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ETHS unveils redesigned website, boosts social media and launches Parent University
Summary
District communications staff told the board the new ETHS website and related platforms emphasize plain language and student- and family-centered navigation; Instagram followers nearly doubled and the Wildcat Weekly email shows a 60% open rate.
Evanston Township High School (ETHS) communications staff on Sept. 8 reported a year of new digital tools, rising engagement and outreach efforts targeted to Latino families.
Rayne Hanna, director of communications, told the Board the team built a redesigned public site (eths202.org), a dedicated athletics site and an internal staff hub. “From the website’s content to its structure, every aspect is designed to prioritize student and family needs,” Michael Jacobson, assistant director and FOIA officer, said.
The nut graf: Why it matters – the communications office said the new site and platforms aim to make essential information easier to find, advance equity through accessible language and lift student voices across the district.
Staff described a shift to plain language, clearer navigation and greater visibility for post‑high‑school planning. The district also reported growth on social media: Jacobson said Instagram followers rose from roughly 3,775 last year to nearly 9,000, and that August content generated over 1.2 million views. Communications staff said the Wildcat Weekly newsletter has a roughly 60% open rate, which the presentation noted is about three times the K–12 average.
The team highlighted other initiatives: a Parent University monthly workshop series to help families access school resources; a visual‑storytelling push to capture high‑quality photography and video; and the “Be Here, Be Great” attendance campaign launched with a back‑to‑school video featuring the superintendent.
Alexia Herrera, family and community engagement coordinator, said the office will prioritize deeper outreach to Latino families and noted that language is not the only barrier to engagement. “We are exploring new approaches to meet families where they are,” she said.
Board members praised the work and asked staff to continue coordination with the board. President Savage Williams and several board members said the work has strengthened community connection and encouraged staff to use board members as partners in outreach.
Ending: Communications staff said the sites and channels will continue to evolve and that the office will pursue additional community engagement activities aligned with district goals.
