Sorry Tim.. my computer crashed and burned in June and I wanted to tell you what I ment by "stuff"....
Name tags, ballots boxes, pens, pencils, awards, gavels, forms,etc. the site is www.optimiststuff.com
to give you an idea.
Thinking outloud....wonder if the company that supplies these items for Optimist International would take on PTOs? hhhhhhmmmmmmmm
feels so good to be back! now if I can just figure out my password!
If you know someone going to the PTA conference you could have them pick up a gavel for you there.
WHat area are you in, i will be leaving Friday for conference in Austin.
Just one reality check on using software. If you are going to purchase special software to use by the PTO, it really needs to be loaded on common equipment - either equipment owned by the PTO, or, more likely, the school. It's not a good idea to buy this type of thing and then load it on someone's home machine. Once that person is no longer officer, you can run into problems.
If you are going to load ANYTHING on the school equipment, it needs to be approved by the appropriate IT group.
There are storage, security, backup, maintence issues even for a simple $29 package. And one of the most pressing issues in IT today is software licensing. If you buy one copy and then load it twice - the school can get in BIG trouble if it's uncovered in an audit. Fines can be up to $150,000 per offense and all it takes is one disgruntled employee to blow the whistle. Bad press is a whole other layer of this.
Being in IT, I definitely support solutions that make operations more efficient. But it's important that the proper steps be followed.
Futures is @ www.schoolvolunteer.org
They have a place on there to request info & they send you a CD with a Power Point presentation showing you how the software works. It looks really great, but it's $310 with shipping and I want to find out if it's worth spending that kind of money.
How do you like the Futures software? My board doesn't really want to spend that kind of money on the software, but I love the idea behind it!!
Tim~I would love to see some kind of free or low cost software to help us keep track of any database we would need, similar to the Futures program. I would also love to see more clip art and as others said, professional looking flyers and step-by-step guides to different events. As far as items we need to purchase, we're looking for inexpensive(not CHEAP)stage curtains!!! Ours are a horrible 70's style gold and ugly!!! Also a source for inexpensive banners and flags to hang around the school for school pride & student character.
Thanks for asking!!
Holly
Delcroft Home and School President
