We’ve had a big blast of bad news from the parent group world recently. First, there was another batch of embezzlement stories. Then there was a story concerning a PTO’s role in a misguided effort to single out kids who did not make fundraising goals. And the real topper was a piece about a parent volunteer who threatened to harm a public official.

Really? And it’s what season?

Luckily, we have you—our parent group community—to remind us that most PTOs and PTAs are far more focused on building community and taking care of others. So what exactly are you up to this time of year?

Well, here’s just one example. We posted a simple question on Facebook last week asking about your holiday plans. Here’s what we got:

• Parents Night Out—Fun and games for the kids while the parents enjoy kid-free shopping

• Annual Christmas Fair: Two-day event that dates back at least 40 years

• Santa Shop

• Parent/child cookie contest

• Selling discount gift certificates to local playhouse

• Annual Movie Night, free cocoa and cookies


• Advent Mass, refreshments for 70

• Santa Shop and two winter shows

• Pancake breakfast, along with a craft fair and a book fair

• Santa Shop with candles fundraiser

• Book Fair, Santa Shop, Pizza Night With Santa

• Christmas Store

• Holiday shopping and a personalized ornaments project for the kids

• Cookies With Santa

And that’s hearing from just a few of you! So thank you again for the reminder that, yes, there are some unfortunate (even strange) stories in the news, but there are plenty of good things happening every day.