Guidelines for Non-English Speaking Parent Groups
University High School and the University H.S. PTSA sincerely appreciate all the support provided by parent cultural groups on our campus in terms of both volunteer hours and donations. However, while the support is greatly appreciated, in light of various lawsuits targeting disparate or preferential treatment of donor parent groups, as well as to ensure financial transparency and to fulfill the PTSA vision of serving all students and parents at UHS, University High School is clarifying its policies and protocols with regard to parent groups as follows:
Again, we thank all of our parents for the hard work and many ways they invest in the education of all our children. We are happy to clarify any of the information listed on this document. Thank you.
- The PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) is the only formally acknowledged 501c3 Non-profit parent group recognized at University High School outside specific booster organizations which carry their own non-profit status and insurance.
- That said, University H.S. understands that with the amazing cultural diversity on our campus and differing English language proficiencies, it is helpful to parents and students to have parent group liaisons on campus to provide information to non-English speaking parents.
- We support one parent group per non-English speaking language/cultural group.
- The purpose of the parent group is to provide PTSA and school information to the non-English speaking members of the parent group to assist them in understanding the opportunities available at University H.S., and the mechanisms available to obtain information so parents and students can effectively partake in student life at University H.S. and navigate the academic environment.
- The members of the parent group are encouraged to be members of the PTSA by paying dues to the PTSA.
- There is to be no independent collection of parental group dues by the parent group. If the parent group wants to advise the non-English speaking parents about how to join PTSA or wants to pass out the PTSA membership applications, that is appreciated and acceptable, but the dues are simply to be paid to PTSA not the parent group.
- To the extent the parent group wishes to collect donations for a particular event or to fund a particular school necessity, such as a donation to the school library, those funds are to made payable directly to University H.S. or to the PTSA. The parents in the parent group can identify where they wish the funds to be spent and the PTSA will provide the funds to the school with the designation, and acknowledge the funds were provided by the parent group. A strict accounting of all proceeds received is required from the parent group. I.e. Checks should be made payable directly to University H.S. or to the Uni PTSA and cash should be accounted for and given directly to PTSA or University H.S. The parent group is not to maintain a separate bank account.
- To the extent the parent group wants to put on an event, or have a speaker, the PTSA must be advised of the event/speaker the group wishes to invite so that it can review same and authorize it under the PTSA. To the extent funds have already been collected this year and parents are expecting to hear speakers, then PTSA must be advised of the speakers and can arrange for interpreters so that parents of all languages can receive the same information. Again a strict accounting of the funds parents paid to the parent group must be provided to the PTSA and no collections are to occur in the future except for payment to the PTSA or University H.S. directly. Going forward the parent group is not collect funds for payment of speakers. If there is a particular speaker the parents would like to have, please advise PTSA of same and a vote can be taken on whether the PTSA wishes to use funds for the benefit of a hiring a speaker for all students/parents.
- To the extent the parent group wishes to continue to provide an appreciation lunch for the teachers as they have in the past, the group can secure donations for same but again the funds must be deposited with the PTSA and will be used just for the appreciation lunch by the parent group at issue. A budget for the lunch must be provided to the PTSA for review and approval.
- Parent Language Liaisons will be appointed by the PTSA Executive Board based on applications received from qualified applicants. An applicant should be fairly proficient reading and writing English and have at least one year of experience with University H.S. in a volunteer capacity.
- It should be further understood that any parent, student, teacher or staff member at University H.S. is free and welcome to attend any parent group/PTSA related meeting regardless of whether they understand the language in which it is given.
- Parent Group meeting dates and agenda must be disclosed to the PTSA President and the liaison at least a week before the meeting. We would like in the future to stream line parent group meeting dates so that perhaps all parent groups and the PTSA general meeting can occur on the same day so PTSA information is shared immediately. The logistics will need to be worked out.
- Parents in the group should respect the Trojan Code of Conduct and act with integrity, social and personal responsibility, and respect. Social media should not be used to bully or embarrass any members of the group with derogatory comments.
Again, we thank all of our parents for the hard work and many ways they invest in the education of all our children. We are happy to clarify any of the information listed on this document. Thank you.
