Airwave Connection: Mill Creek Radio Keeps Families Informed

Mill Creek Academy found a new way to connect with families: through the airwaves. The school recently started broadcasting school announcements and reminders that families can listen to from their car radios during arrival and dismissal.

The idea took flight after the school used a short-range FM transmitter during a family movie night over the summer. Families were able to use their vehicles’ radio to hear the movie. An idea quickly emerged to use the transmitter during arrival and dismissal to help keep families informed.

The station is called Mallard Flock Radio, a reference to the school’s mascot, and can be found on radio station 106.3 near the school. Principal Joe Sellenheim walked through the parking lot holding a sign with the station’s number to let families know about it on the first day.

“I walked the whole serpentine to get people to turn it on and I could hear them listening to it. So that was cool. We also put it on our digital marquee in front of the school.”

Families hear a recording, not a live broadcast, but it’s full of information about the school, upcoming events, sports, the Moral Focus™ virtue of the month, and more. Students and staff are also getting involved. The opening line says it all: “106.3 MCAR, Mallard Flock Radio for Information, Voice, and Virtue.”

“(Achievement/Behavior Specialist) Makayla Syverson is the one who's been helping me the most with it so far and she’s really excited about the idea. She's our middle school student council lead advisor and she's excited to have those students take ownership. We’ll also do a middle school radio club.”

A family new to Mill Creek said they loved the radio updates and that Principal Sellenheim walked the lot to encourage them to tune in. He said many were excited to hear children’s voices in the updates as well.

In a recent recording, students were asked what they’re excited about as the fall season is about to begin. One student’s answer summed up the season well.

“I’m excited about my birthday, Halloween, hayrides, trunk or treat, and regular trick or treat.”

Messages will eventually be updated twice per week and will vary in length. The first message was four minutes long, and newer messages are nearly 10 minutes long.

“With the radio station, they can hear information and have a constructive way to pass the time.”

Congrats on creating another way to connect with families, Mill Creek!