My heart is so happy! Schools from across the nation are hitting viral status. And the great thing is that it isn’t for negative stories. The posts blowing up the newsfeed are amazing photos and videos from schools celebrating their teachers and students.

The best thing about these viral posts? Inspiration! It inspires other schools with ideas that enhance the school experience. It also encourages people nationwide that our school system is certainly not broken. In a world that seems to report on shootings, racism, sexism, cyberbullying and more on a seemingly minute-by-minute basis, it is so refreshing to see these positive things being received with such enthusiasm.

The world needs to hear your stories. The following three stories prove it! If your school is looking for consistent inspiration as you tell your story, jump on my weekly newsletter list. You’ll never miss an opportunity to be inspired, learn and take action to celebrate your students with the world.

Van Independent School District – Senior Walk

Looking for an amazing event for your school PLUS a guaranteed engaging post on social media?

Follow the lead of Van ISD from Texas. Do a senior walk at your elementary, middle and high schools! They shared this post and it landed their seniors on the Today Show!

Do you know how they got the idea? They saw it from another school on social media! I’m not sure if it was this one (below) from Bullard High School in Texas that was shared by Louisiana Public Broadcasting or not.

This event isn’t just for publicity’s sake. Think about the message you are sending to both your seniors and your students. This is a real accomplishment! This is the goal of every student in your school. 

By the Numbers:

• Reach: Estimated 30+ million
• Likes: 334,000+
• Comments: 34,000+
• Shares: 225,000+

Woodbury Public Schools – Notes on Desk

Standardized testing. Not the greatest two words for you or your students. But check out this incredible post from Woodbury City Public Schools in New Jersey. 

It was a simple post:

“To motivate her 5th grade students, Mrs. Langford at Evergreen Avenue prepared inspirational, growth-mindset messages for every one of her students. Each personalized note was written in dry erase marker on students’ desks so they could be cleaned up prior to starting PARRC.”

This story ended up making it to several national media outlets, including ABC News. This is awesome because it really highlights the incredible teacher. Being able to praise your staff’s daily efforts with social media feedback is a huge benefit to telling your story.

By the Numbers:

• Reach: Estimated 3 million+
• Likes: 19,000+
• Comments: 1,100+
• Shares: 21,000+

Kenosha Reuniting Dad with Kids:

With Memorial Day coming up, this story from Kenosha Unified School District in Wisconsin is very relevant. I got the inside scoop on this viral post from Communications Support Specialist Jessica Tuttle. She explained:

First, I posted the video on Facebook as a link from our YouTube channel the day it happened. Then, I posted an ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) post  that I shared the next day (which I uploaded directly to Facebook, versus sharing the YouTube link again) and it reached an even bigger audience.

After the second post, lots of media attention rolled in, and it was shared on several local media websites and TV stations and got picked up by the Today Show and Inside Edition, among others.
The funny thing about it was I had my vibration reduction setting off on my camera, which made my video much shakier than normal and nearly ruined the video for me. But, knowing its heartwarming story, I had faith people would latch onto it anyway, and it ended up going above and beyond my initial expectations.

Good thing Jessica wasn’t too critical of her camera settings! This was a powerfully heartwarming story that touched so many because of the power of social media.

By the Numbers:

• Reach: 39,000+
• Likes: 1,100
• Comments: 85+
• Shares: 142+

Of course going viral is great, but that shouldn’t be your goal. You really just want to look for the awesome things happening and make sure you are sharing them. I’m in different schools each week – and I can say firsthand that there are so many amazing stories taking place that could be shared.

Now go, and share your school with the world!

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