Hi New to this (NTT)! I was NTT last year. This year is much easier. We had a summer planning meeting with teachers and parents. (Our school has about 350 kids; 25 teachers). About 10 parents and 10 teachers show up. We discuss and re-evaluate all the ideas for the upcoming school year.It really helps! Sometimes we have people gather more information about things they want to do. We decide by group consensus on activities. I then put together a timeline for the year that we use to plan by. Our PTO is really starting to grow! I think there are 3 facets you have to deal with: parents, teachers and children. We try to provide things for each group. We also have a commitment drive instead of a membership drive for parents. The idea is for each family to donate at least one hour of time to their school, instead of money. We promote that they are already part of the PTO since their child goes there. We also put out a monthly newsletter, recapping last month's events and telling about the upcoming month's events. Communication is crucial! This year we are adding new events (since we are getting more people involved). We are trying to get a community atmosphere going at the school. Good luck!
WEll yes I am a co-president and the other mom pretty much just has told me to let her know what I need but she won't be able to do all that much.
Ok here is the deal. I am excited about this but nervous probably because school is so close. I have a meeting with the principal tomorrow and the co-pres was going to go but she can't b/c she has does daycare and will have 6 kids. I said no problem I just didn't want you to feel left out.
Any time I have talked to her this summer it is about her big push for playground equipment. I understand her concern. Our playground is pathetic, but, I don't really feel it is our biggest problem. Our problem is that we have very little parental involvement. That is my highest priority. Part of my meeting with the principal is to discuss a Parent-volunteer incentive program. Parking is a mess and there is one prime parking spot that would be perfect for any parent to want. It is practically front door service. I plan on making some kind of a ribbon to be placed on the rearview mirror for the principal and teachers to identify the vehicle designated by the parent who earns the monthly reward.
I am needing to design a volunteer sign in log for parents wishing to be considered and let them know the many different aspects that we need help in our school for PTO, as well as in the classroom.
Everything depends on the parents and if we don't get enough involved this year is going to be really long.
Like everyone else who posted here, this is my 3rd year as President and I also work full time. My job is pretty cool about taking time off for school activities so I haven't had any problems. If we only had more active people then I wouldn't need to take so much time off (don't get me started).
I'm sure you'll be able to handle both jobs, just remember to prioritize. Good luck.
As usual, Jo's advice is right on target. I'm starting my 2nd year as president, have two kids with all their related activities, and work full time at a demanding job about 30-45 minutes commute each way.
Yes, working moms (and dads) can successfully participate in PTO - even as key officers. The vast majority of parents on our board work outside the home.
Spreading the work, setting some boundaries, and delegating definitely seem to be necessary. As long as it doesn't stress YOU out too much, I say "go for it!" They are lucky to have you! And, congratulations on the new job.
Congratulations on your new job! It's neat that you've finally been able to get the position you've been waiting for.
I'll be pres. this coming year & also work full-time. Fortunately, my job is pretty stress-free, so I don't have to worry about it after I leave. (Unlike all the career jobs I had before child...) I'm the 4th pres. since my son's been at this school & each of them worked outside the home (1 may have been only part-time).
Are you a new pres? What are you doing to increase membership & volunteers? This has been one of my priorities. My mantra is delegate, delegate, delegate. And I make it clear to everyone I speak with that being a committee chair does NOT mean they do all the work. It just means they're on the phone a lot talking to all the people they recruited to help them out. I'm also helping people break committees into sub-committees so everyone can have specific responsibilities.
I hope this helps. What makes you nervous? The amount of time you anticipate putting in or what? You mentioned you were co-pres. How do you have the duties split?
Ok you all may think I'm crazy. Within the last couple of weeks I was offered a school nurse position. This has been something I've been trying for, for 4 years. I am excited about the job! But, I'm really nervous about being able to balance being the PTO co-pres and my new job.
If we had enough parents involved I wouldn't be so concerned. And did anybody read my message about a parent volunteer incentive program. Has anyone ever tried something like this? Anyone else have full-time jobs??
Maybe I should step-down. Any thoughts suggestions?
