The Communication staff supports MDE program offices with communication efforts. These instructions outline how staff can access our services:
EdUpdate Email Blast
The Administrator News section of the EdUpdate is for important notifications from MDE for teachers and school and district leaders and is emailed to school and district personnel on Tuesdays. Announcements from external partners are accessible through a link to the EdUpdate in the email blast.
How to: Send EdUpdate and Administrator News submissions to tburkett@mdek12.org. We will review the submission and consider appropriateness for before publication. Submit announcements in Word format with no flyers attached. Announcements received by Monday will be included in the Tuesday email to districts. Announcements about funding and other opportunities for schools and districts will remain in the email until the application deadline.
Email/Emergency Alerts
MDE Communications notifies employees about internal events and important information via email and by text alert for emergencies. New employees are provided with instructions for signing up for the emergency text alert system. For questions, contact jcook@mdek12.org.
Graphic Design
Department chiefs must approve all graphic design requests to ensure projects reflect MDE's priorities. Priority is given to major projects such as the Superintendent’s Annual Report that advance the State Board of Education Strategic Plan.
How to: All requests should be submitted through our online form: Request for Document Formatting or Graphics Creation This form should be used to request assistance with formatting documents, forms and other materials for publishing by the MDE.
Access templates for formatting your own documents on the MDE Brand and Logo page.
If a request cannot be fulfilled in-house, offices may procure services from an outside design firm following Office of Procurement guidelines. All materials must adhere to MDE brand guidelines. MDE's marketing director must approve any materials produced by an outside firm.
Logos/branding
Preserving the integrity of MDE's brand is vital to maintaining a strong reputation and identity. MDE brand guidelines and best practices ensure the agency is represented consistently. No other logo may be used to represent the work of MDE. Download the official logo from our logos page. MDE brand guidelines are posted on the MDE Brand and Logo page.
Legislative Requests
The Director of Government Relations is the point of contact for all interactions with elected officials, works with the Legislature on bills and provides data and other information upon request.
How to: Route all legislative requests and calls for information to Director of Government Relations Holly Spivey, hspivey@mdek12.org. MDE staff will be contacted when needed as subject matter experts.
Media Inquiries
Per agency policy, all calls or emails from members of the media requesting information or interviews must be directed to the Communication Office at 601-359-3515. Send email inquiries to Public Information Officer Shanderia Minor, sminor@mdek12.org.
News Releases/Media Advisories
We issue news releases and media advisories about MDE initiatives, statewide achievements, State Board of Education actions, and other areas of interest. News releases are posted on the MDE home page.
How to: Send newsworthy items to the Communication Office. Approved releases are distributed via email and social media when appropriate.
Recognitions
We have many great achievements in public education in the state, and we need to celebrate those accomplishments. Recognition categories:
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State Board of Education recognitions, which occur during monthly Board meetings, are reserved for individuals, groups, or schools that have earned national, regional, or statewide awards, honors, and achievements..
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At the discretion of the State Superintendent of Education, a congratulatory letter may be sent to those who have an achievement that deserves congratulations but may not qualify for Board recognition.
How to: Upon return of the recommendation form, recognitions will be assigned to one of the two categories. The person submitting the nomination form will be notified as to which category of achievement the nominee will be recognized. Please do not invite your nominee until selection has been confirmed by the Communication Office.
Social Media
We manage the agency’s social media sites: YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Social media posts support MDE's overall communication goals.
Website
The MDE website is the primary source of education information in Mississippi. It is essential that employees know how to access information on the website and that all offices regularly update information.
How to: Each office/department has a designated web content editor. Staff must ensure all content posted is current, accurate and is ADA accessible. If staff are unsure how to perform a task on the website, submit a ticket to MDENET@mdek12.org.