Country Mom - check out the Bonus Tools section. There's a link to sample meeting minutes. Also, search the message boards for "meeting minutes". There was a recent thread on this very subject.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
Thank you to so many who have shared their experiences. Each insight ensures me that our PTO troubles have been others’ PTO troubles at one time or another.
I have been reading some articles with regard to common PTO troubles (National PTA and PTO Today) and feel much more comforted in knowing they are common issues but in the same feel more frustrated that same problems continue at what seems to feel as a across the board and across the nation level. My wish for all (and our PTO) is that through some small contributions this school year all can begin changing the typical stereotype of the PTO.
I recently attended our school’s open house. At this event, as a parent, I welcomed quite a few new families to our school. Despite the PTO downfalls, I did inquire as to interest in attending PTO meetings and much to my delight many stated they would attend the first few meetings to see if they liked it. I even found a parent who was involved in a previous PTO and she was able to give me some insight into her previous experiences; as you can already guess many of the same issues. However, this parent did not appear to be the timid parent when discussing her PTO experiences so I believe I have found a partner for the evolution of our PTO change.
I was also approached by the current PTO secretary who asked for my help updating the look of the meeting minutes used since the beginning. She stated the she absolutely hated the look of the 70’s and wanted to bring the PTO into the 21st century. I checked the by laws and have not found any area stating that changing the look of the minutes would require a vote. However, from past experiences I know that if a certain PTO member doesn’t come up with the ‘new’ idea, no matter the subject, chances are “it ain’t gonna happen†so while accepting to help have asked the secretary to keep my name out of it for the time being. I am now calling on more experienced people on the message boards asking if I should continue to tread lightly or go for it. I do not want to donate loads of time only to be dismissed once again. I also would like to know if other PTO’s would be willing to share their meeting minutes samples?
<font size=""1"">We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to do the mediocre."</font> (Uta Hagen)</font></font><br /><br> <br /><br>"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments...
and you're doing the hardest part -- talking and listening to others... If we converse with ohter parents and invite them to just "check out this" or "what can I do?" You've done the hardest part for most, involving parents and getting their feedback. -- it eliminates the cliqueiness
Yes we all like the "tell me what to do and I'll do it" (that's me also) but your getting the "how, why, where?" along with the "what'
New blood and new ideas always get others (except the one against any change) going...
If you build it they will come... but they have to know its there
~Adaption from Field of Dreams
<font size=""1""><font color="#"black"">Liberalism is not an affilation its a curable disease. </font></font><br /><br><font color="#"gray"">~Wisdom of Shawnshuefus</font><br /><br><font color="#"blue""><font size=""1"">The punishment which the wise suffer, who refuse to take part in government, is...
Hang in there. I am the new incoming President of my School's PTO. I can tell you that the biggest frusteration on my part is that the PTO has a bad reputation of being cliquish, our school also has a Parent Senate, we are a Charter School, so both groups have a bad reputation for not "getting along". This is my 3rd year on the board. I was the secretary for two years. Another frusteration is the low attendance. Your post is nice to read, as it provides some "other side of the fence" insight for me. As I did not attend meetings until I was on the board. I agree with what another person said, run for a position next year! You really can make a difference!
Thank you to all for the encouragement & insightfulness. It’s nice to know there is a supportive environment out there for situations. I have already committed to classroom assistance with each of my children’s teachers and we will see where things end up from there.
Again ~ thank you.
<font size=""1"">We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to do the mediocre."</font> (Uta Hagen)</font></font><br /><br> <br /><br>"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments...
You know, part of improving your child's learning experience and school environment is having a group of dedicated and involved parents. Keep encouraging those others to join you-you can become a force for change at your school.
As for the "business experience" that's probably what helped me the most with PTO experiences: marketing, selling, dealing with people, how to speak in a meeting, financial issues.....
And....
We were all someone with no PTO experience at one time.
