Deck the Halls

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By partnering with The Brand Phoenix, your brand or organization can help address some of the most pressing challenges facing our schools today:

• Chronic absenteeism affecting student learning and performance
• Low family engagement in PTA and school activities
• High rates of IEPs and slow response systems caused by age-restrictive testing, family alignment barriers, limited funding, staffing challenges, and more

Parent Coordinators are required to host two workshops or family engagement events each month (24 events annually) on a tight budget of $500/year. To make these events impactful, PCs rely on local businesses, community organizations, philanthropists, and heart-centered facilitators.

This is where your organization can step in—not to sell, but to donate time, food, decorations, or expertise, helping families feel supported and students thrive

Help PCS, Help Others: 

In the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), a Parent Coordinator is a school-based staff member dedicated to building strong relationships between families and the school.

Here’s what they do:

• Primary Role: Serve as the bridge between parents and the school, making sure families feel welcomed, informed, and engaged in their child’s education.
• Family Engagement: Organize events, workshops, and activities that support parents—everything from academic resources and college readiness to wellness, parenting skills, and community-building.
• Communication: Help families understand school policies, DOE programs, and available resources. They make sure information is accessible, often translating materials and connecting non-English speaking parents with services.
• Problem-Solving: Assist parents in navigating the system—whether it’s understanding an IEP (Individualized Education Program), finding after-school opportunities, or connecting with community agencies for housing, food, or social services.
• Advocacy: Ensure families have a voice within the school community and can participate in decision-making through PTAs, School Leadership Teams (SLTs), and other parent organizations.

⚖️ Important distinction: Parent Coordinators are not classroom teachers or administrators; their focus is family engagement and support, making them a vital part of creating an inclusive school environment.

In the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), there are strict rules regarding selling or marketing products in schools. These rules exist to protect students, maintain an educational focus, and ensure equity. Here’s a clear breakdown:

• Direct sales to students are generally prohibited, especially during school hours.
• Exceptions may include fundraisers approved by the school principal or DOE. Fundraisers must comply with DOE guidelines and often require paperwork.

• Advertising to students is tightly regulated. You cannot display or distribute commercial materials without approval.
• Schools cannot endorse or promote commercial products for profit.

• Companies can partner with schools if the program benefits students, teachers, or the school community, but it must:
  
  • Be non-exploitative
  • Not advertise directly to students
  • Receive approval from the school principal or DOE offices
• Examples: donating school supplies, funding family events, sponsoring arts programs, or providing workshops.

• Any virtual engagement (e.g., webinars, online content) must comply with student privacy laws (FERPA) and DOE approval.
• Schools may share resources with families if it’s educational and approved, but commercial promotions must be limited or non-existent.

• Always check with the school principal and sometimes the District Office before introducing any materials, events, or sponsorships.
• Schools have a Vendor/Partner Approval Process to ensure compliance with DOE policies.