Congrats on your new role as PTO president! Very exciting. We have tons of resources for you to put together a welcome packet, including a template for a letter to kindergarten parents. You can download it and tailor it for your needs.
One other thing! If you are new to the PTO world, we recommend you check out our new Facebook group, PTO & PTA Leaders. It's a very active group with folks who love helping each other.
It's a closed group, so you need to request to join, but I'll immediately approve!
Hi All,
I am the new PTO president for our school. I would like to increase communication to parents through newsletters, and a welcome packet. Does anyone have any examples to share? Specifically for kindergarten parents/new to our school parents?
My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Christy
You don’t have to volunteer when you join the PTO! Phew, I hope I said that early enough in my letter that I still have your attention. I mean it…really…if you check on your form that you don’t wish to volunteer – WE WON’T CALL YOU. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, and that for some families spending time at the school is just not possible. That’s why we do what we do; so that all the children can have the benefit of all the parents’ efforts. By joining the team, you are telling those of us that can and do volunteer that you appreciate our time and efforts. You give us the backing to move forward with initiatives knowing that you’re on board with us. Joining also gives you access to tons of updates on school events. We use our email extensively to let you know what is going on and to get feedback from you. We’re talking serious service here.
We believe that’s what our efforts are, they are the payback to you for the ways you support this organization. Through your help with fundraisers and donations of soda, salads, baked goods and yes time, you allow us to keep the spirit of our children and faculty soaring. In the September Bobcat Prints, or on our website you’ll see some of the things we accomplished last year CLEARLY OUTLINED. We hope that if you have questions, you’ll ask us, and if they are questions we cannot answer, you’ll help us find the answer. The term “we can’t do it†IS NOT in this board’s vocabulary. So please—join us as we build our membership by filling out the attached form and including a check of 7.50 to MBES PTO and returning it in your child’s backpack. It’s that simple to make a difference.
Okay—I’ll close like I started, your membership is about you being on the team, and what we can do for our school and all of our children with your support. It’s about leaving prints, making trails and getting through the forest together. So whether you donate your time, your services, your skills or your spirit…YOU will be the reason we are a successful organization for our children.
Here is the letter thanking folks for joining and goes in the membership packet:
Hello – and welcome to MBES PTO,
We are so happy to have you as a part of this very talented and creative group of families at Margaret Brent. It is our absolute goal to ensure that our children have the best start to their learning experience. Your help will ensure that we can do just that.
Our PTO was formed just one year ago. I can tell you however, that we have myriad talents amongst our members. At the core of it all we have a heart and spirit that is unsurpassed. Just having your family’s name on our roles gives us the moral support we need, and your contributions of time and energy keep the spirit growing and showing.
Take a look at our packet. It outlines what we’ve done to date as well as where your particular help is needed. If you have an idea that you don’t see SPEAK UP!!! I promise you we take all suggestions very seriously and are incorporating ideas from your survey sheets from last year into this year’s programs.
I also want to personally thank you. I know that some folks shy away from joining the PTO out of fear of constant requirements to volunteer. While we of course appreciate any type of support you can provide and realize that your time is very valuable, we also know that in some cases it just is not possible. Our board is comprised of working families as well as stay at home parents so we maintain an even perspective on what impact we have on you. If you cannot volunteer, just mark that on your membership form and we WILL NOT call you.
Finally-look around you at our great school. I cannot say often enough how lucky we are to have this place of learning, this group of teachers and staff, and all of these wonderfully supportive families to form our learning community. Get set for a great year and remember that we are here to leave our prints on tomorrow….so let’s get started.
