I've already had several emails, and I'll happily share anything I have. My preference is that anyone who wants something email me directly. That keeps the forum less cluttered with email requests and "me, too" postings. Plus, when I'm busy, I may just scan the forum and not see your request.
You are welcome to customize and use anything I give you - but I'd love feedback (was it valuable, how did YOU use it, what changes did you make) - whatever you have time and inclination to share. Have a great day, everyone.
That is a great format - I think that would really help us - we use a brochure that is a trifold style and it covers all of the information about our PTSO, however, I like the upfront idea of clearing up what we don't do...I have emailed you with a request for your format...I am willing to share our trifold design with anyone interested...just send me an email and I will get it on its way to you... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hey, JHB I would love to see a copy of that form. Could you email it to me? Many parents in our school are confused as well as to what PTO really does or can do. Thanks!
We have a one page flyer that details the role of the PTO. It starts with our objectives and then has two columns "The PTO DOES" and "The PTO does NOT".
It lays out the basic parameters, for instance the first one is:
(does) support the educational programs and extracurricular activities of the school
(does not) run the school
There are about 11 of these paired bullets. We use this document at the beginning of the year so all the officers, reps, committee chairs understand. It's a handout; we have it posted on our bulletin board, and we usually publish it in the newsletter at some point.
There's a lot of confusion (especially at first) about the PTO. Some people even mix up the PTO Board with the School Board. Our Board created it, and our Principal LOVES this document and has shared it with other schools. He thinks it's a great way to set expectations at the beginning of the year and clarify roles.
P.S. If anyone wants a copy, please email me directly. That lets us leave this space for information sharing rather than one-on-one requests. Thanks!
Three years ago (our school is 5 years old) our PTO started hosted a BBQ for the staff on the Friday of Appreciation Week. HUGE!! Everyone has a great time and really enjoy having an outdoor lunch, even if for some it's only 10-15 minutes! We also have skate parties for the students that have gone over well but it's the BBQ everyone asks for!
It doesn't seem to matter where your school is or how large the enrollment; we all have similar issues and concerns we deal with every year. Through trial and error we manage to come up with some of our "best practices".
I would like to know: What are your Best Practices? Tell me something that your organization does well and has turned out to be a success year after year. [img]smile.gif[/img]
