PTO Today

Everyone is gearing up for lots of activities and events. I thought it might be fun to brainstorm some tips and "if onlys". Pet peeves (as an attendee) would be good also. I'll list a few to get started.


Tip: If people have to fill out forms, provide pens and clipboards or an ACCESSIBLE writing surface.

Peeve: Crowded situations where all the signage is taped on the tables at waist level. But you can't SEE the tables because that's where the people are gathered/standing in lines.

:cool: Tip: Put your signage HIGH, on the wall behind the tables or use helium balloons as signs.

Tip: Voice of experience here... when setting up that afternoon for an evening event at school notice if that corner/hallway/area relies on skylights and windows for light. (It's so productive to have silent auction sheets in an area where it's too dark to read once the sun sets...)

:confused: Peeve: School or PTO forms that nicely detail all the information embedded in the form I HAVE TO SEND BACK IN. Please - divide it up so I can tear off the form part and keep the info part!

[ 09-02-2006, 12:12 AM: Message edited by: JHB ]

I'm thinking..... I'm thinking..... It's going to take some time to assemble but I definitely have my own lists.

I can't wait to read others as well!

Tip - print order forms requiring the return of money on envelopes. A little more expensive to do, but worth it keeping order forms and money together.

Peeve - Everything starting at 6:00. Some people WORK.

Tip - Communicate, communicate. Let people know what they are fundraising for and show them how the money is spent. If all that is done is fundraising and there is nothing to show for it, folks will quit cooperating.

BTW JHB, how are things going? Haven't heard from you in a while.

Tip: Decide how long you think it will take to set up for an event, then add 30 minutes to an hour to that time.

Tip: Have your fundraiser orders due in the middle of the week and don't plan to send them off until the end of the following week. DONT' LET ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS THOUGH, OR IT WON'T WORK!!!!

Tip: There are people out there who are willing to help, you just have to ask them. Look around you at sporting events and other kid-centered events to see which parents are there. If those parents are involved in their kids lives at all, chances are they'd be willing to put in a little time at the school.

Peeve: Showing up at an event and nothing is ready to go.

Peeve: Planning PTO meetings to fit the teachers' schedules and not the parents'.

Peeve: Officers who talk you up and fawn all over you when there's something they need you to do, and then ignore you outside of school.

Tip: If you have your board meetings right before your general meeting, make sure the board meeting ends 15 minutes before the other meeting starts so the board is present to greet and welcome members as they arrive.

Tip: When you have a large event...have a priority of work detailed so you can show folks who can then do things without asking every 2 or three minutes "what's next".

Tip: If you have a master roster of membership already, just have folks provide updates on the form as opposed to rewriting everything. They'll love you for it!

Tip: If you're doing a luncheon with potluck donations, ask folks to supply a recipee card and zerox the cards to put next to the dish. The teachers will love you for it.

Tip: Think and Plan 6 weeks to 3 months out. It'll keep you sane.

Peeve: Folks retiring from certain chairs and not telling anyone until it is too late...