Remember, if your school is in the news we'd love to share it with other parent groups. Share your story on our Facebook page or by emailing me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Judging from my news feed, things are heating up in parent groups across the country. So refreshing to read how PTOs and PTAs are making the first day of school fun and memorable for anxious kids and teachers! Here are some of the highlights:

--One Missouri PTO brilliantly sponsored a back-to-school event that let students and parents check out their classroom and local businesses set up booths to hand out goodies to connect with families. “The businesses give so much to PTO.This is our way to support them,” said, PTO Co-president Cherie Horn said. Sounds this school is thinking ahead and starting their year off right!

--Like how this Illinois PTO recognizes that going back to school is not a picnic for students -- so they start the year off with a back-to-school party!

--This PTO's First Day Celebration invites parents and kids to the first day of school! What a great way to emphasize how parent involvement is encouraged and valued.

--One Texas school hasn't started yet but their PTA has been busy buying back-to-school supplies, in effort to help cash-strapped parents. Bet these families will be more likely to say yes to that call to volunteer!

--Kudos to this Illinois PTO for kicking off the school year by getting kids involved in a community service program. Kids at this elementary school are learning the valuable lesson of helping others by bringing in gently-used backpacks and school supplies to send to Tanzania.