Sharing Family Wellbeing Resources in Your Principal Newsletter

The principal newsletter is one of the most consistent communication channels a school has, and one of the most underused for connecting families to community resources. Families who receive a food bank address in a newsletter that also covers the upcoming science fair experience that information differently from families who receive it only when they are already in crisis. The newsletter normalizes help- seeking before the crisis arrives.

Frame resources as community information, not crisis response

The most common mistake in resource newsletters is framing assistance as something only struggling families need. This framing activates shame and stops the families who could benefit most from engaging.

The alternative is to include resources as consistent community information: 'Every family in our school community deserves to know what support is available nearby. We include these resources in our newsletter regularly so that when they are useful, you know exactly where to turn.'

Food access resources

Name at least two local options with addresses and hours:

• Local food bank or pantry: name, address, hours, whether documentation is required
• Community meal programs: any free or low-cost meal programs within reach
• School-based resources: whether the school has an emergency food pantry or connection to a district food program

Mental health and counseling resources

Include options for both adults and children:

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 'Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, available 24 hours.'
• Local low-cost or sliding-scale counseling services
• School-based counseling referral path for students
• Parent-specific support groups or hotlines, if available locally

Housing and emergency assistance

Housing instability affects school attendance and academic performance more directly than almost any other factor. In the newsletter, include:

• Local emergency housing assistance contacts
• The school's McKinney-Vento liaison name and contact for families experiencing homelessness
• Utility assistance programs if available locally

Update the resources seasonally

Resources change. Hours shift. Programs end. Funders change. A standing resource section that is reviewed and updated each quarter is more useful than one that runs unchanged for three years. Note when the resource list was last updated so families know the information is current.

Daystage makes it easy to maintain a standing resource section across monthly newsletters and update it efficiently when contact information or program availability changes.