East Detroit Using Web To Sell School's Programs

EASTPOINTE -- East Detroit Public Schools is taking full advantage of new digital and social media tools to ensure that news about its award-winning programs reaches students and parents looking for the best education options.

During the current application period, which ends May 16, EDPS for the first time is looking to attract hundreds of students from not only Macomb, but also Wayne, Oakland and St. Clair counties. EDPS efforts include a social media strategy and an updated Web site at www.chooseeastdetroit.com to highlight the district and its schools.

"We realize technology and the new communication mediums are here to stay, and that's a good thing," said East Detroit Superintendent Joanne Lelekatch. "Our students have been raised with technology, along with access to an infinite amount of knowledge on the Internet, and we want to make sure we connect with them on those platforms."

District officials are creating a comprehensive social media policy and providing training for teachers on how to handle all types of social media situations.

The two-way interaction created by social media means students have the opportunity to be the teacher, at the same time they are learning from the teacher.

"New media can be intimidating for people who have not been raised with it, but once they get some training, we believe it can create closer, more productive connections between educators, students and parents," Lelekatch said.

The public can connect with EDPS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EDPS.EastpointeMI and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/eastdetroitps.