to MISSBO. The first meeting I had, I was a nervious wreck. I decided I arrange the tables so that the general membership were seated in front of me. I could not bring myself to stand up of I put a table in front and the four of us talked as we were sitting down. So I got real comfortable and started talk like everybody was family. You should come up with an agenda.
Originally posted by MissyBo: I have just taken over the PTO at my sons school, and we have our first meeting with the parents in two weeks! I know I am to get up and speak, but I have no idea what to say????? Also, what else is done at meetings?? Do you serve food??Please help, any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!
I am in the same boat, Have been to so many meetings but never ran one- our meet the teachers night is this tuesday. I am hoping not to look to nervous. I use reading glasses ( the kind from the drugstore) to read but if I look out it is very blurry - so I am thinking I should definitly use them for my notes and so I wont be able to see the peopel looking at me !
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The banner thing started years ago for the classrooms with the most attendance. When I was prez I wanted one for both halls. A mom made some like it was nothing. They look very nice, the teachers hang them in the hall close to their rooms. The supply baskets contain $15-20 worth of stuff. It is things the teachers are always sending notes home for, paper,glue, crayon tissues, and things like that. Just the basics. Along with the banner the teacher with the most attendance from each hall gets a basket. It costs less than $200.00 per year for us. Most of the supplies come from Wal-Mart and the baskets or containers come from there or the Dollar Store.
To C. Brooks:
Thanks for posting your agenda outline, very helpful. Could you just please elaborate on the "banner/basket winners"? I've been wanting to do some sort of basket giveaway at our meetings to try to boost attendance, but can't figure out how to decide the winner.
Congratulations and good luck. I took over at our school last year - here's a few things. Prior to your first official meeting have a small meeting with just your immediate board members to prepare your agenda, cover finances and goals for the upcoming year. We have even extended this invite to our principal (who is new this year) so that we can all be on the same page. We have found that by making typed meeting minutes and secretaries report available for handouts at the door so everyone has a chance to review prior to the meeting. We gave up having our committee people read the reports - we just give everyone time for review and consider any discussions/questions that may come up. We do serve refreshments: coffee, punch, cookies, crackers & cheese etc. We have also begun a sign up sheet at our first meeting, listing all meeting dates and asking for baking volunteers to "hostess" a particular meeting. This has worked well for us; we take a moment to acknowledge their efforts and it does take the pressure off any one person to remember refreshments. Keep things moving. If a topic is getting out of hand simply state that an agreement (one way or the other) must me made in order to move on or table it for another meeting. If your meetings are large I suggest the use of a microphone - we have found that sometimes a particular topic of conversation can esculate and people keep right on talking regardless of wether or not you have restarted your meeting. And finally, just be yourself - unfortunatly there is a stigma that goes hand in hand with PTO - that we are "clicky" - not true for all but newcomers that don't know you or the school sometimes are the first to listen to someone who may feel as if they have been snubbed in the past. You want them to feel comfortable and welcome. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
Kyrock PTO Agenda for the month of ______________________________
( ) Call meeting to order......Welcome members, speakers, and guest.
( ) Please welcome our special guest speaker this evening.....
( ) Is there anyone present at this time that is not a member and would like to join? Dues
are $1.00 for this school year and this entitles you to vote on and bring up business.
( ) At this time I would like to ask the secretary to read the minutes.....Are there any
additions or corrections to be made? All in favor? Any opposed? If not the minutes shall stand as read.
( ) We will now ask the treasurer read the treasury report....Are there any corrections that
need to be made to the report? All in favor? Any opposed? If so the report shall stand
as read.
Old or Unfinished Business
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
New Business
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) _____________________________________________________________________
( ) Any PTO related topics not on the agenda?
( ) The Vice-President will now take attendance to determine banner and basket winners.
( ) The next PTO meeting is set for ________________________________________
Thank you for coming and drive home safely!
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I didn't know if that worked or not. That is our agenda. We serve refreshments and this year we have a day care.
