Back-to-School Night or Open House Tips for PTO Leaders
Living here in the Northeast, our schools go back fairly late, usually right around Labor Day. So I consider August 15th the kick-off to back-to-school for our family. (Already told the kids that this was the last weekend before “operation re-adjust bedtimes” gradually begins. That went over very well.)
Livi
ing
ing here in the Northeast, our schools go back fairly late, usually right around Labor Day. So I consider August 15th the kick-off to back-to-school for our family. (Already told the kids that this was the last weekend before “operation re-adjust bedtimes” gradually begins. That went over very well.)
For me, back-to-school time also brings thoughts of how we’re going to introduce the PTO to parents this year. That first Open House or back-to-school night can be so important for setting the stage correctly. This article from Denver gives parents advice for making the most of back-to-school night, but what about advice for us PTO and PTA leaders.
My 3 best tips:
1. Think welcoming and serving. Do not – I repeat do not – make it all about fundraising. Parents will support you with their pocketbooks and wallets *after* they connect with your group and your good work. Have a column on this concept of The Welcoming PTO here.
2. Address parent fears. Nearly every parent in the room is thinking either: 1) “they’re a clique”; or 2) if I volunteer once (like a Black Hole) I’ll never get out. You can’t ignore those thoughts. Address them head-on. My column on PTOs and Cliques is here. And the best solution to the Black Hole problem, is our 2 Hour Power program.
3. Be fairly quick and light-hearted. You’re trying to draw people in. Don’t use guilt. And don’t drone. You won’t completely convince all your future volunteers with one speech, but you could completely lose a whole bunch of them with one overly-long, too-heavy or guilt-giving speech.
Our editors and writers have covered best back-to-school advice for PTO and PTA leaders in loads of ways. Take some time to review, and I know you’ll do great.
For me, back-to-school time also brings thoughts of how we’re going to introduce the PTO to parents this year. That first Open House or back-to-school night can be so important for setting the stage correctly. This article from Denver gives parents advice for making the most of back-to-school night, but what about advice for us PTO and PTA leaders.
My 3 best tips:
1. Think welcoming and serving. Do not – I repeat do not – make it all about fundraising. Parents will support you with their pocketbooks and wallets *after* they connect with your group and your good work. Have a column on this concept of The Welcoming PTO here.
2. Address parent fears. Nearly every parent in the room is thinking either: 1) “they’re a clique”; or 2) if I volunteer once (like a Black Hole) I’ll never get out. You can’t ignore those thoughts. Address them head-on. My column on PTOs and Cliques is here. And the best solution to the Black Hole problem, is our 2 Hour Power program.
3. Be fairly quick and light-hearted. You’re trying to draw people in. Don’t use guilt. And don’t drone. You won’t completely convince all your future volunteers with one speech, but you could completely lose a whole bunch of them with one overly-long, too-heavy or guilt-giving speech.
Our editors and writers have covered best back-to-school advice for PTO and PTA leaders in loads of ways. Take some time to review, and I know you’ll do great.
