Does your school have a volunteer program? Our group organizes the program in our school. We average about 200 hours a month.

Family Nights-if you want to get families to the school and make a great impression, hold free Family Nights. PTOtoday has planning kits for several different types of events. We do a game night every January-tons of fun. It has also gotten some new parents into the volunteer game! We also have a fall cookout at Open House and do a spring carnival(this one does raise some money).

Our group also communicates with the principal on other ways we can help: we've had informational meetings for parents on issues like attendance center changes and building closings. One time when the crossing guards were having problems with traffic not obeying them, volunteers were coordinated to assist. Talk with your principal and see if he/she has any ideas on ways your group can help around the school.

It's a great feeling to know that your group is more to the school than a bank. It also impresses parents and will help to draw more of them into the group. Good luck!

Hello everyone. I've been thinking lately about our PTO, and I'm not satisfied with what we do. I'm the PTO president, and I want our group to be known for more than just fundraisers. I'm not sure what else we can do, but I keep feeling like we should do more for our school.

Sure we pay for field trips, folders and planners, snacks, programs, and we plan our annual Field Day, but I think we need to focus on something more important. I'd like to get our parents more involved and our community. Any ideas about what some of you do for your school to make a difference would be greatly appreciated.

I absolutely love being involved in the PTO, and it has become a full-time job for me. I'd like to take our group to the next level, but I'm not sure what that would entail. Thank you all so much for listening.