Starting a room parent program at your school is now easier than ever. Get free room rarent recruitment flyers, welcome letter templates and sign up sheets.
Wondering what all is involved with being PTO President? All that plus, a big list of of Do This, Not That for PTO Presidents!
The key concepts behind these longstanding rules for running efficient and effective meetings work for groups of any size.
Learn the five things that PTOs that really get parents riled up that can lead to volunteer apathy and epmty sign up sheets!
From a PTA membership form to the monthly PTO newsletter – there are plenty of ways your school can get more organized and efficient in recruiting volunteers, retaining members and raising funds for your parent-teacher organizations. The proper range of forms for PTO and PTA groups is essential for a harmonious working environment – and a school where the whole community participates. Making these forms available to everyone is...
Tracking how money is spent month to month in comparison with the yearly budget gives a PTO treasurer the ability to monitor surpluses as well as shortfalls.
The trick to getting more parents engaged and involved in your schol + PTO is deceptively simple. Try this easy method to boost your school volunteer base!
Straightforward guidelines to help you write bylaws for your PTO or PTA.
Free and Funny Encouragement Ecard: "We already have enough PTA volunteers" -said no one ever. Create and send your own custom Encouragement ecard.
What are the best ways to plan and run PTO meetings? We’ve made it easy by compiling this list with links to our best articles and downloadables.
The #1 resource for school parent groups. PTOtoday.com has expert advice, free programs, tools, tips, and tons of ideas to help make parent groups successful and schools great.
Use editable Excel files with formulas built in to help keep track of your group's money.
At the end of the school year, use this customizable parent survey to get feedback on what worked, what didn't, what programs parents and families would want to participate in, and more. Also read our free End-of-School-Year Guide for comprehensive ideas and tips on for wrapping up your school year.
Did you know that your school's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is responsible for funding and running so many fun events that your kids get to participate in? As a public service announcement for every school's PTO out there I am asking you to think about volunteering your time. Even if it is only a half hour or hour during an event. Don't be overwhelmed, you can even do some work in your house that would help out so much at your school. At our school our Ditson Student Association funds many programs and also supplements classroom materials and events. We provide each child a Ditson folder and pencil at the beginning of school. In addition our students and families enjoy special programs, activities and events including Field day, Holiday Fair, Family Nights (including a Halloween Party, Star Party, Family Picnic, etc), Fifth Grade Party and Yearbook, Awards Day, Reading Program, funding towards field trips, special programs for the classrooms and much more. I know, I know, you don't have the time. Well that is fair but understand that you don't need to attend every PTO meeting, you don't have to volunteer for hours upon hours. Give the time that you can. It some cases you can even do some work to help out from home. I did that last year when I designed the buttons for the Holiday Fair. I just did some work on my computer and provided the print outs. I was lucky enough this year to help out with the Yankee Doodle Parade Float for our town's parade which was dangerously close to not having participation from our school due to lack of volunteers. Luckily myself and two others stepped up to work on a plan and a float for the parade. Look at this wonderful group of ladies that worked together to get this done and walked with students. The 5th generation grandchildren of Thomas Ditson (our school's namesake) were the Grand Marshall's of the Parade. It would have been a horrible shame if we didn't participate. Look at the smiles on these kids faces. I have also been fortunate enough to run the Art Show. Another event that is run for all the schools and would not be possible without parent volunteers. Notice that I always say that I was lucky enough to participate as I get as much enjoyment out of volunteering at school as the kids do. I get to know Evan's classmates better, I get to know their parents and I get a big smile from Evan when I am there. Last year Evan was in Kindergarten so it was our first year at the school. I was a little intimidated attending PTO meetings not knowing anyone as I can tend to be shy when I don't know anyone. But as I became involved I got to meet lots of parents which makes it so much fun for me when at school functions or sporting events in town and to know others. Now my son is in 1st grade and I am the Co-Vice President of my PTO and have learned so much about the school and been able to work with administration in the school. I am responsible for the school fundraisers which are a lot of work for the volunteers involved. I know you probably dread when the booklets come home for fundraisers but just know that the money raised pays for many events your children enjoy and these fundraisers are much needed. Update (September 2013) - I am now the Co-President of the PTO and my stress level about parent involvement is even higher. Please get involved. The more the merrier! We also do a Walk-a-Thon as a fundraiser in the spring and I was lucky enough to help with that last year. It was wonderful seeing the students and teachers getting outside and getting some air and exercise while raising money for the school. What a wonderful event! What have you got to lose? Even if you can't attend a meeting, look on your school's website and reach out to your PTO's board or any PTO members you know and see if they need a helping hand.
