About

Trust in public education is being tested. Families are questioning, critics are vocal, and too often, the incredible work happening in our public schools goes unseen. At the same time, private options are drawing attention and being touted as superior opportunities—an approach that threatens to leave our public schools perpetually underfunded and our society divided into “haves” and “have-nots.”
We can change this story and trajectory—but only if we lead it together.

This four-part series is grounded in a shared vision for public education, connected to the AASA Public Education Promise: “to provide every child in every community with a highly effective education that prepares them for college, career, and real life in the real world.”

That promise extends beyond academics. It is about ensuring that each student can reach their goals through high expectations, quality instruction, and the support to succeed — and that accountability for this vision is shared across classrooms, schools, districts, and communities.

The promise reminds us that public education is the cornerstone of democracy and opportunity. When we rally our communities around students, we not only keep the promise that each student can succeed — we also build safer communities and stronger economies.

Through this four-part Lunch & Learn series, participants will explore practical strategies for communication and engagement that move from audit and reflection to planning and action.

Dates & Times

October 6 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
November 3 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
December 1 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
February 2 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
February 23 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom 

Audience

This series is designed for WASA members and partners who want to deepen their communication and engagement practices. Whether you are new to family partnerships or experienced in community leadership, you will leave with strategies, tools, and templates that strengthen authentic, accountable communication.

Presenters

Jeff Snell, Executive Director of WASA

Questions

Please contact Ryan Hickerson at rhickerson@wasa-oly.org with event registration questions.

Registration

REGISTER

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email via Zoom containing information about joining the meeting.

Zoom

Please click the link in your Zoom confirmations to save the meeting links to your calendar. This is your personal Zoom link—only one user/device is admitted per email. Please do not share your link.

Recordings

Each session will be recorded. You can view previously recorded sessions here or in the Overview and Resources section below.

Outcomes

• Reflect and Identify Opportunities - Review current communication systems, explore your district’s brand story, and identify opportunities for growth in clarity, consistency, and connection.
  
• Understand and Engage Audiences - Deepen awareness of stakeholder groups, learn different ways to engage families, staff, and community members, and create feedback loops to strengthen trust and belonging.
  
• Build Shared Narratives and Partnerships - Connect your district’s story to broader messages about the value of public education, and partner with community voices to amplify what matters most for children.
  
• Champion Public Schools Together - Develop practical ways to advocate for public schools as the foundation of opportunity and equity, drawing on the collective wisdom and experiences of peers in the room.
  

Overview and Resources

Part I: Communicating for Connection | October 6 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
Take time to reflect on your district’s current communication practices—what’s working well and where there are opportunities to improve. Then, participate in a collective group project to identify themes that resonate most with families and communities. 

Part II: Partnering for the Future – Identifying Opportunities | November 3 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
Build on Session I’s review and statewide/national themes and identify and plan 1–2 upcoming opportunities (conferences, report cards, performances, community events) to pilot new communication strategies that strengthen trust and partnership.

Part III: Telling the Story Together – Regional Spotlights and Shared Templates | December 1 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
Learn from a featured Washington region that has successfully elevated the public education story. Gain access to adaptable storytelling templates that highlight alumni, current students, and future students—ready to personalize for local use.

Part IV: Reframing and Planning Ahead | February 2 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
Reframe the public narrative around education while also building a communication plan for the coming year, ensuring you finish this year strong and prepare for sustained community engagement.

Digging Deeper Focus Session (Optional) | February 23 — 12:00–1:00 p.m. via Zoom
Communicating Through Budget Challenges — Approaches for sharing financial realities openly while maintaining trust.