PTO Today

As president of a Parents'Association of an all boys high school(1000+), I am searching for a guest speaker at our bimonthly meetings that would interest Freshman parents as well as Senior parents.
After working all day, what great topics will bring parents back to school? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

The first thing I thought of was something about preparing for college. For underclassmen, something having to do w/what your child can do to make the most of high school in order to prepare/get into college of choice-classes they can take or whatever- for the seniors, college is in the very near future. Also, for parents, preparing financially. Maybe a series of speakers-from the school's guidance counselor to someone from local colleges, lending institutions, desireable employers in the area & what they look for as far as a college education, local charities that are looking for volunteers. You could maybe include the students in some way with some of these.
There is always drug/alcohol prevention-ways to detect use, etc.

Just a couple of ideas off the top of my head. Hope they helped a little.

Thank you for the quick reply. Our Guidance Dept. has nights set aside for each class to talk with parents about the expectations ahead. We also have many colleges that come and talk to our parents.
Each class goes into the community and has a day of service coordinated by a teacher whose job is to coordinate these events. So as you can see, we are a very active school and as a result I'm stumped as to what would be interesting to adults that have not heard it already. Any other suggestions?

I know you are a little south of us, but matchbook.org is a database of new england performers/presenters that may be able to give you some ideas. Also, I did a google for "high school assembly" and came up w/ 31,800,000 hits. You might have to weed through a lot of bull, but will likely get an idea or 2.

What issues are germain to your school/area right now? Maybe if you sent a survey home to parents asking what issues they are interested in hearing more about, that may give you a better idea of what sort of speaker you are looking for. Also, if school violence, bullying or extra-curricular activities (for example) are a popular response, than you may be assured a better turn out from parents.

I'll keep thinking about it...my kids are 3&5, so high school is not really on the front of my brain...
Don't forget to keep us posted on your progress!

I think a "timely" topic that many parents don't know much about is Internet Safety and common sense use... discussion of websites like MySpace, FaceBook, or espinthebottle are just the start! Do parents REALLY know what their kids are posting??

You should check if your town has a youth community and/or family center. Very often these places are more than willing to send a member to come and speak concerning teen and family issues. Generally all they ask for is a plug for their center.

The internet safety thing is big for students and parents. The National Center for Exploited Children did an awesome job. You can contact them and they will get someone locally for you.

Cindy

You might also call your local police department. Many have their own programs and or speakers (staff) on these and other topics that hischool kids and thier parents need to know about to stay safe. They useally dont charge for such presentations. Its a community service.

We too are looking for some ideas about speakers and such. I HAD planned for someone to come talk to our parents about the New Nutrition Guidelines and the lunches that they serve. But they can't do that til next meeting in February. So now I have NO IDEAS!! HELP!!

Charlene

why not ask your local police dept about what gets kids into the most trouble in your area these days, or what things inadvertently get them into trouble (the internet stuff comes to mind, or the latest drug craze in your area - perscription drug parties are a big thing now in some places for the MS and HS set).
anyway, the police should know what PARENTS need to know more about. Parents are sometimes the last to find out.