ParentHandbook2021

is a teacher, team leader, department chair, or school
administrator. Parents are sometimes tempted to
complain to one another rather than seek remedy from
the appropriate quarter. This is the least effective way to
resolve problems, and can be harmful to the partnership
with Westminster and to the school itself.

ENROLLMENT OUTREACH
Word-of-mouth is the single most effective tool for attracting
new families to Westminster School. Parents can materially
help the school by talking about their positive experience
with friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The school holds
regular open houses; current parents are encouraged to
tell friends about it, forward announcements, and—best of
all—accompany them to an open house. It is also helpful to
invite friends to a school event they might enjoy, such as a
play or music program.

If parents have a neighborhood list serve or newsletter,
providing such information to the school’s admissions
director can be a real help in spreading the word about
Westminster. Hosting a coffee for potentially interested
neighbors, at which the admissions director can make a
presentation, is also highly supportive.

SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT
Another easy and effective way to promote Westminster
is to support the school on its various social media sites,
provide a link to Westminster on your own social media
sites, post and comment on school activities, photos, etc.
The more people who know about the wonderful things that
take place at Westminster, the better the school’s chances
to attract families of interest.

DONATIONS
Like all independent schools and non-profit institutions,
Westminster seeks donations to help meet its operating
costs and fund major improvements. Gifts are solicited
through the annual Griffin Fund campaign. Parents,
grandparents, alumni, staff, and friends are urged to
contribute generously to this fund in order to help the
school maintain its outstanding program for current and
future students. n

Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 51

Westminster School
3819 Gallows Road

Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-3620

www.WestminsterSchool.com

Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022 | 52