¡Bienvenidos! to the PTO board. I'm the PTO president at an International school in Venezuela and even though the majority of our students speak English, the local parents and people in the community usually speak Spanish. We publish everything in both languages. When I have a meeting, I try to make sure that someone who is bi-lingual is present to translate. One thing I've learned about the Hispanic/Latin culture is that their children are very important to them. Remember that not knowing English is probably intimidating to them so they may want to be involved, but hesitate to. I'm like that here since I speak little Spanish, but a translator works wonders. Why would you go to a meeting when you didn't understand a word being spoken?? Because of the financial status of your parents, you'll need to tailor your program around that. "Selling-type" fundraisers might be out, but what about businesses in your community? Could they donate towards school projects or parties? PTO doesn't have to be about having a huge budget and being able to buy things left and right for the teachers and students. It's about enriching the childrens' education. Invite local people into the school for a career day. Do a reading program with a donated prize for the reward. Team up with a local middle/high school for tutoring or athletic program. What a wonderful opportunity you have before you. Just ask the parents what they would like to see for their children, what you would like to see for yours, and run with it.

BTW, you have to then share your ideas with the rest of us!! :cool:

Good for you! We lived in just such a community many years ago. My son was one of only four English-speaking students in his class. You will find the parents want the same things for their children as you do for yours. Is there a room parent program in place at your school for class parties? They would be the logical group to try to organize a PTO. They are already involved on some level. I would suggest you start off with a noncontroversial project to attract parents. Library fundraisers are always good. You would then be identified as the nice mom who wants the kids to have a great library. It would put a good face on the future PTO. Don't get discouraged. You will have the opportunity to touch so many people with your efforts.

Good for you for wanting to get involved. First I would suggest all notices be 2-sided and in both languages. I am sure that if there isn't a parent or staff member who is willing to help - go to the high school. Kids in national honor society have to put in a certain number of community service hours - the ESL (English as a Second Language) or National Honor Society staff sponsor could put you in touch with someone (this is who we use for babysitting at our meetings and it's great - free!) Set up one meeting to discuss bylaws (if you need some generic ones I'll be happy to email you ours) and stay tuned to this site - I have learned more in a couple of months than I knew the information existed. I went from being a parent who bought things from fundraisers and attended Fun Fair to president in that short period of time. Everyone here is AWESOME and I never would have taken this step without them!

We moved to this small town just last Fall and there is no parental involvement in our tiny school. A large majority of our kids and families are poverty level and spanish speaking and I do not speak spanish. But I really want to start a PTO here and have no idea whatsoever where to start.

Any ideas will be sincerely appreciated. Please email me or post here.

Thank you!

Joan in Oklahoma This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.