We didn't do anything special, the school always has the open house at the end of september and during parent/teacher conferences so this year we had it early and a little more relaxed. All we did was set up some tables thru out the school. A Welcome Table at the front door, we have a new principal this year so he hung out there with info for parents, we set up our PTO table with a brochure containing past and present fundraisers and where we spent our money last year, membership forms,sold calendars we put together with all the school activites, and reminders for everyone to take home of the next meeting. We actually had a school board member table and had 2 show up- they handed out little goody bags to all the kids. We had a spirit wear table for shirt and bags sells. We have a bond going to be voted on tomorrow, so there was a bond info table, and we also had popsicles on the play ground for kids--this was a great thing until it started pouring.. Teachers were all grateful for all the hard work.. Oh we had a contest with all the teachers on who had the most visitors to their classrooms, the winner got a gift certificate to a teachers supply store, and the principal got some backpacks donated for the top three classes so 60 + kids got new back packs too

We had a great turn out for our open house, too. This year we held an ice cream social in the cafeteria before our open house, and we served around 200 people. I don't know if the ice cream is what brought them in, but it sure didn't hurt.

We have had a record number of volunteers sign up this year. We didn't charge dues this year, and have made it a point to tell everybody that we are focusing on FUN instead of fundraising. We are going to have more family fun nights, and the one we are most excited about is Pirates night. Even though it is still in the planning stage, some of the ideas we have are: best-dressed pirate contest, walk the plank (to get in some physical fitness), and pirate stories. We have a mom who works at a local playhouse who is going to do the reading, so it should be a good time.

Awesome!

What have been the 2 03 things you've done (either in general or re: Open House) that have made the biggest difference?

Tim

Our open house was Monday and it went GREAT!!!
We had alot more parents show up than we thought
teachers were all pleased with the results...
Just wanted to toot my horn!!!Also our PTO has blossomed since then yippee