I agree with IMovePeople. You need to advertise your school. Maybe you, cechild, can appoint yourself the advertising go to person. We have children achieving all the time albeit in high achievement testing, sports, spelling bees, donating their hair, collecting $$ for a good cause. Whatever it is, we call all the local newspapers. They are usually more than willing (on their time schedule) to come out, take a picture of the kids, write a little story, etc. We advertise things we're doing in newspapers, television cable ads, local websites, etc. It's been a few years but it's really starting to pay off. We even had our own school column in one of the local newspapers every week wherein we would pick a few teachers/grades each week and they would submit what they would be concentrating on in their classes in the upcoming week. It was fun!
I was just in the same position. I had what I thought were great ideas to get our PTC going in the right direction, but everytime I made a suggestion one of the other officers shot me down. Just because of past history with the parents and teachers. Someone on this website told me "remember why you are doing what you are doing" IT'S FOR THE CHILDREN. Thank the person who is negative and go ahead and try to oraginze a event with the approval of the pto/ptc board members. Maybe if you can get one of your ideas added to the agenda and this way you can make a presentation to the general members not just the negative person. Hopefully this helps. Just think of how good you will feel if you try. Don't give up. Maybe next year you can be a officer and help make more positive changes with great impact.
Is there a small event that you would be comfortable being 100% responsible for? You mention local parades. Will there be one for the winter holidays? Would you be willing to arrange for the selection of a group of students, their preparation and training, getting them ready for the parade, actually chaperoning them during the parade (including drinks and snacks, costumes, etc.) and of course getting their names and picture in the local paper? if you are willing to do that - say so. Tell them you don't necessarily want their help - though you'd love to have that too - but just their emotional support. Chances are that others will want to help, and if they see one thing that is new works they may be willing to take a chance on other new things. The good press for your school would be helpful, too. Good luck!
I am starting my second year as our PTO VP and am beginning to feel like I am wasting my time.
The PTO has certain fundraisers and activities that they have always done and will not consider new ideas.
Our school district is seeing an increasing number of interdistrict transfers by new students to other schools because of a misperception of our school. We are in a small, economically disadvantaged community and have a good number (25%?) of non-english speaking students. Despite this we have excellent, highly qualified teachers and our students score very well (above average) on state tests. I feel we really need to promote our school more and be more visible. Nobody knows what we do.
But, everytime I suggest something, like participation in local parades or sports events, I get the response that they have never done that and I will never get any parents to participate and the matter is dropped. I feel like I am wasting my time with the PTO. I would appreciate all suggestions on how to get these stubborn people (teachers and parents) to listen to NEW ideas.
