Secretary Archive

Whether you're a new secretary or a veteran, you'll find tons of ideas and tips in the articles below to do your job even better. When you're done reading, head over to the Message Boards to connect with other leaders facing the same challenges.

Articles with a plus sign () are available to PTO Today Plus members only.

• A Simple Communication System - To help parents keep up with news, events, and activities, use a "communications envelope" to send school and PTO correspondence home with students on a regular schedule.
• Organize Your PTO Work - Parent group leaders share their favorite tips for order and efficiency.
• Balancing PTO and Personal Life - It can be challenging to find balance. But a little strategy, a little organization, and a lot of support from friends and family go a long way.
• Meeting Minutes Dos and Don'ts - Minutes are a legal document that creates an important record of your decisions. Use these guidelines for when to take minutes and what to record.
• Permission Slips That Work - Permission slips are often sent home with kids for school activities, but most of them don't provide any legal protection for the school or the parent group.
• Your Group's Legal Status - Is your group tax-exempt? Incorporated? Does it have its own tax ID number? How to find out, and keep your legal records up to date.
• Polish Your Delegation Skills - Doing it all yourself leads to burnout—and isn't good for your parent group, either.
• Email Communication Tips - How to use email effectively while avoiding common pitfalls that lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding.
• Chairing a Committee: The Basics - Get organized, get the information you need, find volunteers, and start your committee on a path to success.
• The Power of the "Big Idea" - A high-profile goal or signature event will rally your school community and build excitement.
• Procedures Book: Your PTO's Instruction Manual -  Newly revised guidelines on how to create policies and procedures books for your leaders. This tool can make a big difference for your group.
• The Secret to Successful Leadership - The most overlooked skill—delegation—might just be the best one you'll ever learn.
• Meeting Minutes: Just the Facts - Keeping complete and accurate minutes is an important legal obligation. Here's why certain types of information should—or shouldn't—be included.
• Keep Up With District-Level Issues - For a greater understanding of the issues facing your school, have a delegate regularly attend meetings of the school board.
• Find Your Leadership Style - The best leaders recognize their natural tendencies and use that knowledge to respond appropriately in different situations.
• Robert's Rules: What You Should Know - Robert's Rules do help you run an effective meeting. And you don't have to know a whole book's worth of details—just a few key concepts.
• 16 Tips for Executive Board Members - What you should know about representing your parent group in the community, tips for working with school support staff, and secrets for a successful transition.
• What Every Secretary Should Know - The secretary’s role is more than just taking minutes and posting the meeting agenda.