New Family Welcome Packet

Text-based template — copy into Google Docs, Word, or your school's CMS.
Replace all [bracketed placeholders] before distributing.

How to use this template: This is the text-first version designed for digital distribution or printing. For a formatted, printable layout with page breaks and visual sections, use the Canva template instead.

Welcome Letter

From the Principal

Dear [School Name] Families,

On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to [School Name]! We are thrilled your family is joining our community.

This packet contains everything you need to get oriented quickly — from how we communicate to where to find help. Please keep it somewhere handy during your first few weeks.

Our doors are always open. Don't hesitate to stop by the office or send us an email.

Warmly,
[Principal Name]
Principal, [School Name]
[principal@email.com]

From the Parent Organization

Hello New Families!

We're the [PTO/PTA/Booster Name], and we are so glad you are here. Our group exists to support students, teachers, and families through events, volunteer programs, and community fundraising.

Getting involved is easy and doesn't require a huge time commitment. Whether you can help for one hour at a bake sale or take on a committee chair, there is a place for you here.

Our community hub is at [SchoolRelay URL]. Bookmark it — that's where you'll find everything from current announcements to volunteer sign-ups.

Best,
[President Name]
President, [Organization Name]
[contact@email.com]

Who to Contact

Use this as a quick-reference guide for the most common situations.

Situation	Who to Contact	How
General questions / front office	[Name]	[phone / email]
Reporting an absence	[Name or "Attendance Line"]	[phone / email]
Health / nurse	[Nurse Name]	[phone / email]
Lunch account / cafeteria	[Name]	[phone / email]
Transportation / bus	[Name or District Office]	[phone / email]
Parent organization (PTO/PTA)	[President Name]	[email]
Volunteering	[Volunteer Coordinator]	[email or SchoolRelay signup link]

First 90 Days — Key Dates

Date	Event	Notes
[Date]	Back-to-School Night / Orientation	[location / time]
[Date]	First PTO/PTA Meeting	[location / time]
[Date]	Picture Day
[Date]	Early Release / No School	[reason]
[Date]	[Major Fundraiser / Spirit Event]

Full calendar at: [SchoolRelay URL]

How We Communicate

Community Hub (SchoolRelay): [your SchoolRelay URL] — All announcements, events, volunteer sign-ups, and important links in one place. Bookmark this.
Weekly Email Digest: Sent every [day] with the week ahead. Subscribe at [link].
School Website: [URL] — District-level information, policies, and staff directory.
Parent Portal / SIS: [URL] — Grades, attendance, and official school records.
Social Media: Follow us on [platform] at [@handle] for event photos and quick updates.

Get Involved

There's a role for every schedule. Here are three easy ways to start:

One-time task (1–2 hours): Help at a single event — set up, serve, or clean up. No commitment beyond that day.
Short project (2–4 weeks): Chair a committee for a single fundraiser or spirit week. We provide all the instructions.
Year-long role: Join the board or chair a standing committee. Full job descriptions available at [link].

See current openings and sign up at: [SchoolRelay volunteer signup URL]

School Spirit & Culture

School Colors: [Color 1] and [Color 2]
Mascot: The [Mascot Name]
Spirit Wear: Purchase at [link or location]
Spirit Day: [frequency / day — e.g., every Friday, wear school colors]
Dress Code: [brief summary or link to full policy]

New Family Checklist

☐ Bookmark the community hub: [SchoolRelay URL]
☐ Subscribe to the weekly email digest
☐ Save the front office number in your phone
☐ Log in to the parent portal / SIS
☐ Set up a lunch account (if applicable)
☐ Confirm transportation / pick-up plan with the school
☐ Attend Back-to-School Night / first PTO meeting
☐ Sign up for at least one volunteer opportunity

Template provided by SchoolRelay — The free communication hub for school parent groups.