How to Write a PTA Newsletter
Friday, August 18th, 2006 
Before writing your newsletter, you need to determine its purpose. Chances are that one of your goals is to inform families about the goals and accomplishments of the PTA. We’ve compiled a few guidelines to help you produce an effective and purposeful PTA newsletter.
A good idea to keep families in the know about PTA proceedings is to include a report about recent events from PTA committee chairs. People want to see that goals and being met and progress is being made. By including information about recent events you are demonstrating that the PTA is remaining active. You may also consider including a section where committee chairs can promote upcoming events.
Consider giving parents the option to submit columns for publication in the newsletter. A fun take on this idea would be to feature an advice column where parents can write to a regular PTA advice columnist about any aspect of a child’s education.
Make your newsletter more personal by including photos from previous PTA sponsored events. You can also include blurbs about the success of an event with the pictures. Include pictures of those that attended the event or who benefitted from the fundraiser. It’s always nice to see who your time and energy benefits.
Include a regular message from your PTA President. This message should be short and to the point and should appear in the same place each newsletter. You can also ask the Principal or a teacher to write a guest “welcome” section in your newsletter occasionally.
Your newsletter should include an up-to-date and easy to read calendar of upcoming events along with contact information for each event.
Highlight what’s really going on in the classroom. You could include a section of “highlights” from each grade level, which would give parents a chance to “see” inside the classroom. For example, if the entire 4th grade is hosting a food drive for displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina write a small feature about the project. Don’t forget the pictures!