My Tip of the Week: Recognize Your Parent Group

If you've been reading these weekly emails, you know we here at PTO Today believe it's important to thank your volunteers loudly and thank them often. We encourage you to reach out to new families. Help out your school's teachers and staff. Give public kudos to the principal for her vital support. But with all that, don't overlook the accomplishments of one of the most important players at your school -- your parent group.

by Tim Sullivan

10/27/2021

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you've been reading these weekly emails, you know we here at PTO Today believe it's important to thank your volunteers loudly and thank them often. We encourage you to reach out to new families. Help out your school's teachers and staff. Give public kudos to the principal for her vital support.

But with all that, don't overlook the accomplishments of one of the most important players at your school -- your parent group. If you haven't yet publicized all the great work your PTO or PTA has done this year, it's time to polish up that horn and toot it.

Telling your school community about all the classroom supplies, enrichment experiences, family events, and more provided by your group isn't an ego trip. Actually, it's important on two levels: first, it builds your reputation as a successful group that does great things for the school and is worth getting involved in; and second, it's really the best way to show parents that the hours they've volunteered and the money they've helped raise has had tangible results. They can share the pride in those accomplishments, and isn't that a great feeling to share?

And while you're tooting, take the time to put together a Parent Group of the Year entry. We started the Parent Group of the Year search more than 10 years ago to help give school parent groups the recognition they deserve. Entering is easy -- just tell us your story in your own words. We'll be awarding thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

The deadline to enter is June 1. It's always fun and inspiring to read the stories that come in; we'd love to hear about what your group has done, too. Good luck -- and thanks for all you do!