Cristie,
It sounds like you are going to have to be a take charge type of gal. I, too, was thrown into a disorganized PTO. First thing you need to do is find anyone who was invovled with the grooup before. If noone is there willing to help, then it is going to be up to you. However, the office should have copies of all the past minutes and agendas for the previouis year. Ask to see them and it will give yo an idea of what was going on. Then, take a deep breath and just start talking to people and be seen at school and start a membership drive.
It is a lot of hard work but it is so worth it in the end... Be sure to have all of you treasurer's reports and receipts double checked and have an audit at least once a year.
I sent you an email containing a few things that I thought you might find helpful in starting up. If you have the money - you may want to invest in NPN membership so you get the start up materials from them as well.
If there is anything else I can help you with let me know and seriously - I have asked more questions than I have answered here so know that there is a wealth of experience and knowledge that is ready, willing and able to help on this site.
ty i am not taking this on alone there a grand total of 5 of us on the pto. as far as any one knows the past pto people didnt leave any thing for us. the princepal is new to this location as well and as far as i can see is a sit and watch kind of guy. he doesnt even go out side when the busses come in or when the kids get out of classes. but other wise he is willing to stand behind us in what ever we choose to do
thank you again
cristie
O.K. - if the PTO is already in place, search out a copy of the bylaws and that's where I would start. Look at previous budgets to see where money was made and spent. See what fundraisers have worked in the past - and line up those volunteers. Don't take this on alone.
Meet with the principal and be sure you are on the same wavelength or what it will take for each of you to compromise to reach the same wavelength. (See the article in most recent PTOToday about getting along with principal - it's right on the money and then some - you won't accomplish much without him/her on your side.)
It is wonderful that you already have a plan of focus for the funds you anticipate raising.
Next, whatever we can help you with, we will - be specific in what you need and you will find it all here. If we don't know, we will help you find it.
Help I just moved here and they want me to be presedent of the pto and i dont have a clue as what i am supposed to do and the past pto people didnt leave any thing to go on!
i would apreciate any and evry thing you all can help with.
last year our art dept. was stripped clean so i want my concentration there first
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