WE PUT OUT NEWSLETTERS BI-WEEKLY. ONE BEFORE OUR MEETING TO INFORM PARENTS OF THE TOPIC AND GUEST SPEAKER WITH STATISTICS/RESEARCH FOR THE TOPIC, AND ONE AFTER THE MEETING TO INFORM WHAT WAS VOTED ON AND GIVE OTHER REPORTS. ANOTHER THING THAT WE DO IS RECOGNIZE OUR PARENT VOLUNTEERS ON EVERY NEWSLETTER (2 EACH PUBLICATION). ANY NEEDS OF THE SCHOOL IS LISTED, AS WELL AS WHAT WE'VE MANAGED TO OBTAIN.

[ 01-16-2003: Message edited by: TBRY ]</p>

We haven't done this yet this year but last year they had a spotlight. Where they put one of the teacher staff or volunteers in the spotlight. One of our officers would make time to "interview" that months spot light and add it to the newsletter.
this year when i took over as Co-chair i was asked if the spotlight would still be part of the newsletter.The spotlight person is a surprise and everyone finds out who it is when the newsletter comes out.

How about some parenting tips? I found this at pta.org:
Try these ideas for the message you choose:
Surprise your child with a note in his or her lunch box.

Add a note to your child's artwork when you display it.

Leave a note on your child's pillow when you have to be away for the evening.

Put an encouraging note in your child's pocket when you know he or she is facing a tough test or other challenge.

Give your child several messages to use as bookmarks.

Tape a message on the bathroom mirror to surprise your child in the morning.

I write the newsletter for our school. It's usually 3-4 pages, and I do it in MS Publisher. Each issue includes a Community Happenings section which lists 3-4 interesting things to do in the community for the month, a News of Note section, which usually includes reminders of important dates or information, one main cover story (I have done stories on Kids and Emergencies, Cleaning with Kids, Summer Activities, a story from a dad about a trip he took with his son, Lunch Box Ideas, Sleep, and Talking to you child about school. The articles are not that long, but I try to keep them either entertaining or informative.

We use all of page 2 for our PPA, a recap of the months meeting is there, as well as an ad for the next months meeting (who will be speaking, time, etc.) We will also put updates for our label collection programs here, Family Involvement Committee updates, etc. This year, I am also doing a Spotlight section, where I print the pic and a bio of a different staff memeber each month. The staff was kind enough to fill out a questionnaire for me at the beginning of the year, and I just write a few paragraphs off their answers.

Last, I include a page with some fun stuff. It will include any of the following, as space allows: a recipe, craft project, kid's section (with jokes, word finds, etc.) a book, music or movie review (my hubby does these), or a classified section.

It is a lot of work - I put in about 6 hours on it a month - but it is a great tool for parents. I've received many thanks for putting it out. And the school says they appreciate having copies to give to prospective families, because it looks nice, and is so informative.

I would be happy to e-mail a copy if you have Publisher. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Could you insert digital pictures of your volunteers IN ACTION? Everyone loves to see their picture in the paper (even if it's a PTO paper!!)

How about 'PUT VOLUNTEERISM TO WORK ON YOUR RESUME'?? In our newsletter I also mention that many employers now consider volunteering as valid work experience. Here is some info:

When an employer looks at the resume of an applicant with related extra curricular activities such as volunteering, there are certain attributes that the employer immediately associates with that volunteer. Skills such as punctuality, dependability, responsibility, and the capacity to handle pressure can all be developed and honed through volunteering. The initiative to take an unpaid position in the first place is often exactly what employers are looking for in an employee. Putting yourself on the line in order to benefit others is one quality that never goes unnoticed.

Volunteerism is a win-win situation for both the individual and the community. Not only do you feel great for helping society, there are more tangible rewards to the individual volunteer in the form of work experience. Volunteering shows a potential employer that you have a responsible, generous attitude, and it also shows commitment, which is a must at any job.

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our problem is trying to keep it down to just a page. ours does come out monthly as well and we give updates on our continuing fundraisers - cartridges, eScrip, etc. list our big expenditures - so people can see how were helping the kids. give preview of what is coming up. tell what were discussing at our next meeting. thank you to volunteers, and businesses who helped out the previous month.
we also send a monthly calendar out showing all our events and all the school events and meetings.
it goes out at the beginning of the month with the schools regular send home packet.
lisa [img]smile.gif[/img]