What to Put in Your High School Principal Newsletter in July

July is the quietest month in the school communication calendar, but that does not mean it is necessarily a silent one. For many high schools, summer school is running, sports conditioning is underway, fall registration is still open, and the back-to-school countdown has begun in earnest. Whether a July newsletter makes sense depends on your school, but if you do send one, here is how to make it worth opening.

Should You Send a July Newsletter at All?

Ask yourself one question: does my community have actionable information to act on right now? If the answer is yes, send it. If you are filling space with content that could wait until August, hold it. A July newsletter with real information builds trust and sets up your August newsletter to be opened with genuine attention. A July newsletter with filler content trains families to scroll past your communications.

Common reasons to send in July: summer school is in session, fall sports physicals have a deadline, registration for electives or scheduling changes closes in late July, or a significant building or staffing change that families should know about before fall.

Summer School Update

If your school runs summer school or credit recovery programs through July, a brief update belongs in the newsletter. Share how enrollment is going, any schedule reminders, and who to contact with questions. For families whose students are in summer school, this is the most relevant content in the entire newsletter.

If late enrollment is still possible, mention it. Some families decide in July that their student would benefit from additional academic support before fall, and knowing that summer school is still an option can change that conversation.

Summer Reading and Academic Assignments

Many high schools assign summer reading for AP and honors courses, and some require assignments to be submitted in the first week of school. July is a good time to remind families where to find the assignment details, what the submission expectations are, and what happens if a student arrives in September without having done the work.

Include links to reading lists organized by course or grade level. If assignments are posted on the school website, provide the direct URL rather than asking families to navigate a portal on their own.

Sports Conditioning and Physical Clearance Deadlines

Fall sports, particularly football, cross-country, and field hockey, often begin conditioning in late July or early August. Physicals and athletic clearance paperwork have deadlines that are easy to miss during summer. Include the physical deadline, where to submit completed forms, and any online clearance systems your school uses.

If your school uses an athletic clearance platform, include the specific URL and a note about whether it is new this year. Families who do not complete the process on time cannot participate in the first week of practice, which creates frustration that a timely reminder could prevent.

Building Updates and Facility Changes

Summer is when most school construction and renovation projects happen. If your school has been undergoing facility work, a brief update on what is complete, what is still in progress, and how it might affect the first weeks of school is genuinely useful. Families who understand why certain parking lots are closed or why one entrance will be different in September are far more patient about the adjustment.

Staffing Changes to Announce

If you have hired a new assistant principal, counselor, or notable faculty member over the summer, the July newsletter is a natural place to introduce them. A brief description of their background and role gives families context before they encounter a new face on the first day of school.

First Day of School and Fall Orientation

Remind families of the first day of school, the schedule for orientation or incoming freshman events, and any materials or paperwork that need to be completed before the year starts. If your school uses a back-to-school night or supply list, include when those details will be shared.

A simple, clean list of upcoming dates at the end of the July newsletter serves families well. Back-to-school planning starts earlier every year, and giving families a concrete calendar helps them prepare over the remaining weeks of summer.

A Brief Personal Note

Close with a short personal message from the principal. Acknowledge that summer is moving quickly, express genuine enthusiasm for the coming year, and give families something to look forward to. Even a brief, authentic paragraph from the principal keeps the relationship warm through the summer gap.