Couple of answers:

Yes, all of our information can be adapted for 9-12. Things like forming a nonprofit organization, bylaws, best financial practices -- those things are no different for a high school group than for a K-8 group.

As far as forming an "umbrella organization" for high schools, well -- we're not really an umbrella org even for K-8s. We're more of a media and service/program provider. PTOs at all levels are independent.

If you're interested in PTO Today Plus or the insurance discount program (maybe that's what you mean by the umbrella org), we can help you with that. Give us a call if you want next week and we can set you up with that if that's what you're looking for.

Tim

What I meant about an umbrella organization for high school PTOs was:

Is there an organization like "PTO Today" for grades 9-12 since "PTO Today" is for K-8? I am with an independent charter high school and we need to form a PTO (not PTA -- shudder) but we sure could use some advice and help. If "PTO Today"s information can be adapted for 9-12, why can't "PTO Today" just expand and become the umbrella organization for K-12? Is there some reason, perhaps legal, that it is only for K-8?

I am at a K-12 school and our PTO provides and works with the high school on many projects. They are a huge supported of our Food Drive providing man power etc. We also work together on bookfairs (the National Honor Students offer gift wrap) and other projects.

Our high school teachers are also a terrific resource for parents needing volunteer ideas for their students, they encourage contacting us and it's always been terrific!

Each school is so different and this is all new to me having grown up in a non PTO K-12 school. I knew about PTA from a country song! This is a great time to offer students to be "bitten " by the volunteer bug! It also looks great on college apps!

I remember in my high school, they didn't have one. But there were parent groups for the different sports and for the marching band. The marching band had the strongest parent involvement, their group was set up like a pto/pta board.

So I don't know if other high schools have something already established. If not, then I think it wouldn't hurt to get something started.

WHY??
What programs could a PTO offer that a PTSA could not? And PTA has the Refelctions program for the arts which works well for High School Students.

If your school has a "long standing tradition" of PTA, I really don't see why the change.

I am a new high school PTSA pres. for next year because I simply want to have a voice. It seems this age group is being bombarded with social radical ideas like gay clubs etc. and need parents more than ever. How do I begin to suggest to my school's long standing PTA tradition that a PTO may be better for our kids?