How to Write a PTO Mission Statement in a Few Easy Steps
As we gear up for a new school year, it's a good time to take a fresh look at your PTO's mission statement to evaluate the work your group has been doing and plan future events and activities that align with the mission.
A mission statement, which is a summary of an organization’s purpose, sounds like it belongs on a whiteboard in a corporate office. But if you are willing to try creating one, you may find it could be very helpful for your parent group. A PTO mission statement allows your group to regularly evaluate the work you've been doing, and to better plan future events and activities that align with your group's mission.
A mission statement spells out what your group values and strives to accomplish. It comes in handy when a group is making big decisions, like selecting a fundraising partner or enrichment programs, so you know your choices fit without the group’s overall objectives. (It’s worth noting that groups are required to have one when they apply for 501(c)(3) status.)
Sometimes PTO officers feel intimated because “mission statement” sounds so formal, but it doesn’t have to be perfect prose. In fact, you probably already know your group’s mission in your heart.
To help put it into words, ask parents to join you in a brainstorming session in which you ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
Questions that promote discussion include:
- What are the top two or three things you want for students?
- If you could describe our school community in a few words, what would they be?
- Imagine our PTO two years from now. How would you describe it?
As people offer opinions, take notes. Common threads in the discussion will start to emerge and key points of the mission statement will take shape.
After this meeting, the board can put together a mission statement that reflects the input of the group. It should be simple and to the point, addressing general goals and avoiding any specifics that would be outdated within a few school years. Publish it on the group’s website, update it in the group’s bylaws, and talk about it at your first meeting next year.
Sample PTO Mission Statements
Mission statements can be as long or as short as your group would like. You can check out sample PTO mission statements from real PTOs, below!
From Kalida Elementary School PTO: The PTO's mission is to promote open and positive communication and understanding between parents and staff of the Kalida Elementary School. Our efforts serve to enhance and maximize the education of every child while aiding them in achieving their highest potential.
From Spring Hill Elementary PTO: The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) consists of parents and teachers working together to enhance the educational experience of our children. Our PTO sponsors numerous events and programs throughout the school year with the help of many dedicated volunteers. Through its fundraising efforts, the PTO furnishes funding not included in the county school budget for school equipment, field trips, classroom funds, and cultural arts activities.
Some PTO mission statements are on the longer side, like this one from Weston PTO:
The Weston Public Schools Parent Teacher Organization (Weston PTO) is an all-volunteer, parent-run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our children and fostering a sense of community within our schools. We seek to keep parents connected and informed by facilitating a closer relationship between school and home and serving as the communication link between the two. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthen the Weston Public Schools’ capacity to provide the highest quality education possible for all students. We strive to do this by:
- Providing educational programs spanning all grade levels, ranging from science and math related speakers and hands-on activities, nature explorations, author visits, and artist performances.
- Facilitating communication and supporting our schools and students through PTO volunteers serving as school chairs, room parents, and class parents/advisors.
- Streamlining important communication through Westword, our weekly email newsletter, which contains school-related news and updates and information about upcoming programs and events at school and within the community.
- Hosting various Parent Coffees and Forums within each of the five schools throughout the year.
- Sponsoring and planning Parent Education events and speakers.
- Organizing Community Outreach drives that support local charitable organizations, while affording students an opportunity to practice social responsibility and compassion for others.
- Offering our membership a directory of students, families, and faculty/staff.
- Coordinating volunteers for school events and providing supplemental supplies and resources.
- Hosting numerous faculty/staff appreciation events in every school throughout the school year.
Our annual budget is raised solely through membership dues. We urge all families with children attending the Weston Public Schools to join as PTO members each school year. Each membership helps augment our children’s school experience and supports our educators in fulfilling their vision.
Parent involvement is a fundamental part of what makes a school community rich and robust. We take great pride in the strength of our PTO and encourage you to learn more about our programs and get involved in any of the many volunteer opportunities that work with your interests and schedule.
Here are some resources to help:
