We do a student directory.But to be included- we have to have a signed permission form from each child's parent.
The hardest part is getting it typed (and reading all of the student and parent names). I am still looking for a program that will allow me to type kids names, parent names, addresses phone numbers etc. in a neat way. I would love to add e-mail addresses but there is simply no room.
Anybody have any ideas- let me know.

1mom and Tim,

Point taken.
But in my little corner of the world, I know for a fact that there would be parents who would get their panties in a twist if I sought out advertisers for our directory.

The directories are not given to anyone other than the families and there is a statement that the directory information is only intended for families and not to be used as "Rockne" stated above.
There is no conflict...

Originally posted by almost used up:
Interesting that you use put local advertising in your directory. The PTO has a disclaimer at the bottom of the first page stating that the names are not to be used for any solicitation purposes. That said, it would be in direct conflict to advertise in it.

I think maybe you're misinterpreting the "names not to be used" language, almostusedup. For most, that would mean folks who receive the directory aren't to use it to reach out to school parents (direct mailings, telemarketing, "dear parents of JFK school" come-ons). The ads in the directory aren't using the names in that fashion.

Tim

Interesting that you use put local advertising in your directory. The PTO has a disclaimer at the bottom of the first page stating that the names are not to be used for any solicitation purposes. That said, it would be in direct conflict to advertise in it.

The parent group at both of my children's schools do a Family Directory. A Directory form is sent home asking for name, address, phone, email, children's names, grades and teachers. Parents complete the parts that they want printed in the directory. At the bottom there is a statement that they sign, which gives permission for the parent group to print the material and if we make a mistake that they aren't held liable.
Our school families really use these directories often. The directory includes helpful school information, how much lunch costs, important phone numbers, class lists, family contact info., how to contact teachers, the parent group leaders and phone numbers, and a couple of pages on how parents can get involved in the school, also, a page from our principal with volunteer guidelines and rules.
The parent groups provide the directories free, one per family, and sell ads to cover the costs. They sell $25+ business card size ads to our local businesses to be in the back of the directory. This year they made more than $1,200 at one school and nearly $2,000 at the other school, after expenses.
Of course, they got the approval of the principal and superintendent before selling ads in the directory. They felt it including the ads were okay since the directory was directed toward the parents and not the children.