Hartford Public Schools

Bringing to the table expertise that did not exist within the district, Imaj has conducted workshops and training with district and school-based leadership and staff in the development of strategic communications plans, social media strategies and integration of strategic plan strategies. We engaged HPS in brand development to differentiate and celebrate their High School Centers of Innovation, leaders in student-centered practices.

As is the case in large urban districts, HPS’ internal communications needs are complex and varied from communicating the district’s response to ever-present budget concerns to demonstrating its commitment to its diverse population and communities, to getting buy-in for enhancements and improvements to its teaching and learning practices. Imaj works alongside leadership and staff to ensure that the communications are strategically-based, informative, effective, and inclusive.

In recognition of The Centers of Innovation High Schools being at the forefront of student-centered learning in Hartford, Imaj supported the schools in the planning, development, and execution of a brand that truly spoke to their innovative, personalized and dedication to exploration and improvement. The brand won an international branding award: A Gold MarCom.

As one of the most effective forms of communications to varied audiences, Imaj specializes in impactful award-winning videos. We have created internship and partnership videos for HPS to use at school events, peer events, on their website and as part of integrated social campaigns. We are in the process of shooting several more, surrounding student-centered experiences of the students and the development of mutually beneficial business partnerships.

We have helped HPS with everything from the integration of their strategic operating plan in communications plans, identifying and communicating key learnings from their educator competencies training for coaches, and engaging the community in the development of a new district model for excellence.

Imaj specializes in developing engagement strategies and other outreach efforts. In Hartford, engagement with the families and communities is a crucial part of the work, particularly through the change process.

The HPS web-based modules enable turnkey training for facilitators on core areas related to student-centered learning – the first two focusing on creating a better understanding of SCL and work-based learning. This approach helps to expand public understanding and sustain continued deeper understandings of SCL in alignment with the HPS Strategic Operating Plan.
Components:

Creation of web portal that provides access to resources including:
Module Session Agenda
Facilitator Notes and workbook
PowerPoint with talking points
Walk-Through video
Animation
Activities for facilitators to choose from
Resources:
Publications and Video Links
Note-catcher and Blog

Our work includes planning, setting up a process for more intentional and strategic social media using, training of internal staff on best practices, and the launch of these new practices which are integrated into every outreach and engagement strategy.

To help build the capacity of leaders and teachers, HPS is using a systematic and intensive series of professional learning experiences to help coaches, who have a direct impact on the ongoing development of teachers, school leaders, and central office staff. Imaj works side-by-side with HPS and its partners in supporting this framework. Throughout the project, Imaj assists with events and learning experiences; presentations; documents activities, discussions, agendas, notes, and other artifacts; creates reports for facilitators and partners of key learnings; creates communications strategies for internal and external audiences throughout the process; develops content for press materials, handouts, mailers and blog posts; designs collaterals; produces a final report that summarizes key learnings and recommendations; helps create a virtual coaching model and on-demand professional development approach; creates virtual coaching tools.

As branding experts and international awards winners in design and copywriting, Imaj supports all of its clients in creating branded, targeted, effective collaterals.

Imaj is in the process of creating a website for BOUNDLESS – a partnership between HPS and Hartford Public Library. The site is a virtual hub of resources for library patrons and students, offers access to exceptional programs that are built into this academic partnership, and provides opportunities for student and parent voice. In addition, Imaj has produced web-based modules to provide facilitators access to engaging presentations about complex topics. The modules provide branded yet easily personalized tools, guide, and other resources.

Imaj is supporting HPS throughout its outreach to the community to give them a voice in the future of Hartford Schools.

Imaj works on-site in Hartford at least one day a week to help supplement and build their internal communications team.

In our role as NMEF’s communications technical assistants for their District Level Systems Change grantees, Imaj has created communications plans, conducted workshops and provided strategic consultation for each of seven school districts throughout New England.