The purpose of the kick-off ceremony is to introduce the business or organization and the partnership concept to the students and faculty at the school. Normally, a kick-off ceremony is planned before any activities are initiated between the business or the school. It takes place after the steering committee establishes mutually agreed upon goals and objectives. The program should be limited to approximately 30 minutes.

The kickoff ceremony requires several months of planning. The date should be chosen early based on the availability of the Superintendent. Invitations to guests should be sent at least 30 days prior to the event. Please refer to the list of possible activities and choose several to include in your kickoff.

Planning

• Hold a public event where both parties sign a formal agreement.
• Invite: Superintendent, School Board members, area superintendents, assistant superintendent, director of Business/Industry Relations, principal, teachers, parents (PTA), students, CEO, \ other business leaders, and company employees.
• Be sure to schedule this event at least 60 days in advance of the date. Secure 2-3 tentative dates from the CEO and school; call the Office of Business/Industry Relations with these dates to schedule the superintendent. Send out the invitations about 30 days in advance of the date.
• Inform the Fairfax County Public Schools Community Relations Office at least three weeks in advance of your kickoff so that appropriate news releases can be prepared.
• Be sure to take lots of pictures, send some to the Office of Business/Industry Relations.
• For details, see Kick-off Checklist.

Possible Activities

A reception preceding the ceremony can be organized by the PTA members of the school's home economics classes where guests can meet and have refreshments. Then, as the time for the ceremony approaches, all the guests can be brought to the auditorium after students have arrived and are seated.

• Programs (outlining the kick-off agenda) can be distributed to guests as they arrive.
• School band and/or chorus can perform as students enter the cafeteria or gymnasium, as they depart, and during the program.
• Principal should serve as the emcee and introduce FCPS' guests: members of the Board of Supervisors, School Board members, Superintendent, area superintendent, assistant superintendent; Business/Industry Relations staff, etc.
• Principal can give a brief overview of the partnership goals and activities.
• Corporate president (or designee) can introduce company employees and give background information on the business (what the company does) and why they want to become involved with the school.
• Students can perform in skits related to the partnership concepts.
• Company mascot can dress up in a uniform and perform for students.
• A slide show explaining the business can be shown. There can also be slides of school activities and students.
• Helium balloons can be used for decoration.
• Banners (school and business) can be displayed behind the podium.
• Partnership agreement form should be read and two copies should be signed by appropriate business and school representatives and then framed for display at each location. A xerox copy should be forwarded to the Office of Business/industry Relations. During the signing ceremony, someone should read the document to the audience.
• Students can paint signs highlighting the partnership to hang on walls the week of the kick-off.
• Students can have a contest to design partnership logo.
• Student artwork about the company can be displayed in school's hallways.

Kick-off Check List

Invitations

Guests: Board of Supervisors, School Board member(s) for your district, At-large School Board member, area superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of Business/Industry Relations, PTA Officers, CEO, corporate employees, (optional: Mayor, City Council, PTA board, other central office staff).

 

Include RSVP date, phone number, and contact person.

 

Make follow-up phone calls to special guests who do not RSVP.

 

Partnership Agreements (2):

Should be signed by: Principal, CEO, Superintendent (optional PTA representative, student; area superintendent).

 

Typed - camera ready.

 

Logos (if needed).

 

During the ceremony, the agreement should be read while dignitaries are signing it.

 

Frame each agreement, one for school, and one for company.

 

Program:

Designed (cover and layout)

 

Proofed

 

Printed

 

Distributed

 

Reception (Prior to Ceremony):

Time (It is preferred to hold the reception before the ceremony as it gives special guests a place to gather. Then at the appointed hour, all guests can be brought to the location for the program.)

 

Location

 

Food

 

Beverages

 

Paper goods

 

Clean up

 

Invite teachers to participate in the reception; have parents cover their classes for a short time.

 

Introduction and Seating of Dignitaries:

 

Introductions by principal (in order):

(1) Board of Supervisors members

 

(2) School Board members

 

(3) (Mayor/City Council - if applicable

 

(4) Superintendent

 

(5) CEO

 

(6) Area superintendent

 

(7) Assistant superintendent

 

(8) Director of Business/industry Relations

 

(9) Other central office staff

 

(10) Steering Committee (ask to stand as a group)

 

(11) PTA President

 

(12) PTA Board (ask to stand as a group)

 

Introductions by CEO:

Any employee from the organization

 

Seating

If stage: Seat any Board of Supervisors members and School Board members with the Superintendent on the stage.

 

If no stage: Reserve front row seating for all dignitaries with names on each seat back.

 

A general rule to follow: Seat all Supervisors and School Board members in the same place as the Superintendent.

 

Speakers:

Superintendent should speak after the CEO.

 

Try to limit the number of speakers to hold attention of students.

 

School Board members and Supervisors are not invited to speak due to the brevity of the program.

 

Logistics:

Reserve parking spaces for guests.

 

Provide greeters/ushers.

 

Have students seated in auditorium prior to entrance of dignitaries and guests. At the end of the program, guests should be invited to leave before the students are dismissed.

 

Press Releases:

Media Tips: A school person must send to the News Liaison in the Community Relations Office three weeks prior to event.

 

Business sends out similar release.

 

Advertising Campaign:

School newsletter

 

Display case

 

Artwork/banners in the halls

 

Logo competition

 

Essay contest

 

Corporation newsletter

 

Photos:

Secure school/company photographers to take photos for later publication.

 

Decorations/Favors

Balloons

 

Flowers

 

Pens with partnership name, etc.

 

Student Events for Ceremony:

Skits
Musical performances, etc.