Communication Plan

Trenton Public Schools Communication Plan

Our Guiding Principle
At Trenton Public Schools, our guiding rule for communication is simple: know your audience and communicate clearly, accurately, and on time. Effective communication builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a true sense of community among students, staff, families, and residents.

Purpose of the Plan
This plan provides a framework for consistent, transparent, and effective communication. It was developed to:

  • Foster strong relationships with district stakeholders.
  •  Provide direction for messages and methods that support district goals.
  • Ensure the district presents itself accurately to all audiences.
  • Support students, staff, and promote educational and extracurricular programs.
  • Assure transparency in school district operations.

Types of Communication

  •  Routine – reminders via email, text, phone calls; quarterly newsletters.
  •  Personal – face-to-face meetings, phone calls, in-person or virtual presentations.
  •  Digital – email, social media, website updates.
  •  Emergency – mass notification alerts for urgent matters.

Standards for All Communication
All communications, regardless of format or audience, should be:

  • Clear & Concise
    • Keep messages brief and to the point.
    • Use bullet points, headers, and formatting for clarity.
    • Avoid jargon; spell out acronyms.
    • Provide links or ADA-compliant attachments for more detail.
  • Timely
    •  Share information early and often.
    • Plan messages intentionally; not everything requires immediate distribution.
  • Accessible
    •  Translate materials whenever possible.
    • At minimum: flyers should be translated into Spanish, with Haitian Creole as the next priority.
    • Follow ADA best practices for online content.
    • Use Canva for flyers and marketing (free premium education accounts have been created for all TPS students and staff).
  •  Professional & Representative of the District
    • Proofread for accuracy and professionalism.
    • Use AP Style and Grammarly in addition to spellcheck.
  • Customer Service-Oriented
    • For difficult or sensitive matters, prioritize face-to-face or phone conversations over email.
    • Promote a culture of respectful, solution-oriented communication.
  • Visual Quality
    •  Use high-resolution photos that reflect students actively engaged in learning.
    • Ensure students have signed media releases before publishing identifiable photos.
  • Measuring Success: The effectiveness of district communication will be evaluated through:
    • Review of quarterly newsletter content.
    • Website traffic and analytics.
    • Social media engagement.
    • Attendance at school and district events.