That reminds me...does anyone know how to do a Word Doc on a XP Word pad
What do you mean? But you may want to post the question in Free For All.
As far as programs for this PTO, they are talking about internal - having the cheerleaders perform one time, dance group another, etc. Same old bait...
Hey Joy, It's great to hear a "happy ending" at least!
Being in a K-12, the 6,7,8,th grades just seem to get lost in the shuffle! Also, I've noticed the parents that realize that John John is now in high school and they miss being involved!
Do you want ideas for speakers? We are having the Dean speak (not sure why? he called us!); finacial planning for college; maybe a Q&A with the Principal? Or ask...will there be a newsletter going home? ASk.
That reminds me...does anyone know how to do a Word Doc on a XP Word pad....more pepsi and reaching for chocolate... :confused:
Whether or not a PTO like ours should have insurance depends on who you talk to.
An insurance or risk management professional would detail the personal risks we are all taking by being part of a group that isn't incorporated or insured.
The officers would probably argue that we're "just a little parent group" and that such a thing has never happened in our district in the past. Buying insurance for an organization like ours would be a waste of funds.
We don't sponsor any stand-alone events, but - for instance- we do provide food for teacher appreciation. Could someone get sick and sue the PTO? Probably. Since we aren't incorporated, could they go after the board's personal assets. Yes - it theoretically could happen.
Technically, we are an organization separate from the school. We have an EIN, a bank account, officers, bylaws. But it's very small potatotes.
How many similar types of organizations do all of us belong to in exactly the same boat? Babysitting co-ops, swim team, craft clubs, book clubs, etc. Any person/organization assumes risk.
We consider ourselves a non-profit as we are not organized to make a profit or benefit owners/shareholders. But we won't misrepresent ourselves as being a qualified organizations with the IRS (501c3). So we wouldn't tell anyone donations to us were deductible. We WOULD try to be an agent for the school so donations could technically be to THEM, therefore deductable.
JHB..you provided a very thorough answer about non-profits on another thread....I assume this middle school PTO you are involved with is not a non-profit because they do not take in much money, and are basically in place for service support, etc....so does your group carry insurance or is that not necessary since you are not an organized business?, just a group of parent volunteers helping the school...I'm asking because we are a high school PTO w/similar circumstances...you hear so much about getting insurance ...but if we are not a "business", is it necessary to get insurance...just for meetings with a few people and maybe a program.
It sounds like PTO isn't much at any middle school. I am president. I have my husband to help and the ex-pres when she can. That's it. I'm not sure if we will do any actual fundraising or not. We are going to try concessions at the basketball games and if we do well with those, then we won't do anything else. Too many of our activities do fundraisers that I don't want to burn them out. I do want to do some spirit ideas though. Shirts, mascots, keychains, etc.
We had our middle school PTO meeting last week. I was triple-booked that night, so arrived about 5 minutes late. To my surprise and delight, they already had chosen co-presidents and were involved in a very productive meeting.
It was a small group - about a dozen, but each was very willing to help and several were willing to take leadership positions. Frankly, it was much more than I ever expected.
So now we're back in operation. I agreed to be secretary. They've got some reasonable goals - primarily teacher appreciation, public image (of the school), and volunteerism.
They do want to try for monthly general meetings, complete with programs to draw in more parents. As many of you know, I'm a bit cynical about that idea - preferring to stick to open board meetings and measuring "involvement" by parents helping with events rather than attending meetings. But if this group is willing to put forth the effort - so be it. Heaven knows my way isn't always the only path.
:confused: 