November PTO To Do List

• Honor our service men and women by organizing ways for your school to observe Veterans’ Day. And share our Facebook graphic (at the bottom of the article) as a way to show your school community that you care.

• Nov. 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day! Host a science or STEM themed family night or a science assembly for students to encourage an interest in STEM.

• For World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), check out ways to encourage kindness at school.

• Nov. 20 is Family Volunteer Day. Pick an idea from “Community Service Ideas for Families” for inspiration.

• Firm up your group’s Thanksgiving plans. And use our cute graphic (at the bottom of the article) to wish everyone a happy holiday.

• Show your teachers how thankful you are for them with a fun fall-themed teacher treat!  Pair boxed mini pies with individual forks and our "Any way you slice it, our teachers and staff are the best" treat tag for a thoughtful Thanksgiving teacher treat! Or, set up a candy apple bar in the teachers' lounge, or plan a "thankful for teachers" coffee cart. 

• Winter holidays are a prime time for parent groups to showcase their good work and creativity. Whether you have established winter holiday traditions or need new ones, these 12 holiday ideas can get you inspired. Plus, don't miss this round-up of fun school holiday events and ideas that'll become your school's favorite new traditions, from gift wrapping lockers (yep, it's a fundraiser!) to battle of the classroom doors. 

• November is a busy month with lots of cooking, so it’s a good time to consider holding a restaurant fundraiser night where parents can pick up takeout in lieu of spending more time in the kitchen. Use our graphic below to promote your restaurant night to your group.

• Schedule a “parents’ day off” so they can get a jump-start on holiday shopping while the kids have fun with their school friends.

• Nov. 21 is Parent Involvement Day! Take a moment to celebrate your volunteers, as well as yourselves, for the many ways you make a difference.

• Planning a holiday shop for next month? Check out “Holiday Shop How-To” for quick tips on how to organize it, and use our Facebook graphic (below) to promote it. We also have a quick list of school holiday shop vendors to help your group find the best fit for your school's needs (psst: don't miss their special offers!) 

   

Suggested Teacher Appreciation effort: Thankful Potluck Luncheon

Extend the “giving” feeling of November to teachers by organizing a Thanksgiving-time potluck luncheon. You can enlist the help of room parents or ask for contributions (side dish, main course, dessert) based on classrooms or grades.

Facebook Graphics