Building School Spirit: How One Admissions Director Uses Custom Products to Create Community
Jul 18th 2025
An interview with a K-8 school Director of Admissions on the strategic power of customized promotional products
In the world of K-8 education, standing out in the community isn't just about academic excellence—it's about creating a recognizable, memorable brand that builds connections. We spoke with a Director of Admissions who has mastered the art of using customized products.
The Strategy Behind School Swag
"My main objective is to keep the school top of mind," she explains. "I want our school brand to be easily recognizable when people from our school community are out and about." Her approach goes beyond simple brand visibility—she's focused on creating conversation starters that help community members connect with each other.
Tailored Products for Different Audiences
The director takes a targeted approach when selecting products:
For Students: T-shirts, cinch bags, stress balls, fidget toys, and bracelets—items that kids will use and enjoy while being durable enough for daily student life.
For Parents: Cups, mugs, pens, and notebooks. "I choose things they can use frequently," she notes, selecting items that integrate into daily adult routines and keep the school brand present in everyday life.
Creating Distinctive Brand Recognition
"I'm very conscious of the other local schools and making sure our designs are easily recognizable as our school versus others," she shares. This awareness drives her to create designs that ensure her school's brand recognition is immediate and unmistakable.
The July Planning Process
July marks her intensive prep and ordering season:
- Bulk ordering to stock the spirit store efficiently
- Collaborative trend research through conversations with other local school directors within the Catholic network
- Forward-looking design inspiration by studying what colleges are doing
- Quality testing by requesting samples to personally evaluate products
Quality Standards That Matter
For student apparel, particularly t-shirts, she has specific criteria:
- Color accuracy to maintain brand consistency
- Fabric feel ensuring cotton isn't irritating for kids
- Washability for durability through repeated use
- Personal testing by always getting samples in advance
Event-Specific Product Selection
For outdoor events, practicality becomes paramount. Her favorites include customized sunglasses and sunscreen—products that attendees will genuinely appreciate and use while promoting the school brand.
Key Takeaways
This director's approach demonstrates that effective promotional products aren't just about putting a logo on merchandise—they're about creating meaningful touchpoints that strengthen the entire school community through strategic thinking, quality standards, and collaborative insights from the Catholic school network.
DiscountMugs Product Recommendations:
Kids T-shirts: Gildan Youth Softstyle Midweight T-Shirt
Stress Balls: Brain Stress Balls
Sunglasses: Two Tone Plastic Sunglasses