PTO Today

Wow, this is really the week for honoring PTOs. First it was the school throwing the nice party for its PTO. And now Ellen Degeneres is giving away brand new playgrounds to two deserving groups.

Side note: looks like our friends at Playworld Systems were heavily involved in this program with Ellen. That new NEOS playground system of theirs looks cool.

Yup, turtle races. Love the creativity of these PTOers in Massachusetts, who are planning a ton of activities centered on a man-made river (in the schoolyard) with plastic turtles floating downstream. The article contains really good detail on the build-up and plans for the turtle race event, which is a big fundraiser for a new playground project. Nice job.

Story is a great example of the “doing fewer things but doing those things better” philosophy that we’ve written about in the magazine for years. This is the kind of event that — done well — can change the reputation of a PTO for the better.

We can’t let our schools become factories. I’m all for accountability, but one of the first questions with accountability is: “what are you counting?” And for me, when it comes to school, SAT scores are not all that we should be counting. It’s why I love playgrounds at schools and schools that realize that extra-curriculars matter and schools that realize the atmosphere and discipline and caring matter, too. These are many of the things that PTOs and PTAs are so good about bringing into and keeping at school.

And it’s why this LA Times story on significant declines in school field trips is so disconcerting. Thank God for the parent groups doing what they can to stem this tide. Also worthwhile to give credit (as the story does) to the good work of one of our favorite partners, Target, on this issue. Their field trip grant program is a step in the right direction.

We couldn’t be more proud of our affiliation with Lowe’s and the Toolbox for Education program or more thankful for Lowe’s support of PTOs and PTAs nationwide. It’s the only comprehensive grant program focused exclusively on the work of school PTO sand PTAs — and Lowe’s has now given millions to groups through this effort.

Here’s just one great Lowe’s giving story from Lynn, MA. These guys built wooden easels for all their teachers thanks to their grant.

Similarly, I was lucky enough to attend a ribbon-cutting for a local playground recently. Lowe’s generously contributed nearly half the funds needed for the build. So great to see a couple of hundred little faces as they surged toward their new school backyard. Very cool.

Love the smiling faces on these Mississippi PTO leaders, as they celebrate receipt of dollars to complete their playground pavilion. 

Group received grant from the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program, which PTO Today is proud to be a part of.  Next application deadline is coming up soon, actually.  Complete details here.

Kids at this New Hampshire school will be returning to a spankin’ new playground, thanks to this PTO (and the installation skills of these dads). Nice.

Love these stories of teamwork, success and community. Rhode Island PTO finishes off year of hard work with community-build of new playground. Kids will come back to a whole new recess. Very cool.

Massachusetts PTO (and lots of happy kids) celebrate completion of $20,000 playground project.

Love pictures like this! Missouri PTO celebrates completion of $45k playground project. The smiles tell the story.

Two reads on successful conclusion of Connecticut PTO’s $18k playground project. Here’s one. And another.