mgiesler - thanks for your patience. It's a hectic time around my house these days.....

I no longer have access to the brochure but I'm happy to explain the basics of it.

In the past we always used 8 1/2 x 11 paper and did a tri-fold. We have so much to include now that just last year we had to expand to an 8 1/2 x 14 quad-fold brochure. This does increase the cost of paper and, if you use Kinko's like we do, then also the cost of printing and folding....

Using a basic word processing program (I use Word) set the paper up in landscape mode and then either 3 or 4 columns depending on the size paper you use.

We plan it so the cover is just the name of the group, the back is the officers names and phone numbers and the inside flap is a short Welcome to PTO! note. Since I had to come up with a 4th column last time, I included the tentative meeting schedule.

The inside then, is three (or four) columns of committees, in alphabetical order. Each description is the committe name, chairman/phone number and brief description of the committee. If they're willing, it's nice to have the chairman write the description.

With enrollment of 700+ we print 600 brochures to start with. We hand them out at registration, at the Newcomer's Welcome and in a welcome letter to new families that enroll during the school year.

If funding is an issue, you can save money by buying your own paper and using the school's copier (if they'll let you) and then folding it yourself. Gather up a group of fellow members and make a morning/afternoon of it. Our school's colors are blue and white so I print the brochure on blue paper.

I've never included graphics or colors but I've seen examples of it.

I hope this helps......

dlf is right, these things can become a ME TOO kind of thing. Normally, I love to share my group's work so everyone can learn. Sadly, as of today, it's no longer my group. I'm moving and today was my last official day as president.

I'm also on my way out of town for a much needed five day weekend with my husband and son. As soon as I get back I'll be happy to share tips on how to make a fun, noticeable brochure. In the mean time, I'm sure many of the wonderful folks on these boards will be helpful!

"DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER WILL ROBINSON"

I see a "me too" line starting !!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH

Doctor help quick...

Can you send me a copy of your PTO brochure? We don't have anything that explains all the programs and events that we sponsor. I think this would give families more of an idea about what we do and hopefully get involved.
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My group has a Newcomer's Welcome Committee. The first year, we tried a coffee during the day. The turnout was much lower than we'd hope for. The second year we had it on the same night as Open House, just a half hour earlier, in the cafeteria. We had a great turnout!

At the Welcome, the Superintendent spoke first, introducing himself, the principal, asst principal, school nurse and cafeteria manager. Key PTO members were also present to take questions about our activities.

The Superintendent spoke for about 5 minutes, then the principal for 5 minutes. Then it was open for Q&A for the next 20 minutes.

We didn't let it turn into a PTO recruitment fair but we did hand out our brochure.

I have volunteered to chair the new family welcome orientation. This is not Kindergarten orientation but for families in grades 1 to 5. In the past this was held during the day with low attendance. I have spoken with the principle to change it to a weeknight at 7 pm. If anyone has advise as to what to include I would greatly apprecaite it.
Mgiesler
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