for Howard County PTA Publications

1. If PTA news is published as part of SCHOOL newsletters, ALL articles are subject to review and approval by the principal prior to publication in the hardcopy or email newsletter.

2. If PTA publishes its own PTA newsletter, the principal and school system may not edit nor constrain the articles published in the newsletter. 

3. PTA newsletters and other PTA materials MAY be sent home in the “backpack” or by student delivery.

4. PTA may announce their own fund- or fun-raising activities through the school backpack distribution whether these activities take place on or off school grounds.  These may be separate fliers and do not have to be included in the school or PTA newsletter.  They should be CLEARLY labeled as “Presented by the XYZ PTA.”

5. If PTA is approached by other organizations to publish articles or announcements about other programs in their newsletter, PTAs are advised to consider the following before authorizing publication:

A.     PTA is a child advocacy organization.  Announcing events to educate the parents/communities about affairs that have a potential impact on children and youth is part of PTA’s role in making them aware of issues.  Some examples of such events that might be of interest to the PTA community include:

·         new taxes being proposed that will support child related issues,

·         proposed county or state programs that have the potential for eroding the budget for childhood or education programs,

·         non-partisan forums for Board of Education candidates,

·         consideration for placing potentially harmful venues (waste dumps, high volume gas lines, striptease bars) in close proximity to a school or playground

·         notice that there have been reported incidents of children being approached with the possible threat of kidnapping or harm

B.      PTA represents every child.  It is part of our National motto, everychild, onevoice.  PTA must assure that in presenting issues similar to those identified in item A, they avoid taking a position on the issues UNLESS it represents the best interests of every child in the PTA community.  Any PTA opinion expressed should be that of the PTA general membership and backed by National PTA or MDPTA positions wherever possible.

C.     PTA’s mission is to provide a safe and healthy family, social, school and community environment for children and youth.    PTA should assure that in reprinting any information from an already published source they need to seek written approval to reprint the article. Unless specifically noted, you may duplicate and distribute all National PTA materials for PTA use without express-written permission from National PTA. PTA is encouraged to provide parents with information from other local organizations who are dedicated to providing or sustaining that kind of environment. Some examples are:

·         Girl Scout or Boy Scout meeting announcements

·         Announcements about HC Drug Free programs or speakers

·         Announcements about MADD/SADD programs

·         Health screening availability notices

·         Safe Babysitting Classes offered by HCGH

·         Scholarship application information

D.     PTA promotes embracing diversity and teaching our children to enjoy the values of multi-culturalism in our communities.  PTA is strongly discouraged from announcing programs for organizations whose purpose is to promote or sustain bias, sexual harassment or bullying (e.g. KuKluxKlan, anti-gay activists, gangs)

E.      PTA is non-sectarian with respect to religious affiliations.  PTA is strongly discouraged from publishing announcements on behalf of a specific religious program or speaker, since other denominations may choose to demand equal coverage.  Even after school programs, which you may view as educational, may be laced with the tenets of a particular faith that some of your diverse community may find offensive.

F.      PTA is non-partisan with respect to political affiliations.  PTA is strongly discouraged from publishing information on behalf of any political candidate or party.

G.     PTA is a non-commercial organization.  PTA are prohibited under Federal law from engaging in substantial business activities unrelated to the tax-exempt purpose of PTA.  PTA is strongly discouraged from publishing advertisements for commercial organizations, including local companies who may sponsor activities, as this may jeopardize the PTA tax-exempt status.  It is reasonable to offer a special tribute to key contributors but not by way of endorsing their company or their products. 

6.      PTAs should include a DISCLAIMER on materials that are published under their control.  A sample disclaimer is as follows:

PTA does not endorse products, companies nor foundations.  PTA presents this material so that parents are aware of opportunities that may exist for their families and children.  PTA urges parents to do appropriate investigation before participating with any of the organizations or activities identified in this material.

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