I am interested in starting a SEPTO group within working with our current PTO (not a separate group). Can you share your experiences and how to get a group started? Is it a subcommittee? Separate by laws ???
Hi Heidi!
A good starting point would be to check in with the current PTO president and your school principal. We've seen many independent groups set up for parents of children in special education programs. It would in part depend on your goals and the level of interest among parents. Definitely put our a request to parents to gauge their interest and try to put together a first meeting with these parents to get more of a feel for what you all would like to do with this group. Then you can work out the details of how the group will be set up and structured in relation to the current PTO.
Im looking to start one in the town of Oxford.
Do I need to form a committee under the already formed PTO in town or do j start a separate organization ?
I don't know where to start!
Thank you,
Heidi
Mkomperda, I checked out the RAIN web site. I even read the minutes! Your group has accomplished a lot over the last three years. Which raises an important point. In many ways, it doesn't matter if your group is a SEPTO, a SEPTA, or if it goes by a different name. If your group is working to meet the unique needs that parents of exceptional children have, then your group is providing an important resource to the community. When a parent comes to your group looking for help and they find it, I bet that parent couldn't care less about whether your group's name ends with an O or an A or some other letter.
If you and your members are comfortable with your structure and your relationship with the school people, then there is no need to change it. On the other hand, if you and your members ever felt you could do a better job with a different structure, it's good to know you have other options.
SEPTA and SEPTO are forming less and less in my research. Our group, RAIN (Riverside Area Inclusion Network) formed in our district within our current PTO/PTAs. We want our children included so we thought as parents we want to be included. Just something to think about. We have been 3 years in the making, still struggle with acceptance at times with some, still trying out different ideas, building a base of volunteers and support group.
We have monthly "business" meetings (each school tries to be represented) along with teachers and administration. This is where we work on projects, talks, events, building our base. We are under the umbrella of one schools bylaws and regulations. Then we have teachers administrators leave and have a support group. It is work to get it going and takes time and energy. Check out our website rainetwork.weebly.com or see our facebook RAIN. IT is worth it to get started.
I know a Special Education PTO in CT like that. It's in a school for students with IEPs that is funded by area school districts who send students there. The school is considered a "cooperative school district." It has grades K through 8 and an early childhood program for children as young as 3 years old. This SEPTO does a great job supporting the school and the parents. Getting parents to participate despite the wide range of student ages and the large geographic area hasn't been a problem for them. But their leaders are very good at promoting SEPTO activities, which I'm sure makes a difference.
The group was started years ago by the school administration. Two years ago, the school parents decided to reboot as an independent group run by its members instead of the school administration. The school administration fully supported this move and the SEPTO was created. The group is composed of parents as well as the school administrators, teachers and staff so nobody is left out.
What does it take to start a SEPTO like that? Just like any PTO, you need a motivated group of volunteers, some leaders, bylaws, a checking account and lots more than a single post can explain. Click around the PTO Today web site and you will find some good ideas. It's easier than you might expect, especially if your volunteers are willing to share the work.
