What should a picture day newsletter include?

The date, time if your class has a specific slot, where to find ordering information, what students should wear if the school has guidance, what happens if a student is absent that day, and the makeup picture date.

How early should I send a picture day newsletter?

One week before, two weeks if the school requires advance ordering that closes before picture day. Families need enough time to prepare an outfit, place an order, and arrange for their child to be in school that specific day.

Should I give clothing recommendations for picture day?

You can offer a brief note but avoid being prescriptive. 'Solid colors typically photograph well. Avoid busy patterns if you are particular about how the photo looks.' Helpful, not directive. Some families have strong picture day traditions and do not need your input.

What should families know about the makeup picture day?

Give the makeup date clearly. 'If your child is absent on October 8th, makeup pictures are on October 22nd. Please let me know if your child will need the makeup session.' Families who know the makeup date in advance can plan for it rather than scrambling after the fact.

Can Daystage help send a quick picture day reminder?

Yes. Daystage makes it easy to send a brief, well-formatted reminder newsletter with the ordering link, date, and key logistics so families get it as a clean message rather than a forwarded school flyer.

Picture Day Teacher Newsletter: A Simple

Picture day newsletters do not need to be long, but they do need to cover a few specific things that families consistently need and ask about. Date, ordering, what to wear, and what happens if their child is absent. Get those four things into a brief, clear newsletter and you have done the job.

The Date and Your Class Time Slot

Tell families the date and, if your class has a specific picture time, include that. "Picture day is Wednesday, October 8th. Our class is scheduled for 9:45 AM." If you do not know your class time yet, say so. "Picture day is Wednesday, October 8th. I will let you know our class time as soon as I have it, but plan for sometime in the mid-morning." Families who know the approximate time can plan school arrival accordingly.

Ordering Information

This is the most important logistical item for most families. Tell them how to order and when the ordering deadline is. "Photo ordering is handled through [company name]. Families can order online at [link] using your child's unique ID code, which will be sent home Tuesday. Online ordering closes October 15th. Forms are also available for those who prefer to pay by check." If the school distributes physical forms, mention that. If everything is digital, say so.

Dress Guidance Without Being Prescriptive

You can offer a helpful note on clothing without making families feel judged. "For families who like guidance on picture day outfits: solid colors photograph more cleanly than busy patterns, and avoiding logos gives a more classic look. But wear what makes your child feel comfortable and like themselves. These are their school photos." That framing is helpful without being controlling.

Hair and Grooming Note

Some families appreciate the heads-up that picture day means their child might want a haircut or extra attention to hair that morning. A one-sentence note is sufficient. "If your family does picture day hair prep in the morning, just know photos are in the mid-morning, so morning styling has time to hold." Brief and practical, without being condescending.

What Happens If a Student Is Absent

Always include the makeup date. "If your child is absent on October 8th, makeup pictures are on October 22nd. Please let me know if your child will use the makeup date so I can make sure they are on the photographer's list." Families who know the makeup date treat the main picture day as less urgent. Those who do not know the makeup date panic if their child is sick that morning.

Class Photo vs Individual Photo

If picture day includes a class group photo in addition to individual portraits, mention it. "We will also take a class photo. Every student in the class will be in the class photo regardless of whether families ordered a photo package." That sentence prevents the confusion of families who declined to order thinking their child will be excluded from the class picture.

Free Preview Option

If the photography company offers a free online preview before purchase, let families know. "Families who order online will receive a digital preview of the individual photo before their order ships. Preview is available for 10 days after picture day." That kind of information increases online ordering and reduces the regret that comes from buying a photo package without seeing it first.

Picture Day Teacher Newsletter: A Simple Communication Template