When my son went into Kindergarten, I didn't know much about the parent group at our school and what it did for the children. I filled out the paperwork and sent our dues in. I volunteered in the classroom and saw the need that was there. I went to different monthly meetings and listened to concerns and kept my mind and ears open. I had the time, energy and enjoyment to volunteer to help my children and all the children at our school, by being a part of this organization and assisting wherever needed, not just in my child's classroom. It seems to me that it doesn't matter what parent group we are a part of, as long as it helps the children in some way. From what I've learned PTO's are a more independent group, possibly out of necessity to keep the limited funds at the site and not spread them too thin. PTA's are part of a long established organization that has larger goals as well as the local needs. I personally think that both groups are great because they are full of caring individuals who are trying to make a difference in our future through investing in our children. Both groups are different from each other and the same in many ways. Like strawberries and apples are different, but they are both sweet and nutritious fruits of life. Thank you all for the wonderful work you do from the heart. I hope we adults can find peace in this discussion and respect each other's decision to be a part of whatever group we choose. That is our freedom.

I'd just like to point out that it seems to be all the PTA folks posting here that are doing the bashing of other parent/teacher groups. Seems like they can't defend their own group without putting down another. What does that tell everyone about PTA?

I have read all of the replies very slowly as to not miss anything. I am in my third year as a PTO officer. We have one big fund-raiser and several small ones. When I started there was no money int the bank from the year before to do anything with. Since then we have been able to purchase new sound system equipment which is used by the entire school, bought dy-cuts for the teachers, new reading and math manipulatives. These are things that the school distict has no money for. We also sponsor events throughout the year. I really resent the statement that we are strictly money seekers. Our school has not been able to provide the students with a proper education using materials from 20-30 years ago. Almost all of the curriculum has changed ans sometimes year to year.
We keep about 2% from each year to kick off the next school year. We are trying to gets parents involved and in our town it would be even harder if there were dues to pay.
The teachers, faculty, and principal accept and appreciate our help and to see the kids' faces light up at our snack sales and to know our names is priceless. No matter what is said, we are there for the students of today and tomorrow. I have three children and will be at each school for quite a few years. I do agree that spending $4000 for closet bedding is foolish. Think about were else that money could have been used for.
I hope that I have made some sense and do not have a problem with PTA or any other parent group. I think it really depends on the type of community you have to be able to support you. Thanks for listening.
"WE ARE ALL HERE FOR THE CHILDREN NOT OURSELVES !!" And if you are in it for yourself-get out. No hard feelings please.

This is going to be my last post to this topic. First, between meetings and PTO events we have 34 activities on our schedule thus far this year. More are added throughout the year. Do you know how much time and dedication is devoted to each event? Probably not, if comments like, PTO's are only about fundraising. My school has 2 fundraisers a year. Gee, that sounds like our main focus doesn't it? I am in no way bashing PTA's, know why? Because, it's just not nice, and I have other focuses at hand. I love this site and use it daily to help me with the JOB I have committed myself to for this school year. If you're using this website to bash PTO's, please find another website and other volunteer organizations to bash. People volunteer to enhance others lives with little to no reward. My reward comes from within. Money is NOT everything, but we do have to manage it wisely. Our PTO runs on about 3% of all the money we get every year. The rest goes directly back to the school and, get this, the COMMUNITY.

I became active in our "PTO" last year. I was unsure of my duties as co-chairperson. Instead of president and vice president, we use co-chaipersons. Our PTO plans many activities for our children (educational and entertaining). I wonder how many PTO and PTA are actively involved in the classrooms. Our PTO has hands on experience. We promote a Books and Beyond reading program.. Our PTO works with our town and state legislators for grant money for various projects. Also, we fundraise for scholarships for students who have attended our school.
Last year a teacher past away and the entire PTO was able to pitch in and help out the adminstrators so they could attend the funeral.
Our PTO works for the students--our rewards are the smiles on their faces. A reward for me is when a child says hello to me and remembers my name.
If I wanted to be a lobbyist, I would move to Washington. Our community is involved in bussing, youth problems and building needs.
Our community works together !!!
I am insulted that I some people think I am doing this for myself.
Guess what !! Our PTO does not charge any dues to belong. Our membership is free.

As a District President in my state, one of my units is trying to decide whether or not to change from a PTA to a PTO. I am going to speak to this group tonight and I have so many things I want to say. This forum has given me a lot of ideas. First off, the article in this magazine was good, more than that, truthful but there is so much you forgot to say about the PTA. PTA is a wonderful organization that, if properly run, not only raises funds for the children in your school, but also helps out the children throughtout the nation that DO NOT have funds for college or a parental voice. You may laugh when I say that, but has your PTO or PTA ever paid for a child's shoes, coat, field trip? Have you ever made sure that each child in your school was clothed properly for each season? Have you ever made sure that each child in your school has equal opportunity in every sense of the word? Have you ever paid for family night out or paid to have a children's artist come in the EVENING? Not just assembly, but a program that would help enrich many lives? Many PTA and PTO's forget about the advocacy and the whole mission statement because each president/board creates their whole agenda. Many times that agenda has nothing to do with what their group is all about, just what they want to accomplish for the year. Maybe he/she just wants a little recognition, maybe he/she wants to be better than the last president (cause she hates her!) or maybe he/she just wants something to do. Either way, if your don't use guidelines, the kids kinda of get lost in the shuffle. Think about that the next time you get in an argument over who is right about some issue.

I firmly believe that it is not a money issue for either group as the article states. I agree with several of the writers and say stop complaing. Put your money where your mouth is.

PTA promotes the parent education, gives scholarships to HS students, teachers, nurses, volunteers who go back to school (some to become teachers), translations grants for all of you bi-ligual school and so much more. We are an instrument group regarding legislative issues. Yes we take a stand, but only where children are at the core of the issue. CA PTA was instrumental in reducing class size in K-3 grades a couple years back. We are reaping the benefits of this wonderful legislation. PTO was fund raising through this whole issue. I am not talking specific people, I am talking "parent group". You may have been in charge of this leg issue in your area, but you were not speaking for your PTO.

PTA provides an annual convention in each state that provides so much information and knowledge that you can't possible use it all in one year!

I guess to sum it up, PTA is not just about fundraising. PTO is. That is a fact. ON this site there is not one article about parent education, scholarships, child advocay and more.

I could go on and on, but I suddenly feel great about PTA and I will be the best PTA cheerleader tonight.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice MY OPINION.