One PTA set up membership tables at registration, Back to School Night, parent/teacher conferences, and music concerts.  They know that parents crave information so they used it to get their attention.  At registration, their PTA table handed out the supply lists and dress code information.  They were able to share changes in the dress code with parents and then invite them to join PTSA.  They also provided a calendar of events that they had created.  Offering information always opens up the door to talk with parents about PTSA.  Each person who joined received a PTA discount card, promoting year-round local business discounts as well as the benefits provided by National PTA partners.  They found that offering payment via debit/credit cards with Square makes a big difference in getting parents to say 'yes' when asked to join.  They were able to get their principal on board for a spring membership push before the final reporting deadline.  They'll be offering an opportunity for students who bring in new members to stay after school for a pizza party, which will include a chance to throw cream pies at some staff members.

If you have a great membership idea, share it with  [email protected].

The Public Education Department is headed around the state for the School-Family Partnership Academy regional meetings. This is a great way to get to know other education stakeholders in your community!

One in five high school students in the U.S. reported using an e-cigarette in 2018. With vaping and e-cigarette usage on the rise, it's important to know the risks involved. Get facts about how e-cigarettes work, how nicotine addiction can affect brain development in young adults, and more information about the recent lung diseases that have been reported.