Parents informed through school podcast

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
The parents at Pocahontas Catholic School (PCS) can stay informed about events at the school without digging to the bottom of their child’s backpack searching for a printed school newsletter.
 
Laura Frerk, PCS first year lead teacher and former PCS student, was looking for the best way to reach busy parents like herself.
 
“I was looking at communication both from being the educator and being a parent in the school and how busy families are. I have five little kiddos so I know running them absolutely everywhere is crazy,” she explained. “I wanted to find another way to bring our communications and what we do here at school to parents, family members, community members – anyone who wanted to listen. And who doesn’t have their cellphone with them?”
 
Frerk decided a podcast would fit the needs of contemporary parents like herself and their busy schedules. She created PCS in 10 Podcast.
 
“I thought how could we meet families where they are? So, the podcast works perfectly while driving, making supper, in the pickup line,” the lead teacher pointed out, noting she has three children enrolled at PCS. “I just wanted to get a way to share our stories and celebrate the wonderful things our teachers do here and how proud all of us are and excited to be here.”
 
She records the audio on her cellphone or laptop, uploads it to Canva software with the podcast graphic before posting to the school Facebook page.
 
Episodes are currently published every other week, which are about 10 minutes long and are accessible to anyone from the school Facebook page. As Frerk becomes more comfortable with the process, she said PCS in 10 could be published more often.
 
“The 10 minutes felt manageable and can fit in the schedule,” Frerk said. "I also think it’s powerful hearing someone’s voice. You can read it on paper but you don’t understand the excitement and passion behind the words. I thought that the tone and expression you can add, it gives you all the feels.”
 
PCS in 10 offers information about current activities at the school, reminders to sign permission slips, upcoming events and more. Frerk said she’s received positive feedback through PCS staff and others in the community.
 
“They love the convenience – maybe they’re making supper or picking up a kid from dance class. Pop the earphones in and listen quick,” she said. “We don’t want a huge commitment for families. It’s such an easy way to celebrate the highs, upcoming events and student accomplishments.”
 
She said St. Sebastian Parish members (with churches in Pocahontas and Fonda) also enjoy the podcast and hearing about what’s going on in the school as so many support PCS’s annual auction and regularly see the students in Mass.
 
“I’ve had some of my friends from Chicago, family in Missouri listen and say, ‘Hey I heard you on your podcast today,’” she said of the wide reach of PCS in 10.
 
Frerk will move into the principal position at PCS next year as she completes the requirements for a conditional administrator license. Learn more about PCS at www.pokycatholic.org.
 
“I’m so proud to be part of the Catholic schools and being able to live the daily life incorporating our faith into everything,” she said. “I just think it is so special. I just love it.”