I live with the slogan "Different Strokes for Different Folks". I think ALL parent groups are trying to achieve the same thing, better educations for All children, whether it be All the children in the country or All the children in their own county, city, or school. I think whatever works for a school, it's staff, it's parents, and most importantly, it's children, is a good thing (ooooh, do I sound a bit like Martha Stewart there?...lol). I think PTA lead the way for PTO's and we do sometimes take the great stuff PTA made possible, but I do believe we are thankful. My mother was a PTA President when I was a child and I remember the wonderful things she was able to do, and I am able to do those things for my children as a PTO as well. I think that some areas just support PTO's better simply because the groups are able to make a direct difference in their schools without any of the politics. I love what the PTA does, but I don't agree with a lot of the politics or policies. For instance, the recent fundraising mag sent out from PTA (yes, I get it and read it cover to cover...lol), the National Pres says that children should not be used for fundraising. I agree with that, but then most of the articles and ads were about selling something via children. The reality is that cookie dough doesn't sell it's self...lol...
I believe that every parent group brings something to the table. That includes PTA, PTO, PTSO, PTVO, or whatever the group goes by. Also add to that mix Student Councils, School Site Councils, Elks Clubs, Optimist Clubs, and so many other groups.
Aren't we a lucky country that there is actually an ongoing argument over who gets to do more for for our schools and children?
[ 03-14-2004, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: TheMetzyMom ]