A telephone response line, newsletters, increased publicity, and a promotional video are parts of a Mississippi State project designed to enhance communication among Starkville School District constituencies.
Directed by John E. Forde and Henry W. Nash, the effort is funded by the university's Office of Research. The program continues efforts begun last year.
"The overall focus is to improve communication among parents, school officials, students, and the public," said Forde, an assistant professor of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. Nash is head of the College of Business and Industry's marketing, Quantitative Analysis and Business Law Department.
The project works closely with school Superintendent Larry Box, Administrative Assistant Joyce Polk and Joan Butler, director of family-centered programs. "All of the activities have been a group effort," Forde said.
Three student interns will work on the project until next spring to help implement various initiatives. They include Clay Williams, a senior communication major from Ocean Springs; Emily Melton, a senior communication major from Jackson; and Alicia Claxton, a master's of business administration student from Starkville.
"The students will receive valuable experience as communication practitioners while they contribute to an understanding of public schools," Forde said, adding that the program is designed to build on the successes of a similar program last year.
A telephone response line initiated in 1994--(662) 324-ABCD--is being continued. The 24-hour service is monitored by a Mississippi State intern, who routes questions and comments to the appropriate person for response.
"We're also involving our interns in development activities," Forde said. "They'll help search for grant opportunities, as well as work with the Starkville Foundation for Public Schools in more fully developing a scholarship program."
With a separate grant from the foundation, a video is being developed to highlight school programs, he said.
"We'll be able to send the video to parents who are moving to Starkville and want additional information about public schools," he explained. "And we'll also furnish it to real estate agents, the chamber of commerce and other businesses."
A focus group directed by Nash will monitor public attitudes and perceptions about the school district, Forde said.
"Through this research, which also is a follow-up to last year's, we'll be able to help identify the most pressing issues school officials should respond to," he said.
"Our goal is to provide a means of dialogue. We hope to lay the groundwork for a full-time school-community relations program."
This World Wide Web version of MSU Memo was modified and updated by Chris Brown.
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Last modified: Friday, 14-Jun-2002 15:58:59 CDT.
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