Updating your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) bylaws and standing rules might seem like an overwhelming process, so I’m here today to break it all down for you. Let’s get into what you really need to know when you’re updating your group’s governing documents! This process works the same for both PTO and PTAs, as well...Continue reading
A common question from Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers and leaders is whether or not teachers can have a role in the PTO. They wonder if teachers can have an elected position in the group? Or if they’re permitted to be appointed as a committee chair? Having teachers involved and participating in the PTO is...Continue reading
Has your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) decided that you finally want to get on social media and maybe start your very own Facebook page, but you’re not quite sure where to get started? Keep reading to learn five different things that you need to do in order to get your PTO or PTA’s Facebook page...Continue reading
Principals, are you looking to build a vibrant and active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in your school community? A school parent group that supports you and your entire school community? One that helps facilitate family engagement in your building? That’s just what we’re covering in this article! Let’s dive into how exactly to create the...Continue reading
Time to get PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) nerdy once again today! Let’s talk about Bylaws and Standing Rules that every single Parent Teacher Organization needs to have. Having these rules in place is going to make your life as a parent volunteer so much easier. What the suggestions all have in common is that they...Continue reading
As a 15-year Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteer nerd, here’s how I wrap up the end of every school year so I can feel accomplished and ready for the upcoming school year. I really like to tie everything up from the past year in a nice little bow so that I can feel like I...Continue reading
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to show your incredible school staff how much you value their hard work and dedication to the students and entire school community. This year, why not spice things up with a fun and delicious pizza-themed celebration? From cheesy lunches to thoughtful gifts, make sure your school staff and...Continue reading
Let’s get PTO nerdy and talk about the difference between the different kinds of secretaries that PTOs (Parent Teacher Organizations) can have. Some groups will just have one type of Secretary as an executive board position, and some will have two. So if you have a bigger group or if you have more defined responsibilities...Continue reading
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) volunteers work so hard throughout the year. It’s about time that you celebrate them! This post has five different ideas for acknowledging school parent group volunteers. The reality is that much of the work PTO volunteers do goes unnoticed because it takes a lot of behind the scenes work to make...Continue reading
Ready to step up as your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) school parent group Treasurer, but wondering what’s involved and wishing you could find a Treasurer job description? Taking on the role of PTO Treasurer is an important role for the school parent group itself. And the volunteers who take on...Continue reading
One of the beautiful things about a school and a PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) partnership is the ability to collaborate to get things done—to make your school community a better place. Let’s talk all about seven different ways that schools and PTOs can collaborate, and really work to expand family engagement, and improve your school community...Continue reading
Teacher Appreciation Week is a perfect time to show the teachers and staff members of your school community how much their hard work and dedication is valued. This year, create a truly memorable experience with a delightful bee-themed celebration! From decorations to delicious food and thoughtful gifts, you can make this week a “honey” of...Continue reading
Today, I want to shed light on five dirty little secrets that PTO leaders really don’t talk about. They’re all universal truths to acknowledge. If nothing else than to help you feel that you’re not alone in the often difficult work of volunteering for a school parent group. Because when you’re working in your PTO,...Continue reading
Another example of how schools and parent groups like PTO and PTAs can work effectively together is by coordinating fundraising throughout the entire school year. Quite often, the two organizations have different financial needs, but I will tell you that competing against each other is a surefire way to make sure everybody loses and that...Continue reading
When you think back to your involvement in your child’s school parent group, whether it’s a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or another group, what likely stands out is the amount of miscommunications that you’ve experienced. And that’s really unfortunate, but the name of the game when it comes to interacting with other humans, right? And...Continue reading
Let’s talk about how to keep your school parent group, whether PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) or PTA (Parent Teacher Association) out of the news for theft. Anyone violating the trust of an organization by stealing money is so unfortunate, but ultimately you can put a few easy safeguards in place to prevent it all together....Continue reading
One of the very most unpleasant aspects of being in a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) and actually working with other humans, really, is the potential for conflict. Nobody likes it, unless you are on *The Real Housewives*, and personally, I would love to steer clear of it as much as possible. I So let’s talk...Continue reading
Let’s talk about what Principals can do to both support and attract parents to the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). Now, this is especially helpful if you don’t have a PTO or if your PTO is very small and you want to grow it so that you can grow family engagement. But actually any Principal who...Continue reading
Worried that getting parents to attend your monthly PTO meetings is going to become a challenge? The truth is that most parent groups totally struggle with meeting attendance… for a myriad of reasons. So whether you’re struggling with this issue now or not, at one point, this issue will probably pop of for your group....Continue reading
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a Back to School Survival Guide tailored just for PTO leaders and volunteers like yourself! The back to school season is a super busy and overwhelming time for parents. There’s all the prep work involved: back to school shopping, checking school supply lists, going shopping for...Continue reading
How exactly do you deal with the sticky situation of your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) board members not getting along and perhaps being really mean or even toxic to one another in meetings or at PTO sponsored events? This is not only a really unpleasant situation to deal with, but it can also be destructive...Continue reading
Looking for exciting family events to re-engage elementary school families in your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)? This article has fantastic event ideas that’ll wow both students and parents and ;lay the foundations for more volunteers and boosted parent involvement at the same time. In this article, we’re gonna be covering family events that not only...Continue reading
Planning a memorable Teacher Appreciation Week takes a touch of advance planning and creativity, but the impact on your school’s teachers and staff is immeasurable. Because it doesn’t take much at all for them to feel the love and appreciate your efforts right back! This year, take them on an under-the-sea adventure with a week of aquatic...Continue reading
Hey, middle school PTO leaders! Are you looking for some fresh ideas that will really get your students excited about school? One of the hardest parts about transitioning from the elementary PTO to the middle school or junior high PTO is coming up with events that kids will be excited about and won’t think are...Continue reading