25 Wasys to build a relationship
Here are a number of ideas of how you can connect and build better relationships with your school administration, faculty and staff. Choose a few that fit with who you are and what your church can do to partner with the local school.
Meet the Principal.
Even if you have nothing to offer at this time, stop by or make an appointment to introduce yourself. If you already know ways you can volunteer, offer those ideas.
Connect with school counselors
Especially if you have troubled students in your youth group who attend that school. It is a way of building a safety net under that student while working together.
Be present at school events
The school personnel will begin to know you and students will begin to recognize you.
Discover a need and fill it
- Go to school board meeting and listen
- Ask others about school needs ie: help with planning baccalaureate, provide sound, video and lights etc. for graduation, paint a classroom.
Volunteer to Coach a team.
Or Substitute Teach.
Serve as a lunch supervisor
One church provides help at lunch with a two-hour notice. That has created trust and favor.
Offer your church building for special district events.
Bring gifts to office staff
Coffee cards, fresh coffee, and car wash cards.
Help with campus groups/clubs
Assist student leaders, attend their events and offer to speak when needed.
Collect school supplies
and backpacks for underserved students. This needs to be coordinated with the school.
Fill lunch backpacks
with food for weekend meals. Again, this needs to be coordinated with the school.
Work with your students to clean up trash
after school events. School staff will take notice.
Teach your students to be respectful of teachers and staff
And to be appreciative of them as well as other students. Staff will recognize them and where they come from.
Serve as a lunch supervisor
One church provides help at lunch with a two-hour notice. That has created trust and favor.
Be Consistent
Have regular interaction with the school.
Welcome cards and gift cards for all new teachers.
A Teacher's Appreciation Dinner
Hosted at your church with a catered meal, gifts, awards, etc. Make it easy to attend during the week.
Honor
principals, teachers, extraordinary coach or student.
Look for a Paid Position
ie: Bus Driver, Lessons, Coaching, Tutoring, Mentoring.
Create and supply shirts
hoodies or other sportswear for a team at school.
Add value to the school by volunteering:
- Website and Social media
- Computer skills
- Construction
- Automotive
- Music
- Drama
Everybody loves free food:
- Meals at conference time, beginning of school, teacher in-service days.
- Supply snacks for Parent Teacher Association Meeting, ACT or Honors Program.
- Lunches for drama, speech competition, band, choir, etc.
Honor a specific school at your youth group
Each quarter. Have a gift scholarship or donation of equipment to the school.
Use school facilities and actually pay for them.
Bring a school assembly speaker and pay for it.
This pays huge dividends in the long run. It builds bridges that remain strong and creates favor that brings new opportunities to serve your school.
Remember
Becoming a trusted and valued resource for the school will take time!