School newsletters often get lost in inboxes or skimmed at best. But with the right strategy and content, your newsletter can become a powerful tool for boosting school-to-home communication, driving family engagement, and reinforcing your school brand.
Before diving into fresh ideas, start with the basics. Is your newsletter:
- Mobile responsive?
- Available in multiple languages (not a PDF)?
- Printable for families with limited internet access?
- Searchable and accessible via your school website?
- Easy to subscribe to from your homepage?
- Full of clickable links that take readers back to your school website?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” tackle those technical issues first—they’re critical for reach and accessibility.
Now, here are 16 high-impact newsletter content ideas to spark engagement with your school community:
1. Sync with Your School Calendar
Embed your calendar or link key dates so families can add them to their personal devices with one click. Less confusion, fewer missed events.
2. Pull in Website News Stories
Integrate your school website’s news feed into your newsletter to save time and boost SEO. Each story should link back to your site. (Pro tip: The Edlio website CMS is designed with a built-in newsletter tool that can pull in your News to help you create custom updates!)
3. Highlight a Student of the Month
Spotlight student achievements to build pride and encourage readership—even among students themselves.
4. Feature a Staff Member
Celebrate milestones or recognize behind-the-scenes heroes like custodians and bus drivers. It builds trust and shows appreciation.
5. Share Alumni Success Stories
Parents love to see the long-term outcomes of your school’s efforts. Showcase where your grads are now—college, career, or community impact.
6. Tell the Story Behind a Fundraiser
Don't just ask for money—share the "why" and connect with families emotionally. Then include the donation link.
7. Recap a Recent Event
Was your fall carnival a hit? Share photos, total funds raised, or volunteer shoutouts. Celebrate success together.
8. Add Interviews
Interview a student who shadowed the principal. Feature a Q&A with your superintendent. Make leadership more visible and human.
9. Link to Relevant City or State Info
Upcoming school board elections? City council decisions impacting the school? Include links and basic context to keep families informed.
10. Share Security Updates
Include brief, transparent updates (“false alarm due to burnt popcorn”) to demystify security alerts and calm concerns.
11. Add a Tech Tips Section
Help families navigate your tech tools. Where to find teacher pages, how to subscribe to updates, or how to use your school mobile app.
12. Feature an “Important Now” Section
Drop in urgent info like enrollment deadlines, updated policies, or permission slips—linked back to your school website.
13. Promote Volunteer Opportunities
Include specific projects and goals ("Plant the school garden this month!") to inspire families to pitch in.
14. Remind Families About Tryouts & Auditions
Help families avoid missing important extracurricular deadlines by adding a dedicated section to your newsletter.
15. Introduce New Faculty
Share bios and photos of new staff members to build early connections. Link to their staff pages when possible.
16. Include a Mental Health Corner
Offer tips from your school counselor on supporting student wellness, with links to local resources and hotlines.
Final Tip:
You don’t have to overhaul your newsletter all at once. Test a few of these ideas, then adjust based on what gets clicks, replies, or shoutouts from families.
Want to see how Edlio’s built-in school newsletter tools can make this easier? 👉 Book a Demo with us today!
