My children are starting a brand new school next year. We will have a meeting in a couple of weeks to decide whether we will become a PTO or a PTA. I am so confused on how to get this started. Has anyone ever started one before?

Hi Jules -

I'm jealous -- you have an opportunity to start from scratch with the right focus (involvement) and no reputation or bad habit issues to overcome.

Graba cup of coffee and make your way around this site. There's a PTO v PTA section here:

http://www.ptotoday.com/ptovpta.html

You may also be very interested in our Start-Up Expert Guide:

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

Hint: if you call the folks at our help line (800-644-3561 x209) and tell them your brand new and looking for help, I'd bet you can even get the Satrt-Up Guide for free or close to it. Just don't tell 'em I said so .

Good luck. Let all of us here on the boards know you're questions. You'll find it's a helpful crew.

Tim

wow...I am jealous as well, it is very rare that a group starts totally fresh without the bad stories or bad rep to overcome. Have fun with it and don't let anyone discourage you!

Jules;

You may also want to contact your State PTA or visit www.pta.org

Take a close look at both options, and then your group can make the decission that's right for your group.

To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will.
Ronald Reagan

Good luck, nice folks here, lotso info, just beware the crocodiles (fortunately they ARE helpful here)