Communicating with the students and their parents is equally important, however, and the external communications aspects begins to filter in. This is particularly important when dealing with the media. The goal is not to dictate what people will say, but rather to provide them with background that allows them to further the school's goals using language that accurately reflects the project. Ask the editor of the school newspaper to do a story on what the project will involve and what the results are expected to be. Depending on the scope or uniqueness of the project, the school, its students or the people involved, you may wish to alert your local community paper or television station about your SmartSchools NetDay project.
Newspapers Keep in mind that the newspaper's purpose is to disclose news.
Read the local paper and determine who covers educational issues. It is best if you have read the paper and see how it covers educational issues. If so, it might be more difficult to obtain coverage of your project, unless past coverage was more than six months ago. By having as much information as possible about the reporter and forum, you are in the best position to tailor your key messages in such a way that the paper will want to cover your story. If necessary, alter the messages slightly to make them more newsworthy.