Just a few thoughts - I have been pto pres. at my childrens elementary school for the past few years (appears no one wants the job). A few things we have done: sending home the pto meetings schedule (1st Wed. of every month), we have a newsletter that goes out evey 6 weeks (handled by a parent), we also found a parent who is "computer savey" and got us started on our own pto website - which has really helped get the word out on things going on at school. Plus, we post our meeting minutes online for those who missed out. If we don't get a volunteer to head up a committee - a notice goes home. Not everyone can make the meetings so in some cases we need to get to them. We send home notices looking for room parents - 2 indviduals per classroom that can assist when/where they are needed. Each year before school starts we have an ice cream social for kindergarten/new school students. This is a great way to try to draw in those new parents. Definately set up a table at open house, make flyers, notices regarding groups that require help. Good luck hope some of this helps.
I also am a new PTO president this year. I made a point of making eye contact and smiling to every parent that walked by, whether or not they stopped at the table. That gives them a sense of acknowledgement. Communication is a huge huge issue and it needs to be done right.
After Orientation/Open House, I personally emailed (one by one), everyone that had signed up. I thanked them for stopping by and for their interest in the PTO and told them about some upcoming events. And, whenever I get a new membership form coming in I either email or call them to let them know I got their form and to thank them for being interested.
This year I also made some changes to the way we hand out information. We went and bought blue and red 2 pocket folders. In the folders we put a welcome letter, memebership form, information on retail fundraising (IE: Target, grocery stores, box tops) and products for the box tops and the Campbells labels. Since we have a large Spanish speaking population here we had the Spanish versions of everything in the red folders instead of having English and Spanish back to back. This way everyone got their information they way they wanted it.
We gave away alot of folders at both Orientation and Back to School Night. I'm really hoping that we have a really good turnout at our first meeting next month.
I also made sure to reach out to the teachers. Before school started I sent an email out to all the teachers and staff, introducing myself and welcoming them back. I let them know that they can contact us anytime etc. I got alot of positive feedback.
I'm new to the whole thing as well. I vol'd for VP to a very unsupported PTA. Some of my own observations so far...
Your school community is chock full of parent volunteers. It's the approach that is key. I know from past experience with setting up similar organizations that you have to SELL your group to the parents. This requires Marketing. Advertise with flyers, newsletters and, most importantly, word-of-mouth, what your group's goals are this year. Parents want to see the end-result first! Use the word "participate" versus "volunteer". Ask people for their thoughts, insights, comments, etc. rather than just asking for them to help with xx event. Establish planning committees and invite open participation. People like to give you their opinions. I found a small group of parents who were very excited about changing our organization and formed an informal "council" where we communicate constantly, brainstorming and such. That core group begins spreading the word to their friends and before long, you're peaking interest and people start to ask questions and offer their help. It's not easy and takes time. Approach is key.
As this all unfolds at our school, I made it my mission to personally meet people or send them a personal email or phone call to introduce myself and ask what they think about xx. Tell them you want to hear their thoughts and keep in communication. Before long, they're jumping in with both feet, rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty...and they're happy to do it!
I am a new member and president of the PTO. Since I have no children in the school system, I had no idea that attending one meeting would put me in this position; however, I'm looking forward to the challenge. We have had two meeting this year, and the maximum number of attendees is ten. I'm told that in the past, the school did not have a PTO due to lack of parent participation and concern. Several years ago, some parents tried to give away appliances and have dinners for the parents, and they still did not show up. How do I get parents intereseted/involved? Does anyone have letters for parents asking them to participate? Do you try to get the community involved as a whole?
Friday night is Homecoming. I would like to make a brief speech about the importance of being involved in your child's educational experience. This would also include a plea for support. Does anyone have suggestions as to what should be included for maximum effect?
Next month is Open House, and I would like to have a booth set up to let parents know that we are active this year and need their support. THe parents that attending the meeting stated that they would like to have a booth set up; however, I'm the only one willing to take off of work for a few hours to see that this task is done. Does anyone have suggestions and/or forms, letters, newsletters, etc. that could be used on this particular night?
The principal asked that we raise funds for playground equipment since the she has been unsuccessful at receiving grants. Parents that attended the meeting would like to have only two fundraisers this year. Does anyone know of a grant that the PTO could apply for? What are good fundraisers for small, rural communities?
