D47 Recognized For Excellent Communication Initiatives

From the Crystal Lake Elementary District 47:

September 17 2019

District 47 Technology Leader Recognized for Excellence in Communications

Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 was recently recognized for its exceptional communications efforts by the state’s school public relations association.

The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) held its annual Communications Contest Awards luncheon on September 13, 2019, at which the top communications initiatives in the state were recognized in a variety of categories. Professional school communicators from across the country judged the 158 submissions. Each entry was evaluated by three judges against a rubric of excellence, with awards given to those that scored within the established ranges for merit and excellence. Tommy Chanthasene, District 47 technology network manager, received an award of merit in the in-house video category.

“We are proud to recognize the winners of the 2019 Communications Contest whose outstanding work exemplifies the best school communications in Illinois,” said INSPRA President Kristine Liptrot, director of communications and community engagement for Yorkville CUSD 115.

“Understanding how to communicate and then creating a successful communication is not easy and it is not something that just anyone can do well,” she said. “Knowing how to communicate a complex concept to people who are from multiple generations using various communication tools is incredibly challenging. Professional school communicators must be flexible and evolve to meet the needs of both their districts and their intended audiences. It takes education, it takes training, and it takes practice. Through this contest, we recognize the quality work of INSPRA members and their dedication to continued growth.”

With a background in technology and former career in music and video, Chanthasene applies his creative talents in District 47 in numerous ways. With the launch of the district’s strategic plan in 2018-19, Chanthasene created a video series about the 6Cs of education for D47 staff. The 6Cs -- collaboration, creativity, citizenship, critical thinking, character, and communication -- are embedded in the district’s strategic plan goal related to student growth and achievement.

“Tommy worked closely with our department of student learning to create this video series highlighting the 6Cs,” said Denise Barr, director of communications and public engagement. “His talents and creativity helped bring our strategic plan to life as it demonstrated how these important life skills and personal attributes are being taught and reinforced in our schools on a daily basis.” To view the video series, go to https://bit.ly/2mcAKLE.

The complete list of 2019 INSPRA Communications Contest winners can be viewed at www.inspra.org.

This press release was produced by the Crystal Lake Elementary District 47. The views expressed here are the author’s own.