The Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) was chartered in 1969 and is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs.

Dear PenSPRA friends: 

“There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met.” That quote is often attributed to Irish poet William Butler Yeats, but it has recently found new life on TikTok, thanks to videos featuring overly friendly dogs. No matter how you interpret it, the essence – turning strangers into friends – is PenSPRA. 

As I step into the role of Vice President/President-Elect of PenSPRA, I’m filled with gratitude and renewed determination. Earlier this year, I shared that I came close to stepping away from my role in Allentown School District (ASD). Things still aren’t perfect, no district is, but they are better. And part of that is thanks to the support I’ve found in PenSPRA.

When I moved from agency work to ASD, I was in over my head. I sought connection and reached out to one of the greats, Kristin Boyd Edwards, formerly from Reading School District, who became an unofficial mentor and sounding board throughout the pandemic. (Shameless plug: Join our official mentorship program by contacting PenSPRA Board Membership Chair Amy Buckman at BuckmaA@lmsd.org)

Within PenSPRA, I’ve found not just colleagues, but friends. People who understand the insane challenges and emotional payoffs that come with this work. People who can raise a glass (or a mac & cheese ball) while discussing the impact of AI on our work, but also our pets, kids, or whether the Eagles will make it to the Super Bowl again.

Read Melissa's article here!