The new academic year provides an opportunity for independent school communications leads to shape efforts for the next several months.

It is, essentially, a way to begin with a clean slate. A blank school calendar is a way to flesh out story angles and time milestones for 2024-2025.

Here are some things to consider as you map your path for the year ahead.

• Who are faculty members you want to spotlight or students with extraordinary individual stories?
• What are the story angles that may resonate with internal and external audiences?
• When are the time milestones that you want to leverage? Do you have story angles that can be timed against predictable dates in the calendar (the Presidential Election, Black History Month, Thanksgiving, etc.)?
• How is your school community reacting to emerging trends such as social media developments or new advances in the college admission cycle?

There is one more item that bears watching – namely, how do any relevant storylines impact or bolster institutional reputation?

The best stories, after all, are ones that help generate a sense of positivity among key stakeholders, including media, parents, students, faculty, alumni and community donors.

If AKCG can help you build, manage and restore your school’s reputation, please e-mail Yamira at ymontenegro@akcg.com.