Since the majority of what you can do now as a "new group" is very informal stuff, like initial bylaws, talking through bigger concepts, just make it clear that you are only doing informal get togethers so that come May or June, you can begin working with gusto as a new organization. That your commitment is to the children now where they are going to school but that you have the foresight to make sure that the move to the new school is planned and in the best interests of the coming year as well. You don't want to burn bridges because if this is anything like our school, we received start up money from the last schools we attended since we had been active members and helped raise some of their money in their programs.
the current pta members may feel that they are losing too much of their volunteer base and funding opportunity without the new school people. We want to break but not step on toes. Anyone have a similar issue. We don't want it to be messy, but it is heading in that direction. any words of advice?
I believe each school should have its own individual pto....don't merge. It happened to 2 of our elem. (one is k-1 & the other is 2-3) Its not easy trying to meet the needs of 2 schools because each fund raisers separately & each has its own treasurers & each has its own needs & ideas. I'd stay separate. Why do they want to stay as one?
We are running into some friction with parents in our district. While we are planning to open a new school some want to remain as one PTA, not a new PTO.
While it is great to have parents who know they want to be involved, I would be sure to publish some type of announcement for anyone (likely to be with you at the new school) who would want to be involved has an opportunity. You may find some resentful parents in the fall, if you put everything into place without looking for input. Remember there may be others who are thinking the same as you, just not in your circle of "friends/neighbors." It wouldn't be good to have a couple of groups trying to organize without the other being aware of it.
Have to agree with Tim--about 24 months ago we were destined to come together in a school "hopefully ready to open in 04". The 04 is the only difference from yours (which is 06). We had a principal that was smart enough to have an early meeting with us (the parents going into the new school) and she set the first "PTO" meeting for May...we got together 4 months before our schools doors were even installed and started organizing --THANK GOODNESS--I would tell you that now is not too early to start AT ALL. If you know where the school population is being pulled from, send notices home to all of them (via their current PTOs) that you will be having an informal get together to discuss the upcoming year. If the principal can lead it...great...if not --you guys get going and come together intially for a dialogue (yes someone has to take charge and pull this together) and then schedule elections and get going...there are bylaws to write, spiritware to order lots of things you need a leg up on. The first year for the school will be the ONLY time some of these kids are in Kindergarten or 5th grade--so don't cut them short by not having t-shirts, programs etc. ready to go. Good Luck--and if you need help please let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.....d
