it is my understaniding that it is perfectly legal (in most cases) to TAKE pictures without a release form (unless your school has a NO CAMERA policy, which some do).

it is NOT ok to USE the pictures (in most cases) without a release form.

We get a release form every year at registration, along with all the other forms. We have to sign it if we are willing to allow to have our kids' pictures and names in the local newspaper or on our school website... not a bigger but it is an every year thing...

Our school sends home a release form along with the emergency forms and all others on the 1st day of school. It allows them permission to use or not to use their child's name & picture for school events.
The PTO would have to obtain the same from parents since the PTO cannot use the school's authorization. The school form clearly states that it is for their functions. THe PTO needs authorization for anything related to PTO activities.

I had the same problem at our school. I wanted to do a powerpoint presentation with pictures from our Spring Fun Fair to show parents where their fundraising dollars go (because a picture is worth a thousand words) and was told the same thing. I don't understand that it is alright for them to take pictures of our kids and post them around the school without my permission too. Go figure.

ok, here's another one...we were planning for an event in which the kids were going to send a message to their parents through a video. the principal said that we must get a release form from the paents from the parents however, no one has ever asked me for a release of my children's photos or videos being taken before? it makes sense and i am not against ti however, i was just wondering is this also a law and is it illegal for us to do this?

i just keep finding myself in these position with this principal and i have never encountered these things before when i wasnt in the pto.