Thank you all much for your input. I'm sorry it's been so long since I replied. Splitting my time between two schools is time consuming.
I am starting to understand how different the role of the PTO is in Middle School. Our school went out on a limb this year and did away with book sales (door to door) and decided to just ask parents to write a check instead. I'll let you know how that turns out - or doesn't.
Lori, I'd be more than happy to share information on our Hawk Walk and Annual Dinner/Auction. You can email me off list at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
I would love to pick your brain on your fundraisers you mention here. We actually we will hold our 2nd auction this year and could use any pointers as well as we were looking into a fun run as well. Appreciate any help you can provide.
I don't think it would be well accepted in my Middle School. Not all children are involved in those groups. Therefore, general funds of the PTO should be used to support the entire school population - not targeting specific clubs. The lead on each of those sports/groups should meet with you as President and all agree not to step on eachothers toes and either do different fundraisers or spread them out. You don't want to bombard parents with a bunch of them at once.
Book Socks go over great in our Middle school as does the discount cards or lottery tickets. Let the clubs do the car washes and the like and have the PTO go in a different direction.
Welcome to Middle School! Consolidation works well sometimes for middle schools (and high schools) since there are so many competing groups. You might consider a large event like a dance, talent show, Middle School Idol works well, and so on. Each group can then do what I call an "overlay" at that event. Cheerleaders can do concessions, Student Council can sell shout outs from the DJ and/or sell song dedications and requests, the band can host the "Idol" portion tied in with the fundraiser. The key is to make sure each group has their own thing to do; that really encourages greater participation. (Everyone has a vested interest so to speak.) The possibilities are endless. To find out more about overlays and combining fundraisers within your fundraiser, go to
fundraiser
help.
Good Luck!
Our middle school PTO is run very differently from the elementary level. THe middle school is not a fundraising group, but rather supports teachers with helping at dances (that already existed) by decorating (taking over this from student council to free up their time), donating snacks for dances. We also help with bookfair, which is also a school run event. All sports and band do their own fundraising. They also helped served at the drama clubs dinner and play. We are more of a support group, rather than raising money.
Consolidating might be welcomed in your area. In ours, they would see it as unnecessarily cumbersome. Aside from the big organizations like band or athletic boosters which are run by parents, each club/organization handles its own funds and students are the leaders.
This can actually be a very important learning experience for the kids. Organizing and running the event; being responsible for the bookkeeping, figuring out what they can afford. I think many states have rules that student organization funds must be deposited in the school's activity fund and earmarked for that organization.
The fundraising is daunting and chaotic. Maybe some central organization would be welcome in your school. It won't hurt to explore.
In my middle school, the PTO plays a very small role. It pretty much handles Teacher Appreciation. Not much else. But that's the power of having a PTO, it can be defined to take on as much or as little as your group wants to manage.
