Guidelines for Writing A News Release

Sample Press Release

Letters to the Editor

Activities Calendar

Photographs

Fillers

Type the release, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 paper.

In the top of the left-hand corner, type "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE."

In the top right-hand corner, list the name, title, address, and telephone number(s) of the contact person(s).

Center the headline above the body of the release. Keep the headline short and concise.

Begin the main body of the release with a dateline (city of origin and date) in all capital letters.

Include who, what, where, and why in the first paragraph. Use short paragraphs.

Limit the release to one page if possible. If not, type "MORE" at the bottom on the first page. On page two in the upper left-hand corner, type a short derivative of the main title in all capital letters.

End the release by typing "###" or "-30" in the center of the bottom of the last page.

Attach a personal note on the release to grab the reader's attention.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (date)

Contact Name, Chairperson America Goes back to School Month Address/Phone Number

August 1997 marks the third annual national celebration of America Goes Back to School, an effort that encourages Americans to get actively involved in making education better in their communities. This year's back-to-school initiative will be launched in August through October and will challenge families and all caring Americans to make a commitment to year-round involvement in children's learning.

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, Tipper Gore, actor Michael Keaton, National PTA President Lois Jean White, and President of Drew University and former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean will be joined in going back to school by parents, educators and the thousands of family, school, education, business, community and religious members of the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education.

America Goes Back to School encourages participants to get involved in solving important challenges facing education that President Clinton identified in his 1997 State of the Union address. They include:

• Setting high standards in all the core subjects, with participation in national assessments in reading and math.
• Making sure there's a talented and dedicated teacher in every classroom.
• Helping every student to read independently and well by the end of the 3^rd grade and building on that foundation in later grades.
• Promoting parent involvement in children's learning and offering early childhood programs.
• Expanding public school choice and accountability in public education.
• Making sure our schools are safe, disciplined and drug free, and that they instill basic America values.
• Modernizing school buildings.
• Preparing students academically to attend college and opening the doors of college to all who work hard and make the grade.
• Helping adults improve their education and skills.
• Connecting every classroom and library to the Internet by the year 2000 and helping all students become technologically literate.

(Chairperson's name), member of the (state or local association), is coordinating efforts for the America Goes Back to School celebration in (School and community name). America Goes Back to School provides the perfect opportunity for (organization name) to promote increased family and community involvement in improving our schools and student learning. For example, everyone is invited to volunteer to tutor kids to read, to offer to give a guest lecture, provide a worksite for an internship, or help with a school or college fundraiser. Some of the planned events are (list of proposed activities with dates, times, locations, and contact person's names and phone number).

###

All across America there are communities which are pulling together to strengthen education. Parents, teachers, community leaders, business leaders, and educators in every part of the country are starting to work together to improve teaching and learning and to improve student achievement.

-- Richard W. Riley
U.S. Secretary of Education

Give your community and its children a valuable gift--your time and talents. By supporting your school through the gift of yourself and your resources, you strengthen your community, lead by example and send a strong message to children that their educational success is important.

-- Tipper Gore
Family/Child Advocate

We Strongly believe that effective education is a shared responsibility of parents, teachers, principals, students and the business community. Our future is inextricably linked to that of our children's.

-- William L. Boyan, President and CEO
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company

As Secretary of the Navy, I have made education--and programs for expanded family participation in education--one of my top priorities. One of my favorite programs is America Goes Back to School. I've participated in this wonderful program, and I think it's a great opportunity for Navy leaders to get personally involved in our schools. The Back to School initiative provides a chance for all of us to give an important contribution to the system that America counts on for our future leaders.

-- John H. Dalton
U.S. Secretary of the Navy

I support the United States Department of Education's efforts, America Goes Back to School. I encourage all parents to get involved with their children's education.

-- Cal Ripkin, Jr.
Baltimore Orioles
American League