Graduation or Prom Night

Programs and Member Services

A PTA graduation or prom night event is coordinated by a committee whose chairman is an appointed or elected member of the executive board. The committee members can include other members of the board, the principal, a faculty member, the president (ex officio), and other PTA members appointed by the president.

The major responsibility of this committee is to provide a safe, healthy, legal and supervised recreational event for students in cooperation with the community. A secondary responsibility may be to raise funds to host the event.

Activities

Activities should

Be inexpensive, involve many members and students and be fun.

Not involve commercial or advertising obligations.

Not conflict with other PTA, school or community events.

Create goodwill for PTA in the community.

See Transportation Planning.

After the Event

Complete an inventory of supplies and equipment related to the activity, establish a location to store reusable equipment; determine if the value of stored materials warrants the purchasing of property insurance coverage. (Note: Current PTA insurance does not cover unit PTA property.)

Safety

Have proper adult supervision.

Be aware of risks like hiring a limousine or charter bus. Verify their business licenses with the local Public Utilities Commission.

Follow school district safety procedures when using their buses.

See Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide for allowable, discouraged and PTA-prohibited activities.

A PTA sponsoring or cosponsoring a graduation or prom night activity must follow all California State PTA financial procedures and the Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide.

Resources:
American Automobile Association (AAA) Celebrate Life
California Attorney General’s Guide for Charities (2005)

Health

Organized events at theme parks or recreational areas create fewer problems than those that are self-catered and supervised by local sponsors.

Every event must be drug-, alcohol-, and smoke-free. Careful consideration must be given to food handling, restroom facilities, rest areas and availability of personnel certified in first aid and CPR.

Legal Issues

Parents’ Approval and Student Waiver forms should be completed for each student participant. The form can be found in the Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide.

It is illegal for a person under the age of 18 to participate in any form of gambling (including casino activities).

Information on how to conduct a legal raffle can be obtained by going to the California Attorney General’s website, www.ag.ca.gov. (Refer to the California Attorney General’s Guide for Charities and §320.5 Gambling: Charitable Raffles effective July 1, 2001.)

Raffles may include but are not limited to 50/50 raffles, donation drawings, ducky derby and cow chip bingo.

Remember that it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to possess, obtain or consume beer or alcohol. It is unlawful to possess, offer or sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant on school premises. No person may sell, furnish, or procure intoxicating liquor (including beer) for anyone under the age of 21. It is illegal for anyone to possess any controlled substance without a valid prescription. (See Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide.)

PTA Unit Procedures