OHSPRA & OSBA Team up for Fall Communications Workshop

September 21, 2023 9:12 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

OHSPRA and OSBA are teaming up once again to provide a virtual Fall Workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You won't want to miss these timely and information-packed sessions as your communication conundrums are de-mystified!

We are excited to have these workshop features:

School Board and Levy Campaigns

During this portion of the virtual workshop, Sara Clark, OSBA's chief legal counsel, will discuss guidelines for communication professionals about requests to work with candidates on their school board campaigns and navigating the newly released guidelines from the Auditor of State regarding levy campaigning. During her presentation, Sara will provide an overview of the guidelines, practical applications and answers to questions specific to workshop attendees’ own situations.

Finding and Disseminating Positive Stories and Keeping Stakeholders Engaged

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! OHSPRA “Best-of-the-Best” Award-winning communications pro, Dan Rajkovich, runs his Communications & Marketing Department at Fairview Park City School District like a newsroom. He collects information on the positive news in his district, writes his own stories, and publishes the articles where he knows his stakeholders are reading. Join Dan as he shares how this approach helps him to not only stay “in the know” on positive stories across his district, but also keep his stakeholders engaged in what’s happening in his schools. Dan will provide samples of his award-winning work and data to back up that it’s working!

Register Today!

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Spring Conference Agenda Announced

March 21, 2023 3:06 PM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

The OHSPRA Spring Conference agenda is now live on our website! View session times, speakers, and activities here.

Don't miss out on this jam-packed, two-day conference. Space is limited and we're already seeing a record number of registrations. If you haven't already, snag a spot and get ready to learn best practices, hear from seasoned PR pros, and connect with school communicators from around the state.

View OHSPRA Spring Conference Agenda

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OHSPRA Spring Conference keynote announced

March 09, 2023 8:21 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

OHSPRA is excited to welcome Scott D. Henry as an OHSPRA Spring Conference keynote speaker.

From a self-described “incredible nerd” who was bullied as a kid; to a construction superintendent, TikTok sensation (with 1.5 million followers!), a contestant on CBS’s “Tough as Nails and husband, dad and stepdad as an adult; Scott D. Henry has evolved into a sought-after (if somewhat reluctant) motivational speaker, bringing his audiences from chuckles to tears to belly laughs as he spreads his message of positivity. Henry uses his own personal experiences to illustrate how taking the negatives we encounter and turning them around into a positive attitude can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives.

Join us for the 2023 OHSPRA Spring Conference at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel at 409 Altair Parkway in Westerville on April 27 and 28, 2023.

Additionally, we will celebrate the winners of this year's OHSPRA Achievement Awards and recognize the hard work that school public relations professionals do around the state.

Pricing:

Full Conference, OHSPRA Member Cost: $325

Full Conference, Non-Member Cost: $350

Thursday Only, OHSPRA Member Cost: $250

Thursday Only, Non-Member Cost: $275

Achievement Awards luncheon ONLY Rate: $65

Register Today!

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Plan your OHSPRA budget: OHSPRA board votes to streamline pricing for the 2023-24 school year

March 09, 2023 8:18 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

At the February OHSPRA Board of Directors meeting, the board voted to streamline pricing for the 2023-2024 school year. As you begin preparing your budget for the following year, be sure to plan for these new prices:

1 Member: $100

2 Members: $175

3 Members: $250

4 Members: $325

5 Members: $400

6+ Members: $25 off each additional member

More information about membership and pricing for future conference and awards submissions can be found here.

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OHSPRA members selected for NSPRA's 35 Under 35 Class

February 14, 2023 8:17 AM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

Every other year, NSPRA's 35 Under 35 program recognizes professional and professional partner members who are making a difference for their school districts or education-related employers. Ohio was well represented this year as three of our members were selected for the 2022-23 class. Congratulations to:

Olivia Bronczek, Communications Coordinator, Massillon City Schools
Alexandra Kincaid, Public Information Office Director, Dayton Public Schools
Kelsey Webb, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center

Be sure to check your inboxes as NSPRA will recognize Olivia, Alexandra, and Kelsey with a profile piece in upcoming issues of its monthly Member Memo e-newsletter.

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Spring Conference Registration Now Open!

February 06, 2023 8:19 PM | Kelsey Webb (Administrator)

Join us for the 2023 OHSPRA Spring Conference at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel at 409 Altair Parkway in Westerville on April 27 and 28, 2023.

Additionally, we will celebrate the winners of this year's OHSPRA Achievement Awards and recognize the hard work that school public relations professionals do around the state.

Pricing:

Full Conference, OHSPRA Member Cost: $325

Full Conference, Non-Member Cost: $350

Thursday Only, OHSPRA Member Cost: $250

Thursday Only, Non-Member Cost: $275

Achievement Awards luncheon ONLY Rate: $65

A room block is available at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, call call +1 614-882-6800 or book online at this link https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1660837196586&key=GRP&app=resvlink

Register Today!

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Register for the January Virtual Lunch and Learn

December 20, 2022 8:53 AM | Mary Beddell (Administrator)

Registration is now open for OHSPRA's January Virtual Lunch and Learn. Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 12-1 p.m. for a power-hour of learning and networking.

Hear from members of the Indian School Public Relations Association (INDSPRA) about how to welcome a new superintendent to your district. Then, we'll show you around OHSPRA's new website and highlight the tools and features that will help make your membership even better.

This January Virtual Lunch and Learn is sponsored by Class Intercom and free for OHSPRA members only.

Register here: https://www.ohspra.org/events

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Meet the Power PRos: Staci Adelman Vincent

December 07, 2022 12:56 PM | Mary Beddell (Administrator)

Meet The PowerPRos: Staci Adelman Vincent

We are proud to share more about one of our five 2022 PowerPRo recipients: Staci Adelman Vincent as she answered our slate of questions in her own words.

How long have you been in school PR and where/what titles?

This is my 13th year working for the Orange City School District as "Communications Assistant." Prior to this, I was a television news journalist in Washington, DC covering Capitol Hill, the White House, and international news for more than a decade and then worked at WKYC-TV where I won an Emmy, Best of Gannett and Society of Professional Journalist awards. I am honored and humbled to have received OHSPRA’s Best of the Best Award nine times (eight in photography) as I am well-aware of and inspired by the extraordinarily talented people in the OHSPRA circuit.

What attracted you to school PR?

After I left television news and raised my boys in their formative years, I wanted to do something that would allow me to continue to be a storyteller but still permit me to be near my young boys and not be on call to travel 24/7. I was looking for something that would fulfill my writing, photography, and videography storytelling passions. I reached out to the Orange Schools Communications Director (and OHSPRA Board Member) Lou DeVincentis whom I knew through my work as Orange Alumni Association President for some insight. He let me know that the Orange Schools Superintendent at the time had just initiated a program called "The Orange Story." It turned out to be a perfect fit for me. Once hired, I was sharing stories of the amazing programs and initiatives at my Alma Mater which also happened to be the school system where my boys were thriving. I had majored in Broadcast Journalism with a specialty in education at the graduate level at Northwestern University, so it truly felt like I was "coming home." In effect, I was.

Tell me a bit about yourself, family and outside interests.

Following my dual MSJ/BSJ degrees in journalism from Northwestern, I began my career in Washington, DC covering stories ranging from politics to national news like the Oklahoma City Bombings to international news like Princess Diana's funeral in London for a group of stations around the country. I first served as a Washington Correspondent for Newslink and Hearst Broadcasting and later as Director of News for Tribune Broadcasting’s Washington Bureau.

While in DC, I joined a singing/performing chorus (much like the Singing Angels organization I had grown up in) and met my husband, Leland, who proposed to me in front of the entire group which later sang at our wedding! When he began law school in Cleveland, I returned to be with him after covering one of my most emotionally challenging stories -- the death of JFK, Jr., whose extended family I had known and covered for years. I have a wonderful photo of my husband with JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at the Washington Correspondents Dinner just a couple months before the tragedy happened.

After working at WKYC-TV as Assistant News Director and Executive Producer for Special Projects, I left the business to raise our two boys before getting into School PR. I am a product of the Orange City Schools so I was proud to bring my children back to my Alma Mater. Ryan, our oldest, is now a senior at the College of William and Mary and is studying to be a history teacher because of the influence his educators have had on him; Caden is a freshman in Ball State's Honors College where he is majoring in sports journalism/broadcasting in the Sports Link program there. My husband is an employment attorney with Dennis Seaman & Associates.

Along with work and my family, I have enjoyed a 35-year career coaching and instructing competitive color guards and drill teams throughout the country and have been honored to be a judge in both the ASJA and MEPA Circuits. I also announce and emcee at various events in the community including the most recent Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Orange. I still enjoy singing with my various show choirs.

And the buried lede....in 2019 I was elected as a Councilwoman in Orange Village where I have served for the past three years (it's a four-year term). I was the inaugural Co-Chair of the REDI Committee (Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and a volunteer with our Orange Cares program. I also serve as the Orange Schools liaison to the Kiwanis Club of Lander Circle. I wear a lot of “orange-colored” hats.

What interested you in applying for the Power PRo designation?

First and foremost, I am competitive and love a good challenge! When I saw the opportunity to delve more deeply into doing what I already love and further collaborate with School PR colleagues, it was a no-brainer for me! It has been a lot of fun; it has enabled me to build new bonds and friendships with colleagues in the school PR community; and (OHSPRA Board Member) Crystal Davis's enthusiasm is contagious! Now that I have had the title in my email signature for the past few months, it is definitely a source of pride.

What did you think of the Power PRo program? Would you recommend it?

I LOVE it! It has not only allowed me to get more involved in OHSPRA, but I have already learned and grown from the experience. I am excited to show my pride for the program by showcasing the logo that I helped inspire and "wearing it" as a Badge of Honor. I also love the opportunity to further serve my OHSPRA and NSPRA chapters and network and connect more closely with colleagues experiencing the same things I am. I have already recommended it wholeheartedly and signed up to continue for next year!

What did/do you love about OHSPRA's Spring Conference and/or about being an OHSPRA member?

I have always enjoyed participating in the various conferences throughout the last decade-plus, and it has been a joy to meet so many fascinating colleagues from around the state who all offer inspirational ideas. Engaging with these colleagues as a Power Pro candidate was particularly memorable for me. We had spent the better part of the last two years in a two-dimensional world on Zoom, and now I had the unique opportunity to create multiple ice-breakers and getting-to-know-you sessions that allowed everyone to collaborate without feeling stuck in a box, literally and figuratively. The exchange of ideas at the Spring Conference is phenomenal; the professional development is amazing; and I always leave the conference feeling motivated and inspired with huge takeaways. I am so very grateful to all who volunteer their time and effort to be a part of the Board and offer such a wonderful range of experiences for all of the OHSPRA members. I am honored to be a part of this incredible organization.

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OHSPRA Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available

November 17, 2022 9:40 AM | Mary Beddell (Administrator)

OHSPRA is planning our 2023 Spring Conference and we're seeking sponsors! Check out the full menu of sponsorship levels on our website!

Know of a great vendor partner we should contact? Please forward the company name, primary contact email and phone number to Cristina Capretta at ccapretta@bereaschools.org. If you send us contact info and the vendor signs on as a sponsor, you will win extra OHSPRA swag at the Spring Conference!

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Become a Member of NSPRA

November 16, 2022 9:37 AM | Mary Beddell (Administrator)

We love our Ohio PR community! Have you ever thought of expanding your reach further than Ohio? Grow your professional community, expand your knowledge, learn best practices and more by joining National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Reap the benefits of belonging to OHSPRA and NSPRA! Become a Chapter + National member today!

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