We are a small campus with about 80 students. Is there a place online that tells us how to start a new PTO?

I thought this site should provide a startup pack with contacts and steps but I haven’t found one yet.

Please help

Leah Drake

Leah,

Good for you for starting a parent group at your school. The whole community is sure to benefit from it! You're in the right place. There is tons of useful information on this site for free as well as many useful kits and tools you can purchase. I personally haven't used the Start Up Kit but many others have and have come back here to rave about it. Check it out at:

http://forms.ptotoday.com/store/product.html?id=1001

I am in my 2nd year as PTO President at a new school. We did most everything from scratch and got a lot of information online from other schools. I have learned a lot by starting up a PTO at a new school. It really depends on the dynamics of your school and the makeup of the people there. We made up bylaws, picked a mascot, school colors, and lots more. I will be glad to help you if you need some advice.

Browse the forums -- especially the Robert's Rules, Bylaws, Legal.

Search for words like 'incorporating' and 'Bylaws'.

There are a lot of threads.

When you have a specific question, post it.

Many of us have been a part of founding a PTO, and if we are here, we'll help.

PTO Today does sell a Start-up Guide. It is worth every penny, especially if you are applying for 501c3.

TY everyone!

I think the crewchief answered my question. I have 10 years of PTA info stuck in my head, we just need to know how to get a new PTO started.

Ty again Leah

I have about 8 years experience in PTA from Indianapolis. I moved to Anderson,IN last year. There are no PTA's . I am getting ready to start one at Robinson Elementary. Anderson is in a transition period. Robinson Elementary will be K-2 and Anderson Elementary will be 3-5 next year. This year they both were K-5, but due to testing scores they have decided on this plan to conquer reading and math at the younger levels, while building oin the older ones levels. I think it is a plan that will work once the kinks are all worked out. But they are gonna need alot of parental involvement with Kids split in 2 differente schools and different buses,etc. Any one with any suggestions for me...(I'd love to hear them)
(I am also learning Spanish since alot of our students and parents speak the language.) The community ,teachers and parents I have spoke with so far are excited about PTA. I am looking forward to bringing it to Anderson,Indiana1