ISSUE DATES

  • Free Download: School Playground Planning Guide

    Kids love playgrounds. They’re fun, they create social interactions, and research shows they can play a significant role in child development. This school playground planning guide will help you make it happen at your school! We know playground projects can be daunting. Whether you’re considering building a new playground or adding playground equipment to an existing one, this guide walks you through all the important steps in planning and executing your project. You’ll learn how to build support, select a vendor, raise money, and coordinate the installation, plus get an inspection checklist, planning checklist, and tools to promote the grand opening of your new playground! Download Free Guide By registering to access this free guide, you’ll be opted in to receive communications from PTO Today and our sponsor to help your group do great work! You may unsubscribe anytime. Inside the School Playground Planning Guide: Playground Safety Checklist Detailed points to assess the surface, equipment, and location of your existing school playground. Getting Started How to find community members to support your project, create a timeline, and get students involved. Making the Case Why school playgrounds are important and how to share that message. Planning Your School Playground 6 key discussion points to make sure the end result works for all students and can be maintained for years to come, plus a checklist to help determine your needs and build support. Choosing a Playground Vendor Researching companies, soliciting bids, asking important questions before you buy, and making a final decision. Funding Your Playground Tips for finding grants and cutting costs. Finishing Touches Installing your school playground and celebrating with the community! What Does a School Playground Project Involve? Playgrounds are among the most expensive projects for PTOs, so it’s important to research your options carefully. If there’s an existing playground at your school, your first step is to give it a close inspection. Grab a clipboard and pen and head on over. Does it need a complete overhaul? Is it in good shape but could use some new equipment and a bit of sprucing up? Take careful notes—they’ll help you build a case for your project. You’ll need a diverse group of committed volunteers to research, plan, and execute the project. Ideally, your playground planning committee will include the following: A member with expertise in construction. This could be a parent who owns or manages a construction company. A member with expertise in recreation. At least one parent of a child with a disability to advise on accessibility issues. A community representative, especially if your playground will be open to the community outside of school hours. For your project to be a success, you’ll need the support of the school community, school officials, and the larger community. Make the case for why the school needs a new playground and what its benefits will be. Enlist opinions and advice from others so they’ll feel personally invested in the project. A good estimate for a typical playground project is six to nine months from the start of planning until installation, not including fundraising. Be aware that glitches are not uncommon with construction projects, so keep your timeline flexible. Download Free Guide By registering to access this free guide, you’ll be opted in to receive communications from PTO Today and our sponsor to help your group do great work! You may unsubscribe anytime. Still have questions? Call us at 800-644-3561; we’re here to help. Share this page:

  • Grandparents Are Great!

    Take advantage of a valuable resource by including elders in your events.

  • Tips for a Successful Food Fundraiser

    Ideas and best practices to make sure your food fundraiser is tasty and profitable.

  • Reduce Your PTO Stress

    Try these tips and smart ideas to make your PTO life easier.

  • 15 PTO Organizational Tips To Kick Off January

    January is Get Organized Month, the perfect time for parent groups to do a little housecleaning and get focused for a great second half of the school year.

  • 14 New Year’s Resolutions for a PTO Leader

    Looking back with humor, and forward with perspective.

  • Not Just Another Dance

    Try these fun alternatives to father-daughter and mother-son dances.

  • Special Interest Day Captivates Students

    A day of educational and fun activities brightens up winter for Michigan students.

  • Is Parent Involvement Dying?

    Today’s school parent groups have nothing to worry about—if they connect with families in modern ways.

  • School Events Middle Schoolers Won’t Hate

    Even finicky middle schoolers will have fun with these ideas and events—although they probably won’t admit it.

  • 6 Ways To Brighten the Winter

    Give everyone a lift during the winter months with these ideas and simple events.

  • School Events Kids Love

    Create excitement for your activities by focusing on fun.

  • 6 Clique Fixes

    Commonsense steps to change how people see your PTO.

  • 10 Quick and Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts

    Everyone likes to come up with a nice way to thank their teachers, but not everyone is crafty. Luckily, there are many easy teacher gifts that will let them know you care.

  • How To Organize a Trunk or Treat

    This fun school Halloween event provides families with an alternative to trick-or-treating door-to-door.

  • 6 Keys to Effective Committees

    Try these tips to improve your committee work.

  • Dodgeball Tournament Is a Big Hit

    An Oklahoma PTO taps into kids’ love of an old-fashioned game for big fun (and profit).

  • The Myth of the Volunteer Trap

    Even the best “tricks” to get parents involved will fail if working with your group is not a positive experience.

  • Put Some Bounce in Your Spring Fundraising

    The options are endless, and it’s a great time for PTOs to try something new.

  • Tips and Ideas for Food-Related Events

    Parent group leaders share tips to make your next community meal or other food-centered event easier.
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