Neither of my PTO's has a mission statement, but they do both have objectives. Here is one set:
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• Encourage parental involvement and volunteerism</font>
• Promote the finest education possible for the students at {school name}</font>
• Facilitate a positive working relationship between parents, school and community</font>
• Encourage school spirit and school pride</font>
• Enhance the quality of education by raising funds for school supplies or programs which fall outside the school budget</font>
• Increase student safety and security</font>
• Support programs and projects that will supplement or enrich the existing curriculum</font>

Notice that "fundraising" is not an objective. It's one tool we use towards meeting some objectives.

I definitely agree with what the others said about the principal. A PTO may be a 501(c)(3) and therefore legally an independent entity. But it's never going to truly separate from the school functionally or in the minds of the stakeholders. The PTO is intrinsically linked to the school and its operations. To be effective, you need the principal's support and involvement.

Thank you so much for your input.

I agree with Serendipity. You should also take the time to sit down with your group and review or write a mission statement and bylaws to try to get everyone on the same page. You may also want to consider discussing the purpose of each event you hold as well as specifics about it. For example, you could say we are having a craft night as a fun night for families (not necessarily to make money) and you go on to say you will have 10 craft tables and families are able to go freely from one to the other vs a craft night designed to make money that has one craft explained/done in 15 minute segments throughout the night. The details really do make a difference in the perception and it might resolve that majority of your issues.

You should always have your principal's permission to do anything. They should be aware of everything that is going on.

Here is the way I look at it.....

1)you are operating within his/her building. Anything you do is a reflection on him/her, since they are the boss of the building.

2)They need to be kept in the loop. No principal wants to be asked about something that is going on and have no idea about it.

Lastly...all principals are not created equally, but if you have a good one...they can be a good source of help and ideas.

Hi I'm new here and have a few questions. I was wondering what the mission statement and role the PTO should play in the school is. When is it considered over stepping my bounds when it comes to activities and letting the pricipal know what we are doing. we are having a few problems with some of our memebers and I would like to have a clear definition of what our role in the school and community is. Thanks so much!!