I agree -- follow the principal's lead at school, but your PTO should have its own etiquette -- we call parent members by first name (and last in print) and address faculty and staff as Ms. or Mr. Lastname. This is for meetings, newsletters, etc.

It's each person's (or principals) personal preference but in keeping with old-style tradition, we've always addressed each other, parents and staff alike, by Mr. or Mrs when on school grounds while school or an event is in progress. It's always been another way of the kids seeing an avenue of showing respect.

Now, when we have board meetings every other month with just the PTO board, principal and vp, 6 at night, no kids around, it's been on a first name basis.

I wouldn't worry or be insulted. That's probably just her method of addressing all the parents and possibly all of the staff too.

I would say the pricipal establishes the rules. Our principal from day one asked us to please call him by his first name. So as such we are all on a first name basis with each other. The principal we had previously would have had a fit if anyone called him by his first name. I think the best thing to do is take your cue from the principal.

I am such an "old school" type that I call all the teachers/staff Miss ---. I still get nervous when I'm called to the Principal's office. BUT - I do ask that they call me by my first name. It's a ugly personal thing with regards to my mother-in-law. In front of the kids only is it with title and then it's Mrs B.

when in the school on business, I call the principal Ms. ______. However, at a social event or seeing her around town, I will call her by her first name. I agree that it is perception. To keep parents from overstepping their relationship with any teacher or principal, they should keep it business if discussing school-related issues, students, etc. However, if you see him/her out to dinner, out for drinks, or off-site event, relax and use the first name if they don't mind.
I never assume its ok to use first names, so I always wait for them to tell me its ok.

The principal may have a personal rule about using proper titles so she doesn't appear to play favorites among parents. It's a perception thing and we all know how that goes.....

Some folks I call by their first name in private but use proper titles in public as a sign of respect. I have friends who are teachers so, of course, I call them by their first name. But in their classrooms, the hallway, any place their students might overhear, it's Mr. or Mrs. Xyz.

Once we call PTO meetings to order we address all members as Mr. or Mrs. and that's reflected in the minutes. It's a respect thing but also a subtle reminder to keep things on a professional level and keep the personal relationships out of the meeting.