Ossining Wins Communications Awards

The Ossining Union Free School District has won three awards for its communications efforts from the National School Public Relations Association, confirming the district’s commitment to keeping the community informed.

The district received an Award of Excellence for its mobile app and video in the electronic marketing materials category, the highest award granted. The district’s mobile app, which can be downloaded free from iTunes or Google Store, allows users to access all of the district’s resources quickly and easily on their mobile phones. Regular videos on classroom happenings and school events are posted to the district’s Vimeo site.

In addition, the district received an Award of Merit for it “Staying Connected,” social media guide. The guide lists all of the ways that community members can connect with the district and receive information, explains each resource and gives its web address. Ossining uses Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, SmugMug, Vimeo, Ustream, O-Blasts, Just Ask and a special mobile app by E-Chalk for accessing student grades and other personal information.

The district also received an Honorable Mention for its O-Gram newsletter and Marketing Folder. The O-Gram is mailed to all households in the district four times a year and covers staff and student achievements, special events and other important district news. The Marketing Folder provides a detailed overview of the district and its six schools for newcomers to the community.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve communications and increase transparency in the district,” said Superintendent Raymond Sanchez. “With more and more people spending time on social media, we see that as an important vehicle for spreading district news. At the same time, we are committed to providing traditional newsletters to districts residents who may prefer to receive their information in that format. We’re honored to have been recognized for these efforts.”