Mastering Social Media for Schools

• Dawn Brauner brings a professional photographer’s eye to your phone camera, sharing simple adjustments that can instantly improve the photos you capture in classrooms, at events, and everywhere in between.
• Before you snap another photo, there are a few surprisingly simple things you should check - from your lens to a couple of camera settings that can dramatically improve composition.
• Stop relying on digital zoom! Dawn explains why you should “zoom with your feet,” get down to your subject’s level, pay attention to backgrounds, and use available light to capture stronger school stories.
• Discover when to use Portrait Mode and Live Photos, plus simple editing tricks and apps that can help you turn an ordinary phone photo into something worth stopping the scroll for.

SPECIAL GUEST

Dawn Brauner

Communications Specialist

Portage Community School District, Wisconsin

Email: braunerd@portage.k12.wi.us

Connect with Dawn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.brauner.5/

Connect with Dawn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbydmh_llc/

Website: https://www.portage.k12.wi.us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortageCSD

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Dawn’s recommended tools:

• SanDisk for storage
• Snapseed for photo editing
• Lightroom for photo editing

• Register for our 3rd Annual Social Media for Schools Retreat now - happening June 22-24, 2027, in Stillwater, MN.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Rebecca and T.J. bring AI expertise and crisis communication experience together to help schools prepare for a new reality: deepfakes, manipulated media, and misinformation can turn into a real crisis incredibly quickly.
• Don’t wait for a deepfake to test your crisis plan. Learn what schools should prepare now - from holding statements and response protocols to preserving original photos and videos that could help establish what’s authentic later.
• You can still celebrate students on social media - but do it with care. Discover practical considerations around consent, group versus individual photos, unnecessary identifiers, image archives, and the long-term accessibility of student content online.
• Your policies need to keep pace with the technology. Hear why codes of conduct and acceptable-use policies should clearly address creating and sharing manipulated media, spell out consequences, and reflect current state and local laws.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Rebecca Emery, APR

President

Seacoast AI, New Hampshire

https://www.seacoastai.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyemery/

T.J. Winick

Founder & President

Essex Strategies, Massachusetts

https://www.essexstrategies.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjwinick/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Grab a copy of T. J. Winick’s book at this link: Reputation Capital: How to Navigate Crises and Protect Your Greatest Asset
• Blog: How to Get Around Meta’s Limit on Facebook Links
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Dr. Jill Johnson shares the heart behind her new book, Students Tell the Story, and why she believes student-led social media can strengthen school culture, community trust, and student leadership.
• Student storytelling isn’t just a way to get more content created. Jill explains how giving students real responsibility provides an authentic place to practice digital citizenship, creativity, communication, and other career-ready skills.
• Nervous about handing students the keys to your school’s social media? You’ll hear why a little healthy fear is OK - and how the right parameters, training, and support can create an incredible learning experience.
• From students discovering future careers to giving quieter kids a new place to shine, Jill shares inspiring examples that may have you looking at your own students and wondering, “Who could I invite to help tell our story?”

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Jill Johnson

Author

Dr. Jill, Nebraska

Email: drjillj00628@gmail.com

Connect with Dr. Jill on X: @drjilljohnson

Website: https://www.drjillj.com

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Buy Jill’s book now at https://www.drjillj.com
• Sign up for Class Intercom’s free 2027 Content Generation Social Media Challenge for students, happening on February 10th.
• Register for our 3rd Annual Social Media for Schools Retreat now - happening June 22-24, 2027, in Stillwater, MN.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Melissa Bevier shares the remarkable progress her district has made since attending the Social Media for Schools Retreat, including nearly tripling its social media following and creating content that reached tens of thousands of views.
• Sometimes the biggest improvements don’t require a complicated strategy. Melissa explains how simple shifts - like relying less on graphics and showing more authentic photos, people, and stories - changed how their community responded.
• A small communications team can’t be everywhere, so Melissa is finding creative ways to expand her storytelling network through staff collaboration, photo submissions, and a new student ambassador program.
• One of Melissa’s biggest lessons has nothing to do with algorithms: relationships are your superpower. When staff, coaches, teachers, and students become your eyes and ears, finding meaningful stories becomes much easier.

SPECIAL GUEST

Melissa Bevier

Communications

Grossmont Union High School District, California

Email: mbevier@guhsd.net

Connect with Melissa on Instagram: @_melly_gram_

Website: https://www.guhsd.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GUHSDschools

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guhsd_schools/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Melissa’s examples:

• Back-to-school video with school leaders
• Weather alert videos featuring girls flag football teams -WHHS and SHS

• Register for the 2027 Social Media for Schools Retreat.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Sharon Patrick is a one-person communications department serving 28 schools and 18,000+ students - and she’s making social media work! She shares the practical systems, shortcuts, and mindset that help her keep telling great stories without trying to do everything perfectly.
• More posts don’t automatically mean better social media. Sharon once had a goal set by her superintendent: five posts every single day. Hear what convinced her to change course and why being more intentional with content has made such a difference.
• Stop letting great school stories get buried in texts and emails! Sharon shares the super-simple QR code system she uses to collect photos and story ideas from staff across her huge district - and it’s an idea you can easily steal.
• One of Sharon’s most successful content ideas is also one of the simplest. Her district’s “Won the Week Hero” recognition generates incredible engagement while celebrating everyone from teachers to custodians and cafeteria staff. You’ll hear how they organize it, capture the content, and keep it manageable week after week.

SPECIAL GUEST

Sharon Patrick

Public Relations Manager

Rankin County School District, Mississippi

Email: sharon.patrick@rcsd.ms

Website: https://www.rcsd.ms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcsdms

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcsdms/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Won the Week Hero - Tran Myers - Look at all of the engagement!!!

• Video Post
• Photo Post

• Photo of Sharon Patrick on the tractorlistening to the podcast
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Robert Chapman believes your school’s Instagram should be a “trophy case.” Discover how this simple mindset helps Clinton Public Schools consistently celebrate students, staff, and the everyday moments that make their district special.
• You don’t need to chase the algorithm to grow your Instagram. Robert shares how Clinton Public Schools built an audience of more than 5,000 followers by intentionally showing families what’s happening inside their schools.
• Need people to pay attention to important - but boring - information? Get creative! Hear the story behind a hilarious kindergarten registration video featuring students playing the adults, and why it generated incredible engagement and shares.
• Podcasting doesn’t have to become another overwhelming task on your list. Robert explains how he has simplified his district podcast, captures conversations with equipment he already has, and repurposes episodes to get even more mileage from great school stories.

SPECIAL GUEST

Robert Chapman

Director of Communications

Clinton Public School District, Mississippi

Email: rchapman@clintonpublicschools.com

X: https://x.com/ChapmanRobert

Website: https://www.clintonpublicschools.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintonpublicschooldistrict/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Kindergarten Registration Video
• The Clinton Arrow Podcast
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• Fresh out of college and loving her role at Pinkerton Academy, Genna Dellisola shares how students have become an important part of the school’s communications team - creating content while gaining hands-on experience they can take straight into college and future careers.
• What if your student social media team was actually a class? Hear how Pinkerton structures its one-credit independent study, from selecting students and brainstorming content to assigning projects, scheduling posts, and giving students real responsibility.
• School social media doesn’t always have to feel polished and serious! Genna shares how her students use fun trends, humor, and relatable ideas to show a more human side of school leaders while building stronger connections across their community.
• Need an easy storytelling idea you could start right away? You’ll love Pinkerton’s simple approach to class and club spotlights - giving families an inside look at opportunities students may never think to mention when someone asks, “What did you do at school today?”

SPECIAL GUEST

Genna Dellisola

Digital Media Strategist

Pinkerton Academy, New Hampshire

Email: gdellisola@pinkertonacademy.org

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gennadellisola

Website: https://www.pinkertonacademy.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkertonacademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkertonacademy/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Social Media Post Examples:

• Golf Cart vs. Student
• "Have a Good Day"
• Tour Using Gen-Z Script
• Cosmetology Class Spotlight
• Astros United Club Spotlight

• Want more training on students as storytellers? Grab your virtual ticket to our Social Media for Schools Retreat!
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• You really can create a bunch of great video content without spending hours at your school! I’m sharing exactly how I turned less than one hour at Academic Night into 10 different Reels.
• One event can give you weeks of content if you know what to look for. I’ll walk you through how I found students, staff, projects, and little moments worth capturing along the way.
• Your videos do not have to be perfect to work! Some of my favorite clips were completely unplanned, a little messy, and very real - and that’s exactly why they connected with our community.
• You don’t have to edit and post everything right away. I’ll show you how I spread these videos out over several weeks so one night of storytelling kept working for me long after the event was over.

Email: andrea@socialschool4edu.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreagribble/

Website: http://www.socialschool4edu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialschool4edu/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSchool4EDU

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Blog: Social Media Content Batching: 1 Hour Filming, 10 Videos, 37,000+ Views
• Andrea’s Recommended Tools - like the microphone and carrier that I used!
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Mike Cyze has spent 14 years in school communications, and he knows firsthand what this role demands. He shares a perspective on the work that will have many school communicators nodding along and thinking, Yep… he gets it.
• There’s a part of this job that most people never see. Mike opens up about one of those moments - and the lesson he took from it is something every school communicator needs to hear.
• Some of the best advice Mike has collected over the years is surprisingly simple. From knowing when to stop talking to learning how to receive feedback, these little lessons can make a big difference in how you communicate and lead.
• And when the work feels especially heavy? You need the right people around you. Mike shares why connection, laughter, and having people who truly understand this profession matter more than we sometimes realize.

SPECIAL GUEST

Mike Cyze

Chief Communication Officer

Dubuque Community School District, Iowa

Email: mcyze@dbqschools.org

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cyze

Website: https://www.dbqschools.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbqschools

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Gravity - a poem written by Mike Cyze for all school communicators
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Alex Richmond and Marc Copani from Fulton City School District share how their Fulton School Champions program has grown into a beloved tradition that celebrates staff, builds pride, and brings the community along for the ride.
• If staff morale and retention are on your mind, this episode will show you how intentional recognition can help people feel seen, valued, and proud to be part of your district.
• You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes details of how Fulton pulls off these surprise celebrations each month - from nominations and committee planning to video editing, prizes, and local business partnerships.
• This conversation is a great reminder that social media can be so much more than announcements. When you use it to tell personal staff stories, you can make your district feel smaller, warmer, and more connected.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Marc Copani

Director of Human Resources

Fulton City School District, New York

Email: mcopani@fulton.cnyric.org

Website: https://fultoncsd.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FultonCitySchoolDistrict

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fultoncsd/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fultoncsd/

Alexander Richmond

Public Information Assistant with CiTi BOCES Public Relations

CiTi BOCES, New York

Email: arichmond@citiboces.org

Website: https://www.citiboces.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CiTiboces

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citi_boces/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Visit this website for a full library of Fulton School Champions since it started back in 2023
• A few of Alex’s favorites include:

• Lane Perl – January 1
• Amanda Sherman – February 2
• Sean Edwards – April 4

• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Greg Viebranz shares lessons from 35 years in school communications and explains how his 360° approach can help districts strengthen trust, transparency, and community support.
• Discover how a simple “temperature check” survey can reveal what families really think about your communication - and help you make smarter decisions about what to share next.
• Learn the 30-3-30 principle for creating content that serves people who have 30 seconds, three minutes, or 30 minutes to engage with your district’s story.
• Hear why your internal communications may not stay internal and how setting clear social media precedents can protect your district when difficult conversations arise.

SPECIAL GUEST

Greg Viebranz

Principal Strategist

End in Mind Creative, South Carolina

Email: endinmindcreative@gmail.com

Website: https://eimcreative.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndInMind/

X: https://x.com/end_creative

USEFUL INFORMATION

• #K12PRtip example - pinned Facebook post with important information
• Buy Greg’s Book
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• Today is a very special interview with Allison Martinson, our graphic designer here at #SocialSchool4EDU. You’ll get to know Allison beyond the incredible designs she creates and hear why giving back has become such an important part of her life and our shared mission.
• Giving back doesn’t have to mean doing something huge. We’ll talk about how each of us can use our own gifts, resources, and opportunities to make an impact right where we are - and sometimes much farther than we ever imagined.
• You’ll hear more about how #SocialSchool4EDU is intentionally giving back and why supporting schools, students, and educators goes far beyond the social media work we do every day.
• This episode comes with an invitation for YOU! Whether you feel called to make a difference locally or globally, we hope this conversation inspires you to find one way to step in, serve others, and create your own ripple effect.

SPECIAL GUEST

Allison Martinson

Graphic Designer at #SocialSchool4EDU

Email: allisonmartinson2002@gmail.com

Phone Number: 612-209-0117

Honduras Well Projects - https://www.honduraswellprojects.org/

Agua Viva International - https://aguavivainternational.org/

Website: http://www.socialschool4edu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialschool4edu/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSchool4EDU

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Our first mission trip to Honduras was amazing! Visit Facebook for a glimpse of our experience:

• Photos
• Video summary of our trip
• Video of toothbrush donation

• Website to learn more about #SocialSchool4EDU’s program - coming soon! Just stay connected by visiting http://www.socialschool4edu.com
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• Frank Devereaux shares how school communicators can move beyond viewing AI as a threat or shortcut and start using it as a thought partner to strengthen ideas, streamline workflows, and create clearer messages.
• Discover how custom AI agents trained on your district’s style guides, mission, and trusted resources can help your team communicate more consistently - without losing the human voice your community values.
• You’ll hear which privacy-conscious and educator-friendly AI tools deserve a closer look, plus why clear guardrails and transparency are essential for building trust with staff, families, and students.
• Find out how AI can give school communicators more time to focus on what technology cannot replace: authentic, emotional storytelling that connects families to the heart of their schools.

SPECIAL GUEST

Frank Devereaux

Educational Technology Integration Specialist

Email: knarfdev@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-devereaux-8a449344/

USEFUL INFORMATION

• The Day “Follower Count” Died: Why School Districts Must Shift to Interest Media by Jason Wheeler
• Grab your virtual ticket to our Social Media for Schools Retreat! We had an entire session (session 2) devoted to AI with Rebecca Bulstma. Jake Sturgis shared many tools in session 8 as well!
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Deron Stender has spent 24 years leading school districts, and one lesson stands above the rest: communication builds trust. Hear how early setbacks helped shape his belief that communication isn't just part of leadership - it's one of the most important leadership skills a superintendent can develop.
• Are you telling your community what's happening - or involving them in the conversation? Deron shares a simple mindset shift that's helped him gain buy-in around difficult financial decisions and strengthen relationships across his district.
• Every leader needs someone who will tell them the truth. Learn how Deron found a trusted staff partner who isn't afraid to say, "This doesn't make sense," and why that honest feedback has made all the difference in his district's communications.
• Small districts may not have a dedicated communicator, but they can't afford to ignore communication. Deron explains why investing in communication training, professional networks, and relationship-building can have a lasting impact on your school district's success.

SPECIAL GUEST

Deron Stender

Superintendent

Creston Community Schools, Iowa

Email: dstender@crestonschools.org

Website: https://www.crestonschools.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048656033523

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccsd_panthers/

X: https://x.com/CCSD_Panthers

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Learn more about your local School Public Relations Association here.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Growing membership doesn’t happen by accident. Christa explains how PenSPRA built relationships with superintendents, tracked new communications roles, and reached out when districts posted jobs.
• For one-person school PR shops, connection is everything. You’ll hear how PenSPRA creates a built-in network through mentoring, monthly conversations, and professional development designed specifically for school communication leaders.
• Christa’s advice for other SPRA chapters is refreshingly practical. From grassroots outreach to a stronger LinkedIn presence, she shares simple strategies that help elevate the role of school communications statewide.
• Christa shares how PenSPRA’s unique executive director model works - and why contracting with the Chester County Intermediate Unit gives the chapter access to an entire communications team, not just one person.

SPECIAL GUEST

Christa Fazio

PenSPRA Executive Director

Division Director of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement

Chester County Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania

Email: Christaf@cciu.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christafazio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-fazio-9694503/

Websites:

https://penspra.com/

https://cciu.org

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Helpful blog:Back to School – Checklist for Getting Staff Involved in Social Media
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• Today’s solo episode shares a timely reminder that AI can absolutely support school communication - but it should never replace the real, authentic stories that build trust with families.
• You’ll hear why student photos, names, and likenesses need extra caution when AI tools are involved, even when families have already signed photo permission forms.
• AI-created flyers may look impressive, but they often create problems for social media. Andrea explains why tiny text, too many details, and QR codes can make your message harder for families to act on.
• This episode gives you practical language and simple guardrails to share with staff so your district can use AI responsibly while protecting privacy, accessibility, clarity, and trust.

Email: andrea@socialschool4edu.com

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreagribble/

Website: http://www.socialschool4edu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialschool4edu/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSchool4EDU

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Download the 2026-2027 Special Days to Celebrate
• AI flyer example and draft of letter to send to your staff
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Piper Adamson shares how her first year in school PR has transformed her perspective on storytelling, student engagement, and why working in schools is unlike any other communications role.
• Discover how simple, authentic content - from a spontaneous “67 Day” Reel to hallway microphone interviews - can generate incredible engagement and strengthen community connections.
• Learn Piper’s practical workflow for capturing great school photos and videos using a camera, smartphone, quick editing tools, and a relationship-first approach with students.
• Find out why Wylie ISD is seeing success with photo carousels, student-centered storytelling, and captions that do the heavy lifting instead of text-heavy graphics.

SPECIAL GUEST

Piper Adamson

Communications & Marketing Specialist

Wylie ISD, Texas

Email: piper.adamson@wylieisd.net

Personal Instagram: @piper_aa

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/piperaa48

Website: https://www.wylieisd.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wylieisd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewylieisd/

X: https://x.com/WylieISD

USEFUL INFORMATION

• “67th Day of School”

• Instagram 377k views, 38.7k interactions
• Facebook 38k views, 442 interactions

• “It’s OK, Mom.”

• Instagram 289k views, 3,610 interactions
• Facebook 281k views, 3,919 interactions

• “Tell us something that made you PROUD recently” at Cooper Junior High

• Instagram 11k views, 576 interactions
• Facebook 13.5k views, 545 interactions

• “Tell us something GOOD” at Wylie High School

• Instagram 20k views, 1.5k interactions
• Facebook 30.5k views, 685 interactions

• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Meredith Oman shares how one simple invitation turned into a life-changing growth group for Andrea. What started as a short book study became a weekly source of encouragement, accountability, friendship, and personal growth.
• Andrea opens up about why this group has made her a better leader, mom, wife, friend, and human. Busy school communicators will relate to the challenge of carving out time - but this episode shows why the right kind of connection is worth it.
• You’ll learn how to start your own growth group without overcomplicating it. Meredith talks through who to invite, how often to meet, and how a simple structure of gratitude, discussion, and support can create deep impact.
• This conversation is a powerful reminder that real connection still matters in a social media world. If your work keeps you online all day, this episode will inspire you to build an intentional community that fills your cup and helps you grow.

SPECIAL GUEST

Meredith Oman

Performance Coach

Oman Performance Coaching, Wisconsin

Email: meredith@omanhealthyliving.com

Website: https://omanperformancecoaching.com/

Connect with Meredith on Facebook

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Book recommendations -

• The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message by John Maxwell
• Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
• Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life by Jim Murphy

• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

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Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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• Cala Elliott shares how she stepped into school communications without a traditional PR degree - and how she continues to push through imposter syndrome by focusing on the value of the stories she gets to tell.
• You’ll hear why being physically present in school buildings can completely change the stories you discover. Cala explains how hallway conversations, break room chats, and simply showing up help her uncover moments that might otherwise be missed.
• Cala reminds us that relationship-building is one of the most powerful tools a school communicator has. When staff members know you, trust you, and see you regularly, they’re much more likely to invite you into meaningful moments.
• This episode is also a great reminder not to do this work alone. Cala talks about the confidence it took to reach out to others, ask questions, and build a network of people who understand the unique challenges of school PR.

SPECIAL GUEST

Cala Elliott

Public Relations Coordinator

Sherrard School District, Illinois

Email: elliottc@sherrard.us or socialmedia@sherrard.us

Website: https://www.sherrard.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrardschooldistrict

High School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579068032201

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrardschooldistrict/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sherrardschooldistrict

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Sign up here for our Summer Book Club. We start on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 am CDT.
• Viral video of principals dancing - over 2.4 million views on Instagram.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

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http://www.socialschool4edu.com

• Jake Sturgis from Captivate Media joins Andrea to unpack the growing concern around AI, deepfakes, and student photos - and why school communicators need thoughtful guardrails, not fear-based decisions.
• You’ll hear why a blanket “no more student photos” policy can create unintended consequences for trust, transparency, enrollment, referendum storytelling, and family connection.
• Andrea and Jake share practical ways schools can reduce risk, from reviewing opt-in/opt-out processes to watching for student names, ID badges, bus numbers, computer screens, certificates, and other identifying details.
• This conversation will help you think through smarter storytelling strategies, including wide shots, close-up detail photos, staff training, family education, and clear communication with concerned parents.

SPECIAL GUEST

Jake Sturgis, APR

CEO/Founder

Captivate Media + Consulting, Minnesota

Email: jake@captivatemedia.us

Website: https://www.captivatemedia.us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaptivateMediaConsulting

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Blog: Should Schools Stop Posting Student Photos Because of AI?
• Sign up here for our Summer Book Club. We start on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 am CDT.
• Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!
• Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/

MORE RESOURCES

Free Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!

Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click here

http://www.socialschool4edu.com