsonschoolsnc.net