We’re thinking there aren’t many PTO or PTA leaders lounging around these days. With teacher appreciation, spring carnivals, field trips, field days, auctions, and talent shows on the agenda (and let’s not forget end-of-the-year celebrations), you’re looking at very little downtime.
So we’re guessing the last thing you may want to hear about now is the kickoff to the 2015-16 school year. But trust us. If you get a few things going now, you will be so much happier come August.
Here are three back-to-school to dos for the spring:
1. Welcome packet: When a group provides a welcome packet at the start of the school year, parents really appreciate it. You’ll save them lots of time and they’ll see your group as a resource, too. Don’t worry, we aren’t saying you should complete the packet now! There’ll be time for that this summer. But what you should do now is find a parent who is willing to be the point person on this project; you want to avoid trying to find someone during the summer. Our article “How To Create a Welcome Packet” will come in handy.
2. Back-to-school event: Now’s a good time to sign up for our free Back2School program. Participating groups get copies of our 2015 issue of Jump In! magazine for parents, a colorful involvement banner to hang at their event, customizable printables, and more. A select number of groups also will receive parent gift packs with samples and special offers from family-friendly brands like Tom's of Maine. With these resources, your group will put on a polished event that helps you make a great first impression with parents. You don’t need to plan out your whole event this spring. But if you take a moment to do our free sign-up now, you’ll save your group lots of time when school starts.3. Teacher breakfast: Many groups try to do a breakfast for teachers and staff during the first week back to school. Again, you don’t need to plan this one to the last detail, but definitely find a volunteer who will run this. Did you do a breakfast this year? Circle back to the list of volunteers and see if someone may be willing to step up. This person will want to secure at least a few emails or phone numbers of parents willing to help before everyone disappears for the summer.
