PTO Today

Your First Impression

What will be the first communication parents receive from your PTO this fall? What impression will it give? What spirit will it convey?

That’s my question for you this week, as I think it’s one of those things that can make or break a whole year of PTOing. Will parents get the sense that your group has its act together and is serious about doing really good work (in a fun, organized manner)? Will they get the sense that you’re all about serving the school and serving parents and creating community? Will the tone be upbeat and optimistic and appreciative?

Or will the first impression be you asking for money? Or you asking for anything? Will you come across as somewhat disorganized or even pessimistic?

If it’s the latter, trust me, you won’t be the only group — and yes, I know how busy you are and how little help you may have. But that’s a recipe for a whole year of struggle. Folks won’t say it right to you, but people are attracted to fun and put-together and welcoming groups. And they generally stay away from those people or groups that make them feel put-upon or that come across as scolding or needy. Is it right? No — parents should get more involved because it’s the right thing to do. But the reality is that more parents get involved when you as a parent group make that involvement more attractive.

Your first impression can go a long way to making it so. We have a ton of good content on communications and first impressions. And check out this list of 38 ways to start the year right.

Let’s face it, PTO school events can make or break your parent involvement equation. A well-planned, well-attended event not only builds community — it brings in more volunteers! Our new Event Planning Kit takes all the guess work out of creating PTO events that rock. Download your free kit today and learn:

• The Power of the Big Idea
• How to Make Your Family Night a Winner
• 36 Ideas for Arts & Science Enrichment
• The Scoop on Field Trips: Getting Organized
• Tips for Better Flyers
• How to Implement an Event Evaluation & Planning Form

And you’re one step closer to achieving unforgettable events in the 2009/10 school year.

What’s your plan for gathering a great list of parent email addresses this upcoming school year? I can tell you both from personal experience and from hearing from a ton of groups that effective use of email can make a huge difference for your group. Promoting events, soliciting volunteers, communicating key updates — all can be more effective (and easier and less expensive) if you have a good email list.

The trick is that it doesn’t happen by accident. You may want to use an opt-in form so that parents can give you those addresses and give you permission to email. You’ll most likely need a different system (and a separate OK from parents) than what the school itself uses. You’ll also want to talk to your principal now so that she knows and is OK with your plan for communicating via email.

Another step is deciding how you’ll be emailing, where those email addresses will be stored, etc. While some groups still use one member’s email account, that can be very limiting, and better solutions exist. The best example is our new, free Parent Express Email service that manages all the addresses and helps you send good-looking emails quickly and easily. It’s definitely worth a look for the new year.

Simple as it is, I consider email the PTO “killer app” of 2009-10. It’s definitely time to get on board.

We hear it a lot this time of year: “I am so excited to be the new PTO president… but I’m also nervous!” Or, “I had a great year this year, but I am already thinking of ways to improve the board for the next school year.” Well, whether you’re new to the job or an old pro, our FREE New Leader Kit will be your new best friend. The insider tips will give you the tools you need to lead with confidence — so you can relax a little this summer.

I ran aross this column in Newsweek from a really involved who was struck that her daughter chose “dad” as role model on a school assignment. Not “mom & dad”, just dad.

I realize that’s not the warmest, fuzziest topic for Mother’s Day week, but the column does provide a unique perspective for all of us really involved school parents.  Can we be too involved?  Is it OK if our kids don’t value all the involvement now?  Will they value it later? 

Give it a read and post your thoughts.  I’ll jump back in with some more thoughts on this one (especially on the fairly heated debate in the comments section) soon….

We’ve worked with these guys a bit in the past, when we’ve had PTO Expos in the Philly area, but we’re continually impressed with the Philadelphia public schools and their outreach to parents. Here’s just another example, as district hosts wide-ranging Parent Appreciation Day. Love it.

Good details in this piece about an Ohio PTO’s overall efforts and their upcoming road race community day.

It’s that time of year when the new PTO cubs start bugging the seasoned PTO mama bears. Yup, I said it Whether you’re the spirited newcomer or the grizzled old verteran, I hope you can find some peace by thinking about what the other side is going through. This column on the gap between old volunteers and new volunteers could help.

Also find this quick diary/blog interesting from a brand new PTOer, attending her first meeting at a new school. Good to hear what the new eyes see. Love the observation about just how much trash can be turned into school cash (and the fact that she’s diving through the home trash to recover school treasure).

Prince Georges County (MD) making specific efforts to involve Dads. Article includes good research and background on why getting dads involved is so key.

Unusually strong (and long) piece here from Connecticut with excellent content for parents on the hows and whys for parents of getting involved at school. Good stuff.