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
Teacher Appreciation Week is an important time to express much gratitude and thanks for the educators who work tirelessly to shape young minds. Your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) can play an instrumental part in making this happen! What better way to show your appreciation than with a sweet and fun-filled ice cream-themed celebration for all...Continue reading
Happy June! Let’s talk all about what you should be doing for your school parent group, whether a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Group Organization (PTO), in the month of June. Note that all of these suggestions apply, no matter the specific year since, just like a school, the PTO runs on a similar...Continue reading
Whether you’re a new PTO Fundraising Chair or an experienced leader looking for some new ideas, we have just what you’re looking for to sharpen up those school fundraising skills to rake in the big bucks to meet your fundraising goals. Explore our collection of tips, tricks and tried and true strategies and resources! General...Continue reading
The weeks between the end of the school year and the first day of school is a prime opportunity for Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) leaders to be using wisely. Many might be tempted to take the time off from any and everything related to PTO, but the wisest leaders know they should be participating in...Continue reading
A well-planned Teacher Appreciation Week is an excellent opportunity for Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) to show gratitude towards teachers and school staff for their hard work and dedication. Why not do something a bit different and choose offbeat theme? A construction theme, “Building Success,” can add a fun and engaging twist to the week’s activities....Continue reading
Are you ready to try a fundraiser for your PTO that’s a little different than your usual school fundraiser? A fundraiser that has the potential to make some serious cash for your school group? Heck yes, you are! In this post, I’m going to do a deep dive into all of the details you need...Continue reading
Are you a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leader and wondering what you should be taking care of during the summer to really set yourself up for success come the new school year? Believe it or not, the Summer months are the ideal time to start planning and getting organized for...Continue reading
All Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteers want to do the best job that they can in their volunteer role, and leaders wanting to know how to be a good PTO Treasurer is no different. Being a PTO Treasurer is one of the essential positions every PTA/PTO must have and there’s many things that Treasurers have...Continue reading
A school talent show is one of the easiest family fun events to pull off and works as a great family fun elementary school event, middle school assembly or after school high school student program. If you’ve been considering adding this popular event into your calendar of events for your school or as a Parent...Continue reading
Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of educators. What better way to express your Parent Teacher Organization’s (PTO) gratitude than by creating a spa themed week that offers relaxation and rejuvenation right in the school setting? Here’s a detailed guide to hosting a memorable Spa-Themed Teacher Appreciation...Continue reading
When it comes to Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), the primary goal is clear: to support our schools, students, and communities. PTOs play a really pivotal role in bridging the gap between parents and teachers, making another communication route, and organizing activities that enhance the entire school community However, like any group, PTOs sometimes face a fair...Continue reading
Each month, we give a run down of what you should be covering and taking care of in your role as Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) leader, and the month of May is no exception. The unique thing about PTOs is that they run along the same schedule as schools and generally, what to expect in May...Continue reading
Does your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) have trouble getting volunteers for events and programs? Do you find that it’s the same 5 or 10 parents pitching in each time and it’s a struggle to get new volunteers? Unfortunately, this is a really common issue facing all volunteer organizations, not just PTA/PTO school parent...Continue reading
Ready to “Run for the Roses” towards a Kentucky Themed Teacher Appreciation Week Plan that’s sure to wow your teachers and staff? That’s exactly what’s on the docket today, friend. This post not only covers the basics of planning a derby themed week of love and appreciation to celebrate your schools’ staff, administrators and teachers,...Continue reading