PTO Today

Here’s a new twist (and I bet it will be the first of many of these). Talented volunteer puts together a video selling the importance of volunteering at school. Professional editing and a soundtrack make it really slick. Love it! I feel like I’m watching Oprah:

We’ve always said that if announcing: “Meeting next Tuesday at 7PM” is your main involvement-building strategy, then you’re in trouble. These guys clearly get that.

Love it when volunteers are recognized for all they do. This Ohio town names long-time volunteer (who started in the schools) as Grand Marshall of big parade.

Wish papers would dop even more of this — great profile here of a Kansas mom doing what so many other parent group leaders across the country do: give, give, give.

Love these nights. Five Connecticut PTO volunteers feted by district. Well-deserved. One mom didn’t miss a meeting in 8 years!

This Indiana PTO puts together nice appreciation week.

After successful 5 year term, head of this Connecticut PTO Council now stepping aside and making room for new blood.

USA Weekend magazine looking for parent volunteers who are going above ad beyond the call. Details here.

Some of our favorite stories are simple profiles of not-so-simple school volunteers. Like this one (we love it!) about a PTO Today regular (message boards, conferences, more…) from Marion, Mass. Jane McCarthy is proud of her “professional volunteering.”

Check out this weekend’s USA Today Weekend magazine (comes free in many papers. Nice profiles of exceptional school volunteers from around the country. And nice plug for ptotoday.com. Here’s the quote: “Its Web site is loaded with simple tips on how to get involved, like finding an activity that works with your schedule and not being afraid to ask what you can do.” Nice.

Even if you never click on any of these articles — if you’re a crazed parent group leader, you’ve got to read this one: “Stop Me before I Volunteer Again.” Love it.