Hansen Public Relations

06/02/2026

After a furious finish to May, June really snuck up on us! While some districts are in their last week of school, many are enjoying their first days of summer. 🌞

In addition to these holidays and observances this month, consider what your organization needs to communicate with stakeholders to mark the end of the school year and the start of the summer. Popular topics for June communications may include:

✅ Academic Calendar: professional development schedule, 2026 - 2027 first day of school, 2026 - 2027 academic calendar

✅ Activities: first day of fall practices, summer weight room schedule, summer open gym schedule, summer events, 2026 - 2027 fees

✅ Buildings & Grounds: summer access, office hours, facility use request procedures

✅ Employment: immediate openings, contract deadlines, lane change deadlines, staff reassignments, retirement deadlines, negotiations update, future openings

✅ Financials: last date of fiscal calendar, accounts payable/receivable deadlines

✅ Professional Development: date(s), agenda(s), summer checkout procedures, summer course offerings, fall workshop dates, local continuing education opportunities

✅ Registration: requirements, registration window, instructions, location, forms, publication of teacher assignments

✅ Transportation: anticipated changes for next year’s busing, 2026 – 2027 parking fees

If you find June is a quiet month for district communications, that is fine, too! Many districts do a soft close for a portion of June, which provides stakeholders (particularly staff) with a chance to disconnect and refresh themselves before work for the new year begins in August. 💓

05/19/2026

Concordia Student to Play for Matthew’s Voice Project in Upcoming Season of Live to Give MN

Moorhead, MN – (May 19, 2026) – Local college student, Lucie Schwankl, is set to play for Matthew's Voice Project in this summer’s Live to Give Minnesota games.

Schwankl, a junior at Concordia College, is one of 18 individuals selected to play in the tenth season of the weekend-long fundraising campaign. Contestants compete in a series of challenges to raise funds for their chosen charity, promote the charity’s mission, and educate the public on the impact the charity has on its community.

“I believe strongly that every human deserves basic necessities like clothing, education, and shelter,” Schwankl explains. “Matthew’s Voice Project supports homeless and at-risk youth in the West Fargo, Fargo, and Moorhead communities by providing them the necessities and advocacy they require to succeed in school and graduate. Their efforts have shown me how nonprofits are vital for not only an individual’s success, but a community’s as well.”

At Concordia, Schwankl is double majoring in social work and political science with a minor in women and gender studies. She is a native of Cottonwood, Minnesota and a 2025 graduate of Lakeview Schools.

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

To participate in the games, Schwankl must raise an initial $800 by July 1. The more money a contestant raises, the more advantages they receive in the games. The final winner receives the total of all funds raised for their selected charity. At press time, Schwankl has raised more than $500 of the initial requirement through direct donations and by designing and selling Midwest-themed stickers.

Starting May 21, Schwankl will be auctioning off one-of-a-kind signed poetry prints by Lauren Mantis. A unique print will be posted to her Instagram - – at 8:00AM every Tuesday and Thursday through June 23. Bids will start at $10 and increase in $1 increments. Bidding will be open for 24 hours with bids being accepted in the comments. Once an auction is complete, the winner will be contacted via DM and their item shipped to them free of charge.

In addition to the Mantis prints, an auction for a poetry bundle from Michaela Angemeer will start at 8:00AM on Thursday, June 25 on Schwankl’s Instagram. Bidding will again be open for 24 hours and start at $20 and increase in $1 increments.

Those wanting to support Schwankl and her efforts to win Live to Give MN on behalf of Matthew’s Voice Project, may consider the following:

➡️ Submit an online donation directly at the link below
➡️ Submit a check donation with “Lucie Schwankl” in the memo line to: Live to Give MN, PO Box 172, Rogers, MN 55374
➡️ Bid on the Lauren Mantis poetry prints starting Thursday, May 21 on Instagram
➡️ Bid on the Michaela Angemeer’s poetry bundle starting Thursday, June 25 on Instagram

ABOUT LIVE TO GIVE MN

Live To Give MN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elk River, Minnesota. Its annual weekend event brings contestants from around the country to Minnesota, where they fundraise and compete for a charity of their choice. In the game’s previous nine seasons, the organization and contestants have raised more than $200,000 for 93 charities.

ABOUT MATTHEW'S VOICE PROJECT

Matthew's Voice Project (MVP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The organization works with local school districts to identify homeless and at-risk youth and provide them with the resources and support necessary to graduate high school. While school districts receive federal grants to address students’ educational needs, MVP fills the gap in services by addressing students’ personal and day-to-day needs.

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Playing for Matthew's Voice Project. *The amount below stays $0 for the duration of fundraising*

05/08/2026

Happy National School Communicator Day to all staff members responsible for their organization's communication, marketing, and branding duties. Whether it is an administrator, technology director, administrative assistant, or a communications specialist taking on such duties, the work is vital to the success of the district.

At Hansen Public Relations, we are committed to creating transparent, timely, and accessible communication for all stakeholders.

➡ 𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟! 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑐 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑦 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑦𝑠, 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠, 𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑠, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 - 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙!

05/06/2026

During this National Teacher Appreciation Week, Hansen Public Relations sends warm wishes of gratitude to every educator who we've had the privilege of working with and learning from in the past three years of business.

In addition, we cannot forget the educators who directly and indirectly impacted the creation of HPR. From the colleagues at West Fargo Public Schools, Menahga Public School, and Fargo Public Schools; to the professors at Minnesota State Moorhead and Washington State University; and the educators at Canby Public Schools and Britton-Hecla Public School, each and every lesson and dose of guidance helped bring Hansen Public Relations to life. Thank you! 💞

05/05/2026

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day!

While it is especially important to today, consider showing your appreciation and support all year long!

When a staff member goes above and beyond to support a student or colleague, acknowledge their dedication. 💖

When a teacher sparks a new love of learning in a student, acknowledge their passion and innovation. 💡

When a classroom or student organization puts out a call for adult volunteers, check your schedule and try to squeeze in some time to help. 🤝

When a school district brings forward a bond referendum or operating levy, research what (and how) it will provide for the students, staff, and community, and show up at the polls to cast your vote. 🗳

Today, and every day, Hansen Public Relations supports educators!

04/30/2026

As we move into May tomorrow, we know the end of the school year is just around the corner. For many districts, this means an exceptionally busy month of activities, deadlines, and communication.

In addition to these holidays and observances, consider what your organization needs to communicate with stakeholders for the end of the year and in preparation for summer and fall. Popular topics for May communications may include:

✅ Academic Calendar: no school days, last day of school, professional development schedule, final grades deadline, 2026 - 2027 first day of school, 2026 - 2027 academic calendar

✅ Activities: spring state tournaments, first day of fall practices, summer weight room schedule, summer open gym schedule, summer events, 2026 - 2027 fees

✅ Buildings & Grounds: upcoming projects, summer access, office hours, locker checkouts, classroom checkouts, facility use request procedures

✅ Community Education: summer course catalog, registration process, cost, employment opportunities, scholarships

✅ Employment: immediate openings, contract deadlines, lane change deadlines, retirement deadlines, negotiations update, future openings

✅ Field Trips: dates, eligibility, trip schedules, costs, expectations, forms, volunteer opportunities
Finances: fee balances, fiscal year deadlines

✅ Graduation: date, event schedule, requirements, scholarships, apparel, costs, expectations, volunteer opportunities

✅ Last Day of School: amended dismissal schedule, field day plans, volunteer opportunities, inclement weather arrangements, locker cleaning, library returns

✅ Professional Development: date(s), agenda(s), last contract day protocol, summer checkout procedures, summer course offerings, fall workshop dates, local continuing education opportunities

✅ Prom: date, event schedule, requirements, costs, expectations, volunteer opportunities, event recap and photos

✅ Registration: requirements, registration window, instructions, location, forms

✅ Special Election (MN): date, polling locations and times, voting requirements, School Board candidates, ballot question language, definition of bond and levy, pass/fail implications (outcome, tax impact), election results and next steps

✅ Summer School: eligibility, course catalog, requirements, dates, staff, location(s), employment opportunities

✅ Technology: device returns, planned equipment upgrades

✅ Transportation: procedures for walking and biking to school, crosswalk locations, anticipated changes for next year’s busing, 2026 – 2027 parking fees

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛'𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑦?

04/28/2026

Mark your calendars: next week is National Teacher Appreciation Week! 🥳

The week is full of celebratory days, including National Teacher Day on Tuesday, National School Nurse Day on Wednesday, and National School Communicator Day on Friday!

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

When I started teaching, a veteran educator offered some sage advice: always befriend the school's administrative assistants.

Nearly 15 years later, I can recall every administrative assistant I have worked with as an educator, public relations professional, and business owner. They truly have been some of my favorite colleagues! 🥰

Administrative assistants and office paraprofessionals serve as the frontline for customer service. They are the first face seen by visitors, the first voice heard by concerned parents and prospective families, and the first coworker sought out for clarification and information.

They know the name, spelling, and pronunciation of every student and staff member.

They know each teacher's daily schedule, as well as if today is an "A", "B", or "C" day.

They have the administrator(s), school resource officer, school nurse, custodian, and transportation supervisor on speed dial (if they don't already have their number memorized).

They know which students and families would benefit from the donated shoes, hats, mittens, and coats.

They run a tight ship - keeping building security in check, protecting administrators' time, maintaining an organized building schedule, greeting and assisting visitors, tracking student attendance, and generally handling much of the unexpected moments that occur within their school.

This list could go on and on, but we already know it is their dedication, professionalism, flexibility, and coordination that keep each day going!

May each administrative assistant and office paraprofessional know they are valued today and every day! 👏👏

03/25/2026

The warm days of April are fast approaching!🌷

In addition to these holidays and observances, consider what your organization needs to communicate with stakeholders as the year nears the end. Popular topics for April communications may include:

✅Special Election (MN): date, polling locations and times, voting requirements, School Board candidates, ballot question language, definition of bond and levy, pass/fail implications (outcome, tax impact), election results and next steps

✅Academic Calendar: no school days, last day of school, professional development schedule, 2026 - 2027 academic calendar, snow day status, final grades deadline

✅Summer School: eligibility, requirements, dates, staff, location(s), employment opportunities

✅Community Education: summer course catalog, registration process, cost, employment opportunities, scholarships

✅Field Trips: dates, eligibility, trip schedules, costs, expectations, forms, volunteer opportunities

✅Testing: dates, requirements, purpose, forms, results schedule

✅Weather Preparedness: anticipated drill schedule, response protocols, state drill requirements

✅Transportation: procedures for walking and biking to school, crosswalk locations, anticipated changes for next year’s busing

✅Last Day of School: date, amended dismissal schedule

✅Prom: date, event schedule, requirements, costs, expectations, volunteer opportunities

✅Graduation: date, requirements, scholarships, apparel, costs

✅Employment: immediate openings, contract deadlines, lane change deadlines, retirement deadlines, future openings

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏'𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍?

02/22/2026

March is just around the corner! 🍀

In addition to the month's holidays and observances, consider what your organization needs to communicate with stakeholders as the year heads into the fourth quarter.

Popular topics for March communications may include:

✅ Academic Calendar: no school days, last day of school, professional development schedule, 2026 - 2027 academic calendar

✅ Quarter 3: last day, progress reports, honor roll

✅ Spring Break: dates, activity schedules, office hours, homework expectations

✅ Kindergarten Registration: dates, requirements, forms, screening

✅ Preschool Registration: dates, requirements, availability, forms, screening

✅ Field Trips: dates, eligibility, trip schedules, costs, expectations, forms, call for volunteers

✅ Testing: dates, requirements, purpose, forms, results schedule

✅ School Board Election: election date, voting locations and requirements, how to run for school board, affidavit of candidacy deadline, candidate eligibility

✅ Weather Preparedness: snow day status, anticipated drills, response protocols

✅ Section & State Tournaments: dates, competition schedules, fan buses, absence protocols, awards

✅ Spring Activities Season: availability, coaching staff, practice and competition schedules

✅ Prom: date, event schedule, requirements, costs, expectations, call for volunteers

✅ Graduation: date, event schedule, requirements, scholarships, apparel, costs, expectations, call for volunteers

✅ Employment: immediate openings, contract deadlines, retirement deadlines, future openings

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣'𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝?