We just started a PTO newsletter last month. I would say it depends on the goals the PTO as to whether to pursue it. We sent out our volunteer sign up sheet and asked for any suggestions and ideas. The most common complaint was not knowing what is going on with PTO! So, we decided to go for it! We have had lots of positive responses to it!
Ours is set up like a newspaper with a border across the top and bottom (Geckos...our school mascot). Then on the left is the date and on the right is our name. Each article is set off in boxes with clipart and there are two columns per page.
This is my first year as secretary. Our group has done them in the past but stopped. I did the first one last month and the parents liked it. This month we didn't do as well. Does anyone have a layout of what or how it is posted.(like a calendar, or just brief messages?)
Our school puts out a weekly newsletter and this year we added a one-page (front/back) newsletter from the PTO. We print it on green paper so it stands out and goes out the first week of each month. Our PTO secretary uses a Hallmark Print Shop software and it looks great...lots of cool clipart and very catchy. I like it because our stuff doesn't get lost with the rest of the information from the school! :cool:
We include activities for the month including our meetings. PTO needs. Special events. Kudos and thanks for volunteers. And so on. We also always include a list of the executive board and their contact information.
Our parent group covers two elementary schools. Each school publishes a biweekly newsletter, and we have a section in each to notify parents of what's going on with the parent group. We don't publish our own newsletter because it would be redundant.
If there is nothing like this in your school, I would think it would be wonderful to put a newsletter out. You can mention any upcoming events, acknowledge volunteers, etc. This really helps increase communications between parents and the school- it gives those people who can't, or won't, come to meetings a good feel for what is going on.
Question for everyone? Does your group send out monthly newsletters stating the events that will take place in the school? Like, Open House, Red Ribbon Week, Homecoming, etc. If so please reply to me. I am needing help with guidelines and what should be in these.
OR.... do you even have to put them out?
THANKS>>>> HELP>>>> :confused:
