|
BEAR-ly Recruiting © Program Stays in Touch from Baptism through Enrollment
 A recruitment program designed to stay in touch with prospective students from the time of their baptism to enrollment in kindergarten or preschool will roll out nationally this summer. The BEAR-ly Recruiting program is a five-year initiative that allows an elementary school's message to reach each prospective new student six times prior to registration for kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. The program can be used for nursery schools and childcare locations as well.
Each child baptized in the parish is sent a congratulations card with a personalized message from a second-grade student in the school. A teddy bear magnet with the inscription “Catholic School Class of 20__” accompanies the card.
On subsequent first- through fourth- birthdays, the prospective student receives a birthday card signed by the same student. In spring of the fourth year, the prospective student receives a coloring book and an invitation to visit the school. The original school "sponsor," now a sixth grader, serves as a big sister/big brother for the day.
Each BEAR-ly Recruiting kit contains all of the necessary cards, envelopes, magnet, coloring book, invitation, data tracking card and sample letter. Kits are sold in sets of five only. Five to 15 kits sell for $20 for five; 20 to 60 kits, $18 for each five; 65 kits or more, $16 for each five. Shipping and handling will be added.
Kits are available now from the NCEA Member Service Center, Suite 100, 1077 30th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007-3852; TEL (202) 337-6232; FAX, (202) 333-6706; E-mail: services@ncea.org.
The concept was created and pioneered in the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, before becoming a national effort.
NB:This program also has been referred to as the Baby Steps program.
|
