I was a little surprised to realize that this is my 5th year as a PTOer. I have served in 4 different positions though, which makes it a little different. I started PTO when my oldest was in Kinder at a K-4th school. They combined our school with the intermediate (5th-6th) school the following year to make a Pre-K-6th. So we had a new school, new principal, new PTO. Just when we had things beginning to work in an orderly fashion, we got a new principal this year.

The most difficult thing has been getting programs that continue from one year to the next. When you have so much change it's hard to know what is working and what's not. Our school is set up rather strangely in that we have another K-4th that combines with us when their kids get to 5th grade. It's been hard on the parents and the kids when our kids have been at the same school since Kinder and the other kids come over for only 2 years. The other school has an awesome PTO, but once they move over the parents seem to drop out and don't want to get involved in our PTO. They still help out in their child's grade level, just not school-wide.

I've enjoyed being involved in PTO. I know all the teachers on a first name basis. I know before most people when events are coming up and so I can plan my calendar accordingly. I even know the superintendent and administrative staff on a first name basis. I'm good friends with at least half of the BOE. I think the biggest plus is knowing these people and having someone to go to if a problem arises.

By the way, 5 years so far and my youngest doesn't start Kinder until the fall. What is the record for years served as a PTO officer?

Um, I've been a PTOer for 8 yrs and still have more time to put in.( my youngest just turned 4) I've seen the ptos in my area dwindle to due families being to busy to be involved but will volunteer when needed and restructuring of our schools have made PTOers rare. A big pro is I know all the staff and can call them by their first name. I know which teacher is best suited to my child. And it starts to feel like a 'family'. People know that they can count on you. The cons are no one else wants the job. I love the ones who show up for one meeting give all sorts of input and you never see them again.

I,too, love this site. It makes me feel that I am not alone. Everyone here has so much to offer and such great ideas.

Guess what? Mike here, goin on year #4 as President! No one else wants to do it, and everyone seems to be happy with the results we have had. New ideas and more fire are running through the PTO than ever! Thank you PTO Today! You have given me the tools to elevate the PTO, the spirit of the school, and bring out the hearts of the parents!

We, as per our bylaws, opened nominations to everyone(write in only, silent nominee ballots) Everyone, I mean everyone put my name on the nominee space. We do allow for multiple terms in our bylaws, and I try to stretch the organization more and more every year by raising the bar a little higher. I love the school the staff and the parents. It is a private school of almost 170 students, grades Prek4-8th grade.

Why am I posting this? I would like to reach out to others that have been actively involved with a school as a PTO board member for more than four years. I know it is not rare if you have been in the PTO for your childs entire time in elementary school. I want to know the pros and cons the things they run into when they have been there so long.

Let me say, every year I get more and more excited about the next year with new ideas and new challenges. I look forward to some insight and wisdom from the oldtimers as always!

I thank all of you that post here, for how you have helped me, and taught me so much in the past year and in the years ahead.