PTA officers represent their unit, council, or district PTA. PTA is a diverse organization, and its leaders speak with one voice on behalf of all children.
- Presidents are the official representatives of their PTAs and may appoint others to officially represent the organization, as needed.
- Know and reflect the official PTA positions.
- Do not commit the Association to programs, projects, or positions the Association has not voted to authorize.
- Do not mix personal with PTA opinions while representing PTA.
Reference: PTA Council’s Resources for Policy and Training
SUCCESSFUL PTA COMMUNICATION SHOULD
- Adhere to Palo Alto PTA noncommercial, nonpartisan and nonsectarian policies.
- Inform every family in the school of the aims and accomplishments of the PTA.
- Encourage and highlight attendance at PTA meetings and family engagement in PTA projects and activities.
- Foster cooperation with the school in keeping parents informed about school functions, regulations and/or procedures on child-related issues.
- Inform the community about PTA activities and school functions.
- Express appreciation to those participating in or contributing to programs.
- Tackle barriers such as language and culture.
CONTENT ACCURACY
- To ensure accuracy of information, all publications material must be cleared with the PTA president and the school Principal prior to publication or posting.
- The Principal is responsible for the accuracy of school information and compliance with the State Education Code and school district policy.
- The PTA president is responsible for the accuracy of PTA information and compliance with PTA policies.
- However, please note that according to 6th district, PTA Social Media sites (including websites) that are administered and owned by the PTA and not the school, do not need the principal’s approval for posts but it might be a good idea to coordinate in order to maintain a good working relationship with the principal.
SOCIAL MEDIA
All PTA Communication including on social media platforms must be moderated
BEST PRACTICES
- Use the PTA logo in all communications.
Guidance for use of PTA/PTSA logos can be found on the CAPTA page
Create your school’s PTA/PTSA logo by downloading a copy of the reference document.
- Abide by copyright laws and republish articles and art in an ethical manner.
- Do not include photographs of or specific information (names, class, email, address, etc.) about adults or students without written permission. Additionally, please note that parents may not have allowed PTA to share information or pictures during the annual data update.
- Keep your message brief and to the point.
- Create visually interesting communications with careful use of photographs, bullets, quotes, charts, and graphics.
- Have 2-3 people other than the author proofread prior to publishing or posting.
- Date all materials.
- Arrange for translation services.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION RULES from “Outside” organizations (i.e. not your PTA, not your School)
Which organizations are eligible to be published through your PTA’s channels?
- PAUSD PTA, PAUSD School/District Office, a PAUSD Student-led Club/Organization, or a Non-Profit, as listed on: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search
- NOT an After-School program at a PAUSD site – Please direct inquiry to your school site
- NOT a Sports or Enrichment Camp, Club, Program
- NOT the launch or event of a business venture, test-prep business, parent-blog, tutoring, etc. even if parent-owned or local to Palo Alto. This includes start-ups or print/online publications such as novels, websites, etc. This includes ventures or start-ups that are student-led.
What is their submission about?
- An event/program/activity that directly benefits PAUSD students, staff, and/or parents
- NOT data or opinion collection, such as surveys, email addresses, or other information about our students, parents, etc.
If the organization makes it through this list, it is still up to each PTA to allow or deny the publishing of the article. Please be consistent and fair.