St. Francis HS Annual Christmas Toy Drive

Tip of the Month by MAX LA Team Member Caron Willits

It's that time of year again - the days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming and the warmth of the bright sunshine brings with it a renewed sense of hope and rebirth of life. Current and prospective parents will be dropping by our schools for new enrollment meetings, Spring Galas, and Graduation ceremonies. Just as we do in our homes, it is time for spring cleaning, time to shake out the rugs, polish the floors and put your best foot forward.

Spring is a good time to do another 360° walk around. Have trophy shelves become dusty? Do you need to cut the grass and spruce up your front entrance with some new flowers? Don't forget to make sure your messages on your answering machines are current. What about your website - do you still have Christmas concert pictures on the home page? Do you have summer school information on your websites? Do you have some big projects that can be completed over the summer? Paint the lunch benches? Re-seed the field? New signs for the school?

In every office, classroom, playground, front entrance, stand and assess the area using your five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. Assess the area through the eyes of your visitors and guests. Ask your students, families, parishioners, teachers and their spouses, friends and even the postal worker to provide your school with a 360° assessment. Remember you only have one chance to make a good first impression.