We’ve made it!

The end of the school year is in sight, and if you can take a moment to breathe between all of your end-of-year celebrations and events, I want to thank you for the work you are doing on behalf of your district, students, and families.

This time of year, it is easy to get lost in the day-to-day cadence of meetings and the overwhelming feeling that there’s just too much to cover. If no one has told you lately, you are doing a great job.

If you attended the PenSPRA Symposium in March, you’ll know that I usually introduce myself the same way most maid of honor speeches start. “For those of you who may not know me, my name is Melissa…” After being named School Communicator of the Year, I’m not sure I can say that anymore. Though now I feel as if many of you know who I am, I’d love to know you! Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, shoot me a message if you are going to the NSPRA Seminar in July, or follow @allentownschools on Instagram!

Any good maid of honor then shares an early memory. Before Allentown School District, my career has always been about fun—telling the stories that made people feel something, making memories. From sports to live entertainment to nonprofits and music education, I 've been lucky to capture some incredible moments. As a 19-year-old intern for the Philadelphia Eagles, I vividly remember holding a cable in the end zone (for the real pro video team), getting out of the way of a touchdown—that’s a memory. Knowing in advance which marching band is about to win their first state championship, focused on them, waiting for a reaction on Instagram live—that’s a memory.

Read more here!