Inspired by a post shared in our private Facebook group community for leaders by Katie Hahnel, Communication Secretary for Pine View Elementary School in Land O Lakes, Florida, this series of PTO myth busters Canva templates breaks down the stereotypes of joining the PTO and busts a lot of the myths out there around volunteering at school (because we all know, everyone has time to help out!). Customize these graphics with your school logo and edit the text to make them your own, or use the Canva template to create new graphics that work for your school. Then, post one graphic regularly on your PTO's Facebook or Instagram pages to encourage parents to get involved. Thank you, Katie, for inspiring others in the PTO Today community with this free set of PTO myth busters Canva templates! 

PTO and PTA Mythbusters Canva Templates 

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Below are the nine myths Pine View Elementary breaks down for their school's parents. 

Myth #1: I don’t have enough time to join the PTO

Fact: SUPPORTING THE PTO IS AS SIMPLE AS SIGNING UP! You don’t have to attend every meeting to be a valuable member of the PTO. Your membership gives you a voice in voting on important budget decisions. Your involvement, even if minimal, makes a significant impact!

Myth #2: I have to volunteer a lot of time if I join the PTO

Fact: Joining the PTO doesn’t mean you have to commit all your free time. There is no time requirement! There are several ways to contribute. You don’t have to be at school all the time to be a valuable member of the PTO.

Myth #3: I have to pay to be a volunteer now

Fact: Volunteering after hours is not the same process and does not require a level 2 check! You can volunteer for a short 20 minute shift at any of our events that takes place after hours to support our staff and students without issue!

Myth #4: I cannot attend meetings because I have younger kids who aren’t in school yet

Fact: At our PTO meetings we welcome the whole family! Kids are welcome to sit with you or go play in the other half of the media center. Most bring their kids and they all have fun in the chairs and reading books.

Myth #5: I cannot help because I am working during the week

Fact: It's ok if you cannot come in and volunteer your time AT the school. We do often have things that can be taken home and worked on and then brought back in. If you want to support our staff and students that way, just let us know.

Myth #6: Everything costs so much money, we cannot attend every after school event

Fact: Most of our events hosted at the school are completely free! There are spirit nights and we just ask that (IF you were planning to eat out that week) that you maybe eat there on that date for support, at no extra cost to you.

Myth #7: I cannot attend meetings or give input because I work and it’s not convenient for my schedule

Fact: We offer an option to still participate in the meeting virtually via a teams link. You can read the minutes of the meeting after it’s posted on our PVES website. This way you are still in the know for all of the things happening here at PVES.

Myth #8: My child won’t be impacted if I do or don’t join the PTO

Fact: Not only does your membership put you into direct contact with our teachers, staff, and other parents, it also shows your child that you’re interested and invested in their educational experience each year.

Myth #9: The PTO is just a group of friends that gets together and I won’t feel like I belong

Fact: We welcome all staff and family members to participate. We pride ourselves on being an all inclusive organization. We welcome each person equally because you all belong here!

Want even more ideas for your PTO or PTA? Check out what's trending across PTO and PTA groups.