Free Guides

The Ultimate School Playground Planning Guide
Whether you’re building a new school playground or adding to an existing one, we walk you through the important steps to get it done, from navigating fundraising to vetting vendors.
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Internet Safety During a Pandemic—How Your Group Can Help Families
Our free Family Tech Talk: Virtual Edition event! Trend Micro hosts live Zoom meetings for schools that include an Internet safety expert presentation and Q&A for parents.

How To Plan a Fun Run
Our free guide covers everything you need to know to pull off a jogathon fundraiser at your school, from motivating students to collecting pledges.
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Adapt Your PTO Work During Coronavirus Closures
Our free guide walks you through moving forward with your parent group, even from a distance: Plan safe events and fundraisers, learn ways that volunteers can help even if they can’t get into schools, and much more.

Teacher Appreciation: The Ultimate Guide
54 ways to show teachers and staff you care, from inexpensive student gifts to theme meals.
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Family Science Night: STEM Activities To Spark Imagination
Use our free kit to plan an awesome night of STEAM and STEM activities at school, with complete supply lists and instructions for more than 20 activities, handouts to continue the learning at home, and promotional tools.
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32 Volunteer Appreciation Ideas and More
Volunteer appreciation matters. From super-simple ideas to grander gestures, say thanks to your volunteers in ways that will make them feel good (and keep them coming back)!
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How To Run a School Holiday Shop
Tips for choosing a service provider, getting organized, and creative ways to promote your event.
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Planning for Fall 2020
We assembled a panel of parent group industry leaders to share advice and information to help groups plan for Back-to-School 2020. Watch our webinar, check out the extended Q&A, and find resources that will help your group prepare for this highly anticipated new school year.
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148 Silent Auction Ideas and More
Ideas for items and baskets to offer at your school auction, plus a few items that don’t work and lots of helpful tips to make the process of securing items easier.
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Marketing Must-Dos for PTOs and PTAs
Eight top ways to promote your group effectively within your school community, plus actionable steps for each one.
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Community Service Ideas for PTOs and PTAs
Service project ideas, tips on publicizing your event, free downloadables and Facebook graphics, and more.
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Guide to Supporting STEAM and STEM Learning
PTOs and PTAs can play a substantial role in supporting STEAM and STEM learning at school. Our free guide has ideas for hands-on activities, tips for finding community experts, and much more!
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The 411 on Credit Card Payments
Accepting payments by credit card is a step that can increase your parent group’s income. Our guide will help you understand the benefits and risks, evaluate costs, and more.
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Family Reading Night
Use our free Family Reading Night planning kit to share your favorite stories and encourage a love of reading.
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Restaurant Fundraiser Planning Kit
Restaurant fundraisers are an easy and simple way for your group to raise money for your school. Our guide will help you plan and promote your event with no stress.
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How To Incorporate a School PTO
Don’t be intimidated by the process of incorporation! We cover the benefits, information you should know before you start, and the three key steps to follow.
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Parent Group Insurance: What You Need To Know
Looking to keep up with some PTO business this spring? Our webinar covers why insurance is important, the various types you can get, and much more. Watch now for free!
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Put Parent Involvement First: 10 Tips
Make involvement your top priority and every challenge your group faces will get a whole lot easier.
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Reenergize Your Group Midyear
Keep your group motivated to carry on with its good work! How to manage volunteers, avoid burnout, and review your financial status.
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New Leader? No Problem
All the know-how you need to be an effective and successful parent group leader, including tips for managing difficult people.
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Warm Up the Winter Holidays
Show your holiday spirit as a parent group and school community with fun events, thoughtful teacher appreciation, and community service ideas.
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End-of-School-Year Guide for PTOs and PTAs
Helpful tips and tools for getting organized, wrapping up finances, transitioning new officers, showing appreciation to volunteers and staff, and planning for next year before your school’s summer break.
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How To Promote Your Group (and Why You Should Care)
Is your PTO or PTA struggling to be heard? Raise your profile and celebrate everything your group does with the free resources in our guide, for National School Parent Group Day or any time of year.
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2 Hour Power Pledge Program
Scratch "not enough volunteers" off your list of stressors. Our 2 Hour Power school volunteer recruitment program has all the steps and tools you need to build your base—2 hours at a time.
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501(c)(3) Basics for School Parent Groups
Does your head spin thinking about the IRS and tax-exemption? Our free webinar covers the whats, whys, and hows and answers a ton of frequently asked questions.
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