Tuesday 28 November 2023

Building Trust Between Staff and Admin

A common feeling among school leaders is a desire to connect with their staff and build trust and meaningful relationships.  

Virginia Williams, Possip reporter with a background in Elementary Education & Special Education, shares ideas to foster the trust of your staff.  

By getting “in the trenches”, assuming the best in others, and creating opportunities to receive and respond to feedback, school leaders can establish and maintain strong relationships with staff which ultimately contributes to a positive staff culture and a thriving school community.  

Get in the Trenches

I once heard the CEO of a large organization say that he’d never ask his staff members to do something that he wasn’t also willing to do. This attitude is one of humility and inspires humility in others as well. Step into the uncomfortable, model humility and be willing to make mistakes if you want your staff to do the same. For example, if you’re encouraging staff members to use a certain teaching strategy or classroom management tool, get in a classroom and model it for them! 

Assume the Best

When providing feedback to staff, always assume the best. Give the benefit of the doubt and seek to understand.  For example, if you notice a staff member looking at her cell phone during instructional time, rather than immediately reprimanding them, assume she is responding to a student’s parent about an urgent matter or perhaps dealing with her own emergency.   

Start feedback conversations about such incidents with neutrality and “I notice” statements.  For example, “I noticed you had your cell phone out during your lesson today.  Was everything okay?  Can you tell me about that?”  Staff members need to believe that you’re their biggest cheerleader!  Assuming the best in them before jumping to conclusions or critiquing behavior will help your staff members feel that you believe in them and are rooting for their success.  As a result, they will receive feedback with greater humility and an open mind.

Listen and Respond

Lastly, create opportunities for your staff to give YOU feedback as well. Possip Staff Pulse Checks® are the perfect way to open lines of communication. We have found that staff members are more likely to respond anonymously than families in Pulse Checks. To that end, make sure that you are providing a way for staff members to feel safe to express their honest opinions.

Furthermore, once you receive feedback from your staff, respond to it. Reassure staff that you’ve heard them and will take any necessary action. Demonstrate your willingness to change what you can based on the needs your staff expresses. For more on this topic, check out The Building Block of Successful Schools: Trust.  Additionally, here is some information about Possip Staff Pulse Checks as well as some ideas for Bonus Questions you can ask. 

We would love for you to join our event, Sustaining Strong Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Staff Retention on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 from 11 – 12 PM CT.

This one-hour session will explore the top concerns and trends we’ve seen in staff feedback. We’ll dive into when in the year those trends escalate so that you can better anticipate the needs and concerns of your staff. You’ll leave with practical, implementable ideas to fuel your team’s satisfaction and commitment to your school.

The post Building Trust Between Staff and Admin appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

Monday 27 November 2023

School Bus Communication Systems: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

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Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

The post School Bus Communication Systems: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

Friday 24 November 2023

Preventing and Reacting to Fighting in School

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Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

The post Preventing and Reacting to Fighting in School appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

Tuesday 21 November 2023

6 Brain Break Ideas for High Schoolers

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Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

The post 6 Brain Break Ideas for High Schoolers appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

Monday 20 November 2023

Possip Praise and Gratitude: Teachers and Staff Exemplify Core Values

At Possip, we elevate five core values for our team. They are: Get It Done, Think Outside Ourselves, Lead With Humble Confidence, Imbue Positivity, and Grow With a Learner Mindset. 

To celebrate the season of giving thanks, we have rounded up wonderful comments of gratitude that we’ve collected in Possip family and staff Pulse Checks so far this year. It wasn’t hard for us to find evidence of teachers and staff who exemplify our core values every day. We love being aligned with our partners as they serve students and families!  


Core Value 1: Get It Done

Possip’s take: We work hard, are dedicated and reliable, are strategic and keep it simple; have an orientation towards impact; get it done steadily. We appreciate how hard our customers are working at what they do – and how complex life is for so many. We get it done to make life better for our customers, contributors, and team.

Our favorite comments of praise and gratitude for teachers and staff who Get It Done: 

  • My son’s experience here had hit a complete turnaround, last year he was at a different school and would cry every day and beg me not to bring him to school. 
  • After starting at [this school] he is excited to come in, he loves his teacher, has friends and is excited to tell me about what he’s learning. Thank you to everyone who’s made a positive impact.
  • Really grateful for Mrs. Gr and Ms. D. They clearly love our scholar, see the positive traits she has, know her strengths/weaknesses, and have set goals for her growth with intention.
  • My daughter really appreciated the positive feedback from her Social Studies teacher, praising her for turning in work on time, doing well with her assignments, and letting her know that she was always there to help. The praise really made her feel good.

Core Value 2: Think Outside Ourselves

Possip’s take: We think of the purpose of what we are doing foremost; operate with empathy; bridge-build; are kind, empathetic, thoughtful; focus on what we are aiming to achieve over what we want to do or say; demonstrate judgment that comes from thinking globally and individually. We value the benefits of diversity and take actions to learn and understand about the people, communities, and organizations we serve. 

Our favorite comments of praise and gratitude for teachers and staff who Think Outside Themselves: 

  • Ms O is a dream. We love her assignments & creative ways to make learning goals fun.
  • I love the unwavering dedication of not only the teachers, but the staff members as well. From the bottom to the top, I’ve never met more kind and loving people. My son was having challenges early on and the staff never gave up on him. They remained positive and showed lots of interest in his care outside of school as well in terms of the best solutions medically to make his school days easier.
  • Buena comunicación, profesionalismo, creatividad,empatía con los alumnos, el personal y la directora muestran compromiso y dedicación. TRANSLATION from Spanish: Good communication, professionalism, creativity, empathy with students, staff and director show commitment and dedication.
  • My daughter’s Pre-Calc teacher goes out of her way to provide additional support outside of the classrooms. Her zoom meetings are impactful and a blessing. Thank you Ms F!

Core Value 3: Lead With Humble Confidence

Possip’s take: We are confident in our expertise, wisdom, and insights; we know enough to know how little we know – but confident enough to be taken seriously and help those we partner with learn and grow. We recognize the limits of our own perspective – so seek out diverse perspectives. 

Our favorite comments of praise and gratitude for teachers and staff who Lead With Humble Confidence: 

  • I thought a principal is someone who sits behind the chair in his office. But Mr S has shown me what an awesome principal he is. He is everywhere in every single event, i.e. traffic control at drop off in the morning and at dismissal, host at parent meeting….. you see him everywhere working hard! Also, he is into details. He even calls every single kid by name when he greets them! How amazing! Making kids feel they are individual and important! He is humble, approachable and fun. He is a hard worker from my observations! With gratitude, Thank you Mr S for your dedication and hard work for kids’ growth and development. 
  • Best start to the school year in three at [our school]. Everyone has jumped in and worn many hats. The leadership team is leaning on each other and working collaboratively together. The teachers and grade team leaders are working well together to introduce a strong culture and curriculum. The school staff has been amazing in their attitude and energy.

Core Value 4: Imbue Positivity

Possip’s take: We are positive – positive is part of our name. We look on the bright side, see the cup half-full, and see the opportunity in challenges. At Possip, communicate with positive intent, assuming the best about our colleagues, team, and partners. 

Our favorite comments of praise and gratitude for teachers and staff who Imbue Positivity: 

  • I love the culture of [our] Elementary, everyone seems very positive and willing to help each other in times of need. It is a great community to be a part of.
  • The PRESENCE of our principal in the hallways, lunchroom, activities, announcements etc. sets a positive tone that can be felt in the building.
  • Mrs. S is doing a great job. She communicates regularly and is engaging with both the students and parents. I also appreciate her positive and upbeat attitude.
  • Love the positive learning environment. I love that teachers are kind, empathetic, welcoming to all. I like the ideas and curriculum taught, great culture and atmosphere making all students of all kinds welcome.

Core Value 5: Grow With a Learner Mindset

Possip’s take: We look for opportunities to grow and learn. At Possip, We are open to feedback, easy learners, and have “no ego amigo”. We accept imperfection in our path to learn and get better. We stay curious.

Our favorite comments of praise and gratitude for teachers and staff who Grow With a Learner Mindset: 

  • Thank you to everyone involved in educating the whole child! Love the positive atmosphere, the communication and dedication to growth mindset! Keep being awesome and keep welcoming feedback please!
  • The school is moving in the right direction. There are some growing pains, but I think it is for the best. Keep doing what y’all do and focus on the kids.
  • My son needed some help with transitions. The teacher gave me a call and asked if I have advice. She assured me that he wasn’t in trouble. She also had comments for room for growth and what he was doing well. I love when I’m told areas of growth as well as what he is doing well. Also, carline is getting faster by the day which is great. So far, I am pleased with my son’s kindergarten experience.
  • Mrs. B, Ms. A, and Ms. K have all  been mentioned at home as positive influences on my daughter. I love that she has so much love for her teachers and her school.  Overall, the sense of community is there and I see that it has a positive effect on my child’s passions and interest in learning. I also appreciate the strength based approach and that they explained to my daughter that it isn’t that she isn’t good at math operations but it is something she needs more practice in. That is a very positive way to encourage my daughter and help her to stay persistent. 

Parents Love to Share Positive Gossip (Possip!)

We love elevating the positive comments parents share about their schools – and teachers and staff love to hear them! Last year, we saw this comment from an elementary parent here in Nashville:

  • Yet again, so thankful for you all [the teachers and staff at my child’s school]! Sometimes it feels like teachers only hear the bad news so I’m thankful Possip is back so I can remind you how wonderful you all are!

Does your staff need a reminder of how wonderful they are as this semester comes to a close? Contact Possip to find out how we can help you easily gather the gratitude your families have and share them with your team!

The post Possip Praise and Gratitude: Teachers and Staff Exemplify Core Values appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

Friday 17 November 2023

7 Communication Traps – Part 1: UNDER-Communication

Following our first Back to School Event – Anticipating Parent Concerns, I realized that no matter how we cut our data, the theme always emerges: Communication is queen!


Possip Founder and CEO, Shani Dowell, reflects on some of the most common feedback about school communication we hear from parents across the nation. This is part one of a two-part series.

We typically see Communication Traps fall into two categories: UNDER-communicating and OVER-communicating.

Under-Communication: 

When schools or districts communicate less than they need to. This could include the following:

     

      1. No Communication

      1. Having Unspoken Rules

      1. Communicating on a “Need to Know” Basis – as Interpreted by Leadership

      1. Having an Insiders Club

    Over-Communication: 

    The well-intentioned cousin of under-communication, this occurs when schools or districts value communication – but may need the additional step of thinking through strategy and streamlining systems for communicating. We will dive into Over Communication Traps in the next part of this blog series!

    Under-Communication Traps

       

        1. No Communication

      It seems obvious that families need communication – but it often just doesn’t happen. We recommend having a plan and system for communicating with families at least weekly – and having a system to hear from families at least bi-weekly.  As you plan your system, think about how often you want families to hear from the following contacts at school:

         

          • District or network leadership

          • School leadership

          • Grade level leadership 

          • Teachers

          • PTO or Other

        Also, consider how you’ll communicate during special events or times. So often, leaders get so busy solving problems in times of crisis that they forget to communicate!  

        What systems will you create to make sure there families always receive pertinent and timely information.

        The post 7 Communication Traps – Part 1: UNDER-Communication appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Thursday 16 November 2023

        Possip Live Demo – Sharing Praise!

        Join us at our next live demo, where we will share how Possip helps school communication by providing a platform to easily hear and share praise!

        The post Possip Live Demo – Sharing Praise! appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Wednesday 15 November 2023

        Creating a Family Guide to School

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post Creating a Family Guide to School appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Tuesday 14 November 2023

        Gratitude Activities for Your Students… and Yourself

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post Gratitude Activities for Your Students… and Yourself appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Friday 10 November 2023

        6 Tips to Help Support Students’ Academic Growth

        Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

        Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

        If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

        If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

        SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

        The post 6 Tips to Help Support Students’ Academic Growth appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Tuesday 7 November 2023

        Morning Meeting Hack: The Language of Emotions

        I am obsessed with self-development and personal growth-I’m sure so many fellow teachers can relate. My morning needs to start with journaling (and avoiding social media). Less caffeine makes me function better and think more clearly. And I know that I find balance in my life when I am able to express myself in healthy ways.


        Sarah Besand, a teacher and Possip Reporter, shares ways teachers can integrate SEL into their morning meetings. 

        With the steady rise of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), most teachers know the research behind it and can list many best practices as well. However, it can be challenging to provide time for learning and meaningful practice into the school day’s hustle and bustle.

        How can we fit it all in?

        As a current educator myself, I grapple with this. I can often feel I am still striving to build the classroom community I desire when I am trying to maximize my time with the resources I have.  Sometimes as teachers we can feel overwhelmed–in a good way–with the multitude of fabulous resources we do have! But on the flip side, the abyss of planning without guidance can leave us feeling in the dark too.

        In the midst of my own self growth journey, I read Brené Brown’s latest book and began to embrace a new perspective on teaching SEL. This book, Atlas of the Heart, focuses on helping readers understand the complex language of emotions. Brown’s research shows that humans experience up to 87 different emotions and her book unpacks the nuance in each of them. For example, I learned about the slight differences between emotions like envy and jealousy, happiness and joyfulness, and shame and blame. I found myself communicating better with those around me while absorbing the book’s concepts. 

        That’s when the thought struck me… this knowledge could be life-changing for students.

        The post Morning Meeting Hack: The Language of Emotions appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

        Friday 3 November 2023

        What Sets Possip Apart: Comparing Edtech Communication Platforms

        Possip facilitates communication between schools and parents to improve the education experience. Partners love our platform because it breaks many traditional barriers to family engagement. But how does Possip stack up against competitors?


        Caroline Carrello, a Possip intern majoring in Human and Organization Development at Vanderbilt University, explores what differentiates Possip from its competitors.

        Meet The Competitors

        Before we dive into what makes Possip special, these are some of our main competitors:

        Youth Truth Survey

        YouthTruth Survey, a non-profit organization, conducts surveys and analyzes student feedback through an online platform. YouthTruth Survey aims to help K-12 schools and educational programs improve their effectiveness and overall quality.

        Thought Exchange

        Thought Exchange, an enterprise discussion management platform, allows leaders to quickly gain unbiased, critical insights. They serve small and large organizations. Thought Exchange administers surveys through a link that needs to be completed online. 

        AllHere

        AllHere works by collecting and analyzing attendance data and identifying patterns and barriers to attendance through the use of SMS messaging. They provide schools with tools and strategies to address these issues, with the goal of improving student attendance and engagement. AllHere sends out text nudges and has on-demand assistance. 

        Qualtrics

        Qualtrics, a comprehensive experience management platform, allows organizations to collect, analyze, and act on feedback and data from customers, employees, products, and brands. Qualtrics administers surveys through an online platform.

        Satchel Pulse

        Satchel Pulse can be used for survey creation, distribution, data collection, analysis and reporting, action planning, continuous feedback loop, communication and engagement, as well as a well-being tracker for families, students, teachers, and schools. Satchel Pulse sends surveys to the participant’s email address and reports can then be viewed on its website. 

        Google Forms

        Google Forms, a free, web-based application, enables users to create and distribute surveys and forms for collecting responses and data. Google Forms has the ability to show feedback and responses but cannot deliver an analysis of the responses received. Google Forms can be completed online or on its app. 

        Parent Square

        Parent Square combines multiple communication streams into one interface for families and staff. Parent Square can send and receive direct instant messages over text, email, web or its app.

        SchoolMessenger

        SchoolMessenger allows you to personalize communications from your school or district through its app.

        Remind

          Remind, a communication platform, helps educators reach students and parents where they are. Messages are sent in real-time to an entire class, a small group, or just a single person through the app. You can schedule announcements ahead of time and attach photos and other files.

          Why Possip?

          Let’s explore what sets Possip apart and why it’s the preferred choice for over 1,400 schools and organizations across the nation:

          Pulse Checks™

            Pulse Checks™ provide a real-time and comprehensive view of user sentiment and feedback, giving school leaders an edge in staying attuned to their community’s needs and preferences. 

            SMS Texts

              Possip administers Pulse Checks™ via SMS texting, offering a hassle-free experience for its users. With no requirement to download apps or programs, Pulse Checks™ ensures accessibility to a wide audience, making it easy for everyone to participate. Pulse Checks™ are also available via email, giving respondents the ability to use the technology they prefer. 

              Multilingual

              Possip’s Pulse Checks™ can be translated into over 100 languages, capturing trends, praise, and feedback for schools and districts. Leaders receive responses in the original language paired with an English translation. Check out this article to learn more about Possip’s Pulse Checks™ translation.

              Real Reporters With Education Backgrounds

              Our team of experts with extensive backgrounds in education sets Possip apart from our competitors. Our analysts have the unique ability to translate data into contextually relevant, education-focused reports that empower schools and districts to make informed decisions.

              Positive Praise

              At Possip, we believe in sharing highlights and praise with your community. Our Pulse Checks™ often return valuable insights into how members of your community are going the extra mile. Possip lets you hear – and share – the positive messages people are celebrating behind the scenes. Read how Possip Partners use the praise they receive here!

              Actionable Feedback

              Possip helps to connect parents, students, teachers, and staff with the support they need. Members of your community can express their needs via a short text message. Through our platform, you’ll easily be able to access – and follow up on – the information.

              Two-Way Communication

              With Possip’s Pulse Checks™, schools and districts can establish direct communication channels with families and students while collecting valuable feedback. This approach fosters an open and two-way dialogue, enabling schools and districts to address questions and concerns directly. In contrast to many other communication platforms that support only one-way communication – from schools to families – Possip’s system empowers both sides to engage in meaningful conversations.

              What does this all mean? 

              Possip’s competitors each have a unique approach. Much like Possip, Youth Truth Survey, Thought Exchange, and Qualtrics engage in survey deployment and report generation. However, what distinguishes Possip is the exclusive ability to distribute Pulse Checks and surveys via SMS text messages and receive text responses, eliminating the need for external links or app downloads. This feature, combined with our commitment to providing accessible feedback channels and our team of educators behind the reporting, sets us apart from other companies in the educational survey sector.

              Notably, companies like Remind and SchoolMessenger primarily serve as communication tools, lacking the capability to gather feedback and create reports. Possip can seamlessly complement these communication tools by filling the feedback and reporting gap. Furthermore, we offer a range of services, including long-form surveys and attendance checks, making Possip’s offerings remarkably diverse in comparison to our competitors.

              Success Stories

              Possip’s real differentiator is the concrete evidence found in our customer success stories. As we highlighted in our post, Using Community Feedback in School Improvement Projects, Event Recap, Possip Partners see real results. 

              Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director at Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School, shared her feedback, “What I appreciate about the platform is the way families can respond in open-ended language. We asked a question and were able to… give families space to give us feedback on their underlying concerns. We were able to construct a policy and… elevate the voices of our most vulnerable families in that conversation.” 

              Success stories like these underline Possip’s commitment to empowering schools and organizations with the tools they need to drive positive change and enhance community engagement.


              In the realm of education communications platforms, Possip stands as a shining example of excellence. While competitors offer valuable solutions, Possip’s platform and two-way communication model makes it the ultimate choice for organizations seeking to gather and leverage feedback effectively.

              The post What Sets Possip Apart: Comparing Edtech Communication Platforms appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Wednesday 1 November 2023

              Engaging Families: Alternatives to In-School Events

              Hosting in-person events at school can help families feel welcome. As we shared in our blog post, How Increasing Family Engagement has Impacted Our Partnering Schools,” we know it works! However, showing up can be hard for families when they have so many competing commitments. Nothing is worse than planning a huge, fun event and then seeing only a smattering of people attend. It can feel defeating. 

              Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, explores ways to engage families beyond in-school gatherings.

              We all know that life happens. Many families have kids in multiple schools. Families work hours that conflict with when events are often held. It can be hard to find childcare or transportation in off-hours. Even parents have difficulty attending parent-teacher conferences when they conflict with extracurriculars or work obligations. All of these things can lead to schools feeling frustrated when it comes to offering ways to bring families together. 

              However, it doesn’t need to be that way! Here are a few creative ways to get families involved without having to set up a table in the lobby and provide name tags and punch:

              Learn what events interest your families

              Use a Possip bonus question to get a sense of what families find most valuable when it comes to getting involved. Conferences? Social events? Homework help? Fundraisers? Where do they want to spend time with other families and staff, and where do they gather that maybe isn’t in school? At a local park? Library? Community center?  

              Strive to meet the needs of families and not just drive up numbers. The more you know about what people really want and need, the more you can tailor your ideas to them and ensure you are not wasting your time. For more ideas about finding out what works and what doesn’t work for your families, check out this Possip article: Better Questions to Increase Family Turnout.”

              The post Engaging Families: Alternatives to In-School Events appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Engaging Families: Alternatives to In-School Events

              Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

              Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

              If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

              If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

              SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

              The post Engaging Families: Alternatives to In-School Events appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.