- Houston Independent School District
- Communications Guide
Social Media
As times change, our ways of communicating with parents and students must evolve. Social media has become one of the first places people look for news, and that includes information about what’s happening in HISD schools.
Sending out information through Twitter and Facebook accounts is a quick way to let students, particularly in high school, know about any last-minute scheduling changes. It’s also a good way to remind them about upcoming testing periods, when fees for their PowerUp laptops are due, and more. At the elementary level, it’s a simple way to remind parents about upcoming events at your school, give them a peek into their children’s day while in class, suggest tips to help their children, and encourage them to become volunteers.
Being active on social media is a fantastic marketing tool. Posting regularly on social media accounts allows parents and students to get a glimpse inside your school before they ever set foot inside. A quick tweet about an experiment going on in a chemistry class or a short clip of a school play will show off the amazing programs you have to offer.
A common misconception about social media is that it takes a lot of time to manage. Facebook and Tweetdeck, a Twitter product, allow you to schedule posts, so you don’t have to post everything in real-time. You could set up testing reminders for an entire year in one sitting! Clicking the retweet icon on a teacher’s post or one from the district takes about a second.
RESOURCES:
- Social Media: Why it matters (View All Guides)
- Twitter: Getting started and tips for posting
- Instagram: Getting started and tips for posting
- Facebook: Getting started and tips for posting
- Analytics: How to track your social media activity and engagement
Find policy information on social media use in DH (Local) and in CQ5 (Regulation).