Most of our classrooms have "Friday folders" and we usually put any PTA news in the teachers mailboxes no later then lunch time on Friday to be distributed. We do it from a YOS (youngest or only sibling) to conserve paper, as you had suggested. The younger grades tend to have parents who check backpacks daily but the older kids in 4th and 5th are thought to be more responsible. Those parents learn that most school news will be coming on Friday's. As to having them signed, that seems pretty presumtous and time consuming. Who's going to check that? And what's the point?
The teachers keep the Friday folders in their classroom so we never stuff them, we just send out the papers. I agree with using a certain colored paper so it's recognized right away as being from the PTA. We have our own letterhead as well.
We don't do the folder system but we put PTA stuff of neon green paper & send stuff home only 2 days a week (Fridays & Mondays). We feel the brighter the paper the better. It sure sticks out!
This is a great idea and many of our PTA units do it, however, I don't think any of them require a parents signature on it!
Our PTAs send the information home with the students on Fridays or Mondays-with homework. I like the Mondays better because since it is with their homework, the chance that the parent will look at it is greater.
I know sometimes I feel like a policeman. "Hand over your backpack and turn out your pockets. Do you have any notes?" [img]smile.gif[/img]
My son's soon to be former school's PTA bought these plastic folders (I know I have like 10 of them from the PTA convention but can't find a one to tell you who makes them!) and made certain there were enough for each student.
I would hate to have to decipher though, (and I assume your office staff would also) which child of the family would bring it home. Easier to just send them home with each child and unfortunately for the parents, they may have to take 3 minutes of time to sign them instead of one (sarcasm!)
Combine them with the school's flyers (also easier for the teachers to participate. If teachers think you are giving them even more work, they'll be reluctant to do it all)
That's all I can give you. Hope it's enough! [img]smile.gif[/img]
OUr school is hoping to begin sending home info. with only the youngest in a school family, via a weekly PTA envelope. This would be signed by parent and returned the following day(hopefully!)
I know many schools have something like this and would appreciate any suggestions, advice and procedures you use. Thanks all!