This article is part of the following categories:
Multicultural Parent Group Hall of Fame

• Email
•  Share
  SHARE THIS ARTICLE

  x close

   

  • Share on Facebook
  • Add to del.icio.us
  • Submit post to digg.com
  • Add to Ma.gnolia
  • Seed this post at Newsvine
  • Technorati links to this post
• Print

Small School: Parent Efforts Help School Achieve

PHOTO BY LEE PROHOFSKY

The International Spanish Language Academy in Minnetonka, Minn., is a small school with big goals, and parent volunteers play a key role in reaching them. The 120-student Spanish-immersion school opened two years ago with an emphasis on bringing the language and culture to students. Beginning its work in the summer, the PTO hired a local Spanish teacher to introduce kindergartners to the language through games and activities. The PTO held a four-day community rummage sale, using the profits to bring teaching assistants to the school from Spanish-speaking countries. In response to a parent survey, the PTO offered after-school activities, such as drawing and Argentine dance. Family events, including Dia de los Muertos, focused on learning and building community. By the end of its second year of operation, the parent group had done a great job building a community, and in the process, had logged almost 1,200 volunteer hours.

What the judges loved: Leaders wrote vision and mission statements that dovetail nicely with the school's. As a result, the group kept its focus on parent involvement and educational programs.

Cool fact: The PTO's volunteer coordinator was selected as a runner-up for the Minnesota Vikings NFL Community Quarterback Award, and the group received a $1,000 donation in her honor.

More information and ideas to help your parent group:

• Defining the Role of a PTO
• Procedures Book: Your PTO’s Instruction Manual
• Keep Flu out of Your School
  

Sign up for our email newsletter and get the latest tips and expert advice delivered right to your inbox.

Add Comment