On starting a new PTO, read this web site and message board as much as you can. Many other people have shared their problems, and by knowing of their experiences, you may learn how to avoid them. The biggest challenge is building interest and membership. It take lots of communications. Don't move too quickly. You need to build relationships with the staff too. Get them on your side. They are essential to you success.
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization, which is usually group organized to support the school and its students. Common goals would be organizing teacher appreciation activities, coordinating volunteers, raising funds to supply "extras" such as programs, field trips, classroom supplies.
The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) plays a similar role. But PTA is a large, formal organization with a national level, state levels, and units/chapters at individual schools. Only groups that have truly joined the PTA organization can use that name.
A PTO is a stand-alone group, not affiliated with any national or state organization. While "PTO" is one of the most common names used, a group can call itself whatever it chooses. So it might be "Parent Teacher Council" or "Parent Teacher Student Organization". Its name and purpose are totally up to the members establishing it.
Most of us are referring to OUR own group or a specific group when we mention PTO - like ABC Elementary Parent Teacher Group (PTO).
But the phrase can also be used as a generic category to refer to any/all parent support groups - regardless what they call themselves. In that sense, a PTA chapter would be a type of parent teacher organization (generic term, no capitals).
This site/forum is an opportunity for parent group members to network and share ideas. Anyone can participate, regardless whether you are PTA/PTO or something else.
