One of the Most Impactful Ways Principals Can Transform School Culture

A thriving school isn’t built by one person—it’s built by a community. At the heart of that community is a powerful partnership between the school principal and the PTO. When school leaders and parent volunteers work together, amazing things can happen. Think better school spirit, stronger connections, a more positive school culture, and a big boost for students and staff, too.

Why Principal Support Matters

A principal sets the tone for the entire school. When a principal shows visible support for the PTO—whether that’s attending PTO meetings, helping communicate events and fundraisers, or simply saying "thank you"—it sends a clear message to families, teachers and staff: We’re all in this together. This kind of support encourages greater parent engagement. Families are more likely to get involved when they see that the school administration values the PTO’s role.

It also builds trust. When parent volunteers feel heard and respected by school leadership, collaboration becomes easier and more effective.

The Benefits of Collaboration

When principals and PTO leaders work hand-in-hand, they can:

• Align on school goals. PTOs can help fundraise and rally parent support for school priorities, whether that’s technology upgrades, enrichment programs, or facility improvements.
• Coordinate communication. A unified front helps families stay informed and feel more connected to what’s happening in the school.
• Create a welcoming school culture. From back-to-school night to Teacher Appreciation Week, events feel more inclusive and impactful when there’s joint planning and support.
• Respond to challenges as a team. Whether it’s a budget cut, a shift in curriculum, or a community concern, a strong partnership means the school has more voices and more hands ready to help.

Ways Principals Can Support the PTO

You don’t need to attend every fundraiser or wear a ridiculously awesome inflatable unicorn costume to Family Movie Night (unless you want to!), but even small gestures can make a big difference. Here are a few ways principals can show support: 

• Be present and approachable. Attend a portion of each PTO meeting—even a 10-minute update makes a big impact! 
• Share PTO events in your school newsletter or social media posts. Show that you support the PTO and the work they do.
• Say thanks! Acknowledge PTO board members and volunteers publicly at school events or staff meetings. Pssst: did you know there's an actual official appreciation day for PTO and PTA volunteers? National PTO Appreciation Day is celebrated on September 26. This is a great time to step up and recognize your PTO/A. Fun ideas to celebrate National PTO Appreciation Day
• Keep your door open: Get to know your PTO board, and meet regularly with PTO leadership to stay aligned on goals, challenges, and plans.
• Offer guidance when needed, but also empower the PTO to take ownership of initiatives.
• Create and nurture a collaborative partnership with the PTO; don't shut down new ideas.

@delaneyyybee Best decision I made was being so involved with my kids school 🤎 #4yearsontheptoboard #pietheprincipal #piethepresident #funschool #ptomom #schoolvibes #happykids ♬ Boogie Shoes - KC & The Sunshine Band

A Shared Mission

At the end of the day, both principals and PTOs want the same thing: a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for every student, and teachers and staff that feel seen and supported. When PTOs and principals work together—sharing ideas, celebrating wins, and tackling challenges side by side—there’s no limit to what a school community can achieve. So, principals: open the door, make a seat at the table, and invite your PTO to be your partner. It’s one of the smartest and most impactful investments you can make in your school’s success.  

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