Participating in DIRECTV4SchoolsTM
How to Enjoy DIRECTV and Help Your School Raise Money
School Rewards:

Managing Your Fundraiser:

DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL®

About DIRECTV

Participating in DIRECTV4SchoolsTM
 
How does DIRECTV4Schools work?
First, the school principal or authorized school administrator needs to enroll in the program online at directv4schools.com. Upon review, verification of eligibility, and acceptance of the school information, the school will be enrolled and will receive a unique School Code and Principal PIN via e-mail. This code should be distributed to parents, friends and community members who are interested in signing up for new DIRECTV® service, or who are interested in extending their current DIRECTV commitment for one year. Your school will earn a $100 School Reward for every new customer and a $50 School Reward for every existing customer who commits to one year of DIRECTV® service. See the program Terms and Conditions for more details.
What are School Rewards?
School Rewards are cash contributions that are paid out to participating schools based upon the number of customers who have activated a DIRECTV® programming commitment using a designated School Code. A school receives a $100 reward for every new customer and a $50 reward for every existing customer who commits to a year of DIRECTV® service. There is no limit to how much your school can earn. The more customers who participate in the DIRECTV4Schools™ program for your school, the more School Rewards your school can earn.

Can a school that is not enrolled in DIRECTV4Schools earn School Rewards? Only schools that are enrolled in this program can earn money through the DIRECTV4Schools™ fundraising program. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program is intended to benefit accredited public or private educational institutions (serving grades K-12 only) located in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, which are tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and described under IRC section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). Schools must be housed in a facility zoned as a school building by the local municipality.

Universities, community colleges, day care centers, home schools and public libraries do not qualify. See the program Terms and Conditions for full eligibility details.

Can I go online to enroll my school in DIRECTV4Schools?
The school principal must complete the initial online registration on behalf of the school. To fill out the web form, please visit the “Enroll Your School” section of directv4schools.com.

When can I enroll my school?
School registration for the current program year takes place 8/1/08 through 5/31/09.

How does my school participate in the program?
First, the school principal registers the school at directv4schools.com and receives a unique School Code that will enable you to start raising money. You can download customizable e-mail, flyer and letter templates on the “Manage Your Fundraiser” section of the directv4schools.com website and use them to distribute the School Code to your local community. When parents and friends sign up for DIRECTV® service by calling 888-388-4724 and using your School Code, the school receives $100 for every new customer and $50 for every existing customer who commits to a year of DIRECTV® service.

Can my school’s parent-teacher organization (PTA or PTO) enroll in this program?
Yes. Schools may opt to identify an authorized PTO or PTA organization to administer the program and receive School Rewards using the "Waiver for PTO/PTA Participation" contained in the registration packet. IMPORTANT: If selecting the waiver option, you must return the PTO or PTA's W-9 form with the registration packet (not the school's W-9). Failure to do so will result in delayed activation of your School Code.

Can multiple groups on campus participate in DIRECTV4Schools using individual School Codes?
No. Only one School Code will be issued per school. School Rewards checks are made out directly to the school and mailed to the principal two times a year. Schools may opt to identify an authorized PTO or PTA organization to administer the program and receive School Rewards using the "Waiver for PTO/PTA Participation" contained in the registration packet. Upon receipt of funds earned, each school should decide where the money is most needed and apply the funds toward those programs. DIRECTV will not earmark or designate special groups or programs to receive School Rewards.

My school participated in DIRECTV4Schools last year. Is our School Code the same?  
Schools that participated during a previous program year will need to re-enroll in DIRECTV4Schools in order to re-activate their School Code. To do this, visit the “Enroll Your School” section of directv4schools.com and enter the required information into the web form. You do not need to supply an IRS W-9 form and Principal Verification form if you are a returning school. Once your enrollment has been processed, your School Code from last year will be re-issued and re-activated.

What is the cost for a school to participate in the DIRECTV4Schools™ program?
There is no cost to enroll in and participate in the program.

How is this different from other fundraising programs?
DIRECTV4Schools takes the hassle out of fundraising for schools and parents. There is no quota to meet, no orders to take and no product to deliver. Schools just have to enroll in the program and distribute their School Code to their teachers, student body and parent-teacher board. Then, as each household activates DIRECTV® service or extends their service with DIRECTV, their school can earn $100 and $50 School Rewards that will be paid directly to the schools.

If my school is part of other fundraising programs, can it still be part of this one?
Absolutely. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program is meant to supplement your other fundraising efforts while minimizing the time demands on teachers, parents, students and staff.

When is the offer period open?
The offer for the 2008-2009 school year began on Aug. 1, 2008, and will expire on June 30, 2009. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program will go on “summer vacation” during July 2009 for routine maintenance and upgrades. The 2009-2010 offer is expected to launch on Aug. 1, 2009, but date is subject to change. During the month of July, no new orders will be taken, school enrollment in the program will be temporarily closed, and School Codes will be de-activated.

Why do I have to provide a W-9 form?
The IRS Form W-9 is used to determine an organization’s tax-exempt status. By filling out this form and checking the “exempt” box, no backup withholding (tax) will be withheld from your School Rewards payments, nor will it be reported on for tax purposes. The IRS requires DIRECTV to have a W-9 form on file for each organization who receives payment from our company. 

How to Enjoy DIRECTV and Help Your School Raise Money
 
How do I sign up for DIRECTV and help our school earn money?
It's easy. First, call 888-388-4724 and give them your School Code. Second, select the Programming Package that is right for your home. Third, enjoy the crystal clear picture and sound of DIRECTV.

What happens if I don’t know my school’s code when I call to sign up for DIRECTV service?
A customer must use the designated DIRECTV4Schools toll-free number, 888-388-4724, and give the customer service agent the name of the school and its School Code in order for your school to earn a School Reward. If the customer only has the name and location of the school, the customer can look up the code using the School Code Look-up Tool. Customer Service agents will also have the ability to look up the School Code, should a potential customer not have Internet access. Keep in mind that the best way to ensure that your school gets School Reward credit is to have each customer use your unique School Code, not the school name, at the time of ordering. There is a limit of one School Code per DIRECTV customer account during the 2008-2009 program period, and School Codes cannot be changed once an order has been placed.

What happens if I signed up for DIRECTV without a School Code, but want to add one to the account at a later date?
At this time, we cannot apply School Codes retroactively. The School Code must be mentioned at the time of order for the school to receive the appropriate $100 or $50 School Reward.

When does the 2008-2009 offer expire?
The offer for the 2008-2009 school year began on Aug. 1, 2008, and will expire on June 30, 2009. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program will go on “summer vacation” during July 2009 for routine maintenance and upgrades. The 2009-2010 offer is expected to launch on Aug. 1, 2009, but date is subject to change. During the month of July, no new orders will be taken, school enrollment will be temporarily closed, and school codes will be deactivated.

Is the DIRECTV4Schools program only for the immediate family of each student or can others participate?
Anyone can help enrolled schools earn School Rewards through DIRECTV4Schools -- parents, teachers, neighbors, friends and acquaintances alike. All they have to do is call 888-388-4724 and use the School Code to activate or extend their existing service, and their designated school can earn the appropriate $100 or $50 School Reward. DIRECTV employee account types are not eligible for generating School Rewards.

Does it matter in which state my friends or family live, should they want to participate?
Any household across the 50 United States and the District of Columbia can participate in DIRECTV4Schools when they sign up for DIRECTV® service by calling 888-388-4724. All they have to do is give the customer service agent the School Code for the school they want to support, and the appropriate $100 or $50 School Reward generated by that order will be added to the school's total.

Will home schools be able to participate?
Home schools are not eligible. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program is intended to benefit accredited K-12 private and public schools located in the U.S. which are tax-exempt under IRC section 501(c)(3) and described under IRC section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). Schools must be housed in a facility zoned as a school building by the local municipality. Additionally, universities, community colleges, day care centers, or public libraries do not qualify. See the program Terms and Conditions for full eligibility details.

Are current DIRECTV subscribers eligible to participate in the DIRECTV4Schools™ program?
Yes! All that current subscribers have to do is call 888-388-4724 and tell the customer service agent that they wish to make a new programming commitment for one year as part of the DIRECTV4Schools™ program, and give the School Code for the school they wish to support. Once the programming commitment is made and the order is processed with the School Code, the designated school can earn a $50 School Reward, provided the customer maintains his programming commitment. Customers are only eligible for one programming commitment per program year. DIRECTV employee account types are not eligible for generating School Rewards.
 
 
School Rewards
How does a school earn money through the DIRECTV4Schools™ program?
Schools just have to enroll in the program at directv4schools.com. Easy-to-customize program materials are available for download on the website, and should be distributed throughout the student body. Parents, teachers, friends and neighbors can all sign up for DIRECTV® service using the unique School Code. DIRECTV will then contribute a $100 School Reward for each customer that either activates new DIRECTV® service and a $50 School Reward for existing customers who make a new DIRECTV® programming commitment.

How does my school receive the money?
DIRECTV® service activations and customer programming commitments made using your School Code are tracked through the DIRECTV4Schools™ program. Your school earns $100 for each new customer and $50 for each existing customer who orders and activates a year of DIRECTV® service using your school’s unique School Code. In November 2008 and May 2009, DIRECTV will send your school a School Rewards Check based on the number of activated accounts associated with your School Code. Payment dates are subject to change as outlined in the program Terms and Conditions; please watch directv4schools.com for all program updates.

When will my school receive its Rewards check?
There are two payment periods for the 2008-2009 program year. The Fall payment period covers customer activations between 5/1/08 and 10/31/08; checks will be sent between 11/1/08 and 11/15/08. The Spring payment period covers customer activations between 11/1/08 and 4/30/09; checks will be sent between 5/1/09 and 5/15/09. Payment dates are subject to change as outlined in the program Terms and Conditions; please watch directv4schools.com for all program updates. Schools will only receive payment for accounts that are ordered and activated during the program period; orders that are not activated and accounts that are cancelled within the program period will not qualify for School Rewards.

When does the 2007-2008 offer expire?
The offer for the 2008-2009 school year began on Aug. 1, 2008 and will expire on June 30, 2009. The DIRECTV4Schools™ program will go on “summer vacation” during July 2009 for routine maintenance and upgrades. The 2009-2010 offer is expected to launch on Aug. 1, 2009, but date is subject to change. During the month of July, no new orders will be taken, enrollment in the program will be temporarily closed, and School Codes will be de-activated.

How will the money be paid to each school?
Payments for School Rewards earned are made by check two times a year, and are dependent on each customer activating DIRECTV® service during the program period and fulfilling the terms of their programming commitment. Checks are made payable directly to the school or authorized PTA/PTO organization as identified on the "Waiver for PTO/PTA Participation form," not an individual, club or other organization.

Can the School Rewards checks be made payable to the PTA/PTO instead of the school?
A school may opt to authorize a PTO or PTA organization to administer the DIRECTV4Schools™ program on its behalf, and receive all School Rewards payments. To do so, the principal must fill out and sign the Waiver for PTO/PTA participation contained in the registration packet and indicate the group's name and contact information. IMPORTANT: If selecting the waiver option, you must return the PTO or PTA's W-9 form with the registration packet (not the school's W-9). Failure to do so will result in delayed activation of your School Code.

Will DIRECTV be sending multiple checks for School Rewards to participating schools each month?
School Rewards disbursements will be made in the form of one check per school two times a year, in November and May. Payment dates are subject to change as outlined in the program Terms and Conditions; please watch directv4schools.com for all program updates.

What happens if we lose our check and need a replacement?
School Rewards may be deposited up to six months after the date they’re issued, so please ensure that your check is indeed lost before requesting a replacement. Schools may request a replacement School Rewards check by contacting School Registration and Support at (800) 628-2476. The deadline to request a replacement check is the last day of the month five calendar months from the scheduled payout date. Replacement checks for the Fall 2008 (November) payout must be requested by April 30, 2009; replacement checks for the Spring 2009 (May) payout must be requested by Oct. 31, 2009. Once you have submitted your check replacement request, you will receive your next check during the next payout period (November 2008 or May 2009).

Where does the money go once it's received by the schools?
DIRECTV will send School Rewards checks made out to the school directly to the principal of each school or to the PTO or PTA organization that is administering the DIRECTV4Schools™ program on its behalf. Each school will then be able to decide where the money is most needed and apply the funds toward those programs. DIRECTV will not designate or earmark special programs or groups to receive School Rewards.

Is there a limit to the amount of money a school can make?
No, there is no limit to the Rewards that your school can earn. DIRECTV will contribute the appropriate $100 or $50 School Reward for each subscriber that participates in the DIRECTV4Schools™ program, regardless of how many people sign up. Remember, customers must activate and maintain their DIRECTV® service for your school to earn its School Reward.

How can principals and school administrators know how much money their school raises?
A running tally of orders associated with your School Code can be accessed via directv4schools.com using the Progress Report Tool. The principal or school administrator will need to log in to the tool with their Principal PIN to check the status. Please note that this total shows only current orders placed with the School Code; payments are made based on accounts that are actually activated and not cancelled prior to the payment date. See the Program Terms and Conditions for full payment details.
 
What is a Principal PIN? How do I get one?
Your school principal and delegate (if identified) received your school’s Principal PIN in a confirmation e-mail following your school’s enrollment in the DIRECTV4Schools program. This code allows access to the Progress Report Tool and other support functions. To be reminded of your School’s Principal PIN, please e-mail us at [email protected].

 
Managing Your Fundraiser:
 
How do I obtain DIRECTV4Schools™ promotional materials?
Easy-to-customize promotional flyers, e-mail and letter templates are available on directv4schools.com. You can download these materials, add your school name and School Code, and distribute in hard copy or electronically to your students, parents, and other community members. Returning schools should not re-use promotional materials from previous DIRECTV4Schools™ program years.

How do I find out my School's Private Principal PIN?
Your school principal and delegate (if identified) received your school’s Principal PIN in a confirmation e-mail following your school’s enrollment in the DIRECTV4Schools program. To be reminded of your School’s Principal PIN, please e-mail us at [email protected].

Can currently participating families change the school that they support?
Once a School Code has been assigned to an order, it cannot be changed. Only one School Code is permitted per DIRECTV customer account. When the customer becomes eligible to renew in the new program year, they may elect to support a different participating school at that time.

How do I update my school's information due to changes that have taken place?
To make any updates to your school's information, please call 866-420-8283. Have your School Code and Principal PIN handy.

What if I have another question about DIRECTV4Schools™?
If you can't find the answer to your question in this FAQ, please CLICK HERE to contact us.
 
 
DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL®
 
What is the DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL® Program?
The DIRECTV GOES TO SCHOOL® program is a charitable initiative offered by DIRECTV to provide free educational television programming. The package, called SCHOOL CHOICE®, is available to state-accredited public and private schools, grades K-12. For more information, visit www.directv.com/school.
 
 
About DIRECTV
 
What is DIRECTV?
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 17 million customers in the United States through exclusive content, higher customer satisfaction ratings than cable for eight years running* and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere. We also lead the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan™, US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive, and are leading the HD revolution with 95 national HD channels – more quality HD channels than any other television provider**.

*2008 American Customer Satisfaction Index, University of Michigan Business School
**To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD Access fee ($9.99/mo.), a DIRECTV Slimline Dish, DIRECTV HD receiver, and HD television equipment are required. Number of HD channels varies by package selection.

What is the DIRECTV® System?
The DIRECTV® System refers to the equipment that customers need to receive DIRECTV programming from our orbiting satellites. Every DIRECTV® System includes three components: a satellite dish, a digital set-top receiver and a remote control. Every DIRECTV® Receiver enables access to more than 265 digital-quality channels. Our customizable on-screen program guide includes parental controls. For more details on the equipment, check out our system manuals.

What is the DIRECTV Plus® DVR?
The DIRECTV Plus DVR (Digital Video Recorder) enables users to digitally record up to 100 hours* of television programming, record two shows at once**, pause and rewind live TV and much more.

*Actual recording time varies depending on the type of programming being recorded. 
**For full functionality, the receiver requires connection of two satellite inputs from a dual-LNB DIRECTV System dish antenna and continuous connection to land-based phone line.

What is the DIRECTV HD DVR?
The DIRECTV HD DVR combines the crystal clear picture of high-definition television with the digital recording power of a DIRECTV Plus DVR. 

Does DIRECTV offer local channels? 
Yes, DIRECTV offers local channels in most major U.S. cities and their surrounding areas, always in digital quality. Eligible customers can order packages that include local channels. Please visit directv.com to find out if any are available where you live.

Does DIRECTV offer a Spanish-language programming service?
Yes, DIRECTV offers the most comprehensive Spanish- and English-language programming at an affordable price. It features access to more than 55 Spanish-language channels*, including sports, movies, news, music and educational networks. 

*The actual number of channels varies by package. Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio. Visit directvmas.com for more information.

How does DIRECTV compare to cable?
First, with DIRECTV you get more choice and quality for your entertainment dollar than you do with cable. Our CHOICE™ package gives you more than 265 digital channels for only $49.95 a month. For the same price with cable, you'll typically get 60-90 analog channels.

Second, with DIRECTV, all customers with accounts in good standing can order Pay Per View and automatically receive up to 50 XM Satellite Radio channels in their CHOICE™ base package. Cable customers with analog service may not have these options.

DIRECTV is famous for offering America's favorite networks and an unrivaled lineup of sports programming, all delivered with the most advanced technology available. We have DVR and HD services, exciting interactive program enhancements like Series Link™ which lets you automatically record an entire season of your favorite show, even if it moves to a new day or time and exclusive programming you can't get if you have cable, like the Championship Gaming Series™ and the popular NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ (by subscription).

Perhaps most important, DIRECTV has higher customer satisfaction ratings than cable for eight years running. (The American Customer Satisfaction Index, The University of Michigan Business School. 2001-2008)

I live in an apartment or condo. Can I get a DIRECTV System?
Start by asking your landlord, property manager or homeowners' association if you may install a DIRECTV® System on your rooftop or other building location.

If you're not authorized to mount the dish on the roof or the side of the building, try your patio or balcony. Just make sure you have a clear view of the Southern sky.

Your system installation may require structural modifications that may be limited or restricted by the terms of your lease, rental agreement or covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). To avoid delays in your installation, we ask that you obtain written or verbal permission from your landlord, homeowners' association or property manager (or, alternatively, review your lease/rental agreement/HOA CC&Rs to confirm permission is not required) prior to scheduling your installation. To help you in your request, please use our Installation Permission form.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a rule that generally forbids local governments and homeowners' associations from enforcing unreasonable restrictions regarding the installation of satellite dishes one meter or smaller. For more information, visit the FCC at fcc.gov.