3 ways to help DSST student recruitment efforts

SchoolChoice season is upon us! The DPS SchoolChoice window opens January 15-February 15 and DSST's Aurora SchoolChoice process will be open from January 15-February 28.

Staff involvement in student recruitment is crucial to making sure our schools are filled - and funded - for the 2019/2020 school year. Want to know how you can lend a hand? Here are 3 easy ways you can help recruit students:

1) Phone calls

The student recruitment team has been tracking touch-points with families, and this week we will provide School Directors with a list of families we think would benefit greatly from a personal call from a school-based staff member to help convince them that DSST is the right place for their student. A phone call from a teacher or staff member can be the most meaningful touch-point a prospective family can have with our schools, and we thank you ALL for helping with this crucial step.

Have questions? Reach out to Brittnee.Merritt@scienceandtech.org

2) Attend a recruitment event

Over the next few weeks, both DSST and DPS are holding a variety of events to help inform prospective parents about their middle and high school options. Having school-based staff at these events helps parents get a better feel and understanding for what our schools can offer their student.

• Regional Expos (all expos are 6-8) -
  • January 15th: Northwest @ North HS- Cole, Southeast @ GW HS- Byers
  • January 16th: Near Northeast @ Bruce Randolph HS- CG, STP, Noel
  • January 17th: Far Northeast @ Evie Dennis Campus - CG, Noel, GVR, Southwest @ Abraham Lincoln HS- Henry, Cole
• Happy Hours: Many of our schools are hosting happy hours or something of the like to help families get to know our staff and campuses. Reach out to your SD to learn more!
• Open Houses & Tours: Many of you have already participated in Open Houses and Tours at your school - but there are still events left! Consider volunteering to help our at one of these events.
• Middle School Nights: For middle school staff, elementary schools across the city host middle school information nights that is additional outreach to support families at their schools. Reach out to your SD to learn how you can support.

3) Share & wear DSST

Share our network Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages or your specific schools' social accounts on your personal pages! Maybe you'll include an anecdote about your students, or a message about why you love teaching at DSST. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to tag us... Facebook (@DSSTPublicSchools), Instagram (@DSSTPublicSchools), and Twitter (@DSSTPubSchools)!

Have you been wearing your awesome Stio or Timbuk2 holiday gift from this year? Now's your chance to break it out and maybe even strike up a conversation while in line at the grocery store or movie theater!

Have questions about how SchoolChoice works? Visit our SchoolChoice Resources page to learn more!