This is going to bed a rather long response to the original question - - - but here are a couple of things that I've cut & pasted off the discussion forum and we will be using both in one way, shape or form this year. Makes light of the situation of needing volunteers - and I think humor works well! I've made changes to the originally posted info to make it specific to our organization - you might need to do the same. I cannot take credit for any of these ideas but give kudos to those who shared them with me with full permission to plagiarize!
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How do you approach a swimming pool?
a. Dip your toe in first before slowly descending down the steps?
b. Go down the stairs quickly, get wet, but then float around the rest of the time?
c. Jump in from the side and play?
d. Get in and swim laps
e. Find the nearest high dive and take a plunge?
f. Sit nearby, never get wet, but chat with other swimmers?
Now what does this have to do with PTO? Regardless of your answer, we have a volunteer position for you!
If your answer is A consider a spot as a TAP Mom or an occasional Refreshments Provider/Server.
If your answer is B how about being on one (or more) of the social activities committees?
If your answer is C you could be a Room Parent or help out with Teacher Appreciation projects.
If your answer is D we need you to be a room mom or if you swim lots of laps – how about Market Day?
If your answer is E then Chairing Book Fair or Fun Fair has your name written all over it!
If your answer is F there's a place for you on the school directory committee.
Now if you never even get down to the "pool", how will you know the fun you're missing?? The PTO allows you to get to know other parents, your childrens' teachers, children at the school...plus it opens doors to your own child's learning experience.
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TOP 10 REASONS I CAN'T MAKE IT TO A PTVO MEETING
1. I CAN'T AFFORD IT:
This PTO does not require or accept dues. It does not cost a dime to attend meeting. Where else can you get such cheap entertainment? Besides – can you afford NOT TO?
2. I DON'T KNOW ANYONE THERE:
We don't know you either... but we'd like to! Come get to know the parents, teachers and volunteers who work with your children.
3. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE MEETINGS ARE:
We generally meet on the 3rd Monday of the month unless there is a holiday or if school is getting out (don't tease me...)
4. I DON'T HAVE THE TIME...
At the tone, the time will be _______ (look at your watch and fill in the blank). BEEP.
5. I'M TOO TIRED...
So am I, but if everyone said that we wouldn’t be able to have the service, social and fundraising projects that you and your kids have become accustomed to.
6. I WORK AT NIGHT...
Meetings are brief, we promise! If you can’t personally be there – send your husband, wife, significant other or Grandma!
7. I CAN'T SAY 'NO' AND I'LL END UP DOING EVERYTHING:
For the last time, Doing Everything is MY JOB and you can't have it (until next year!) Look in the mirror. Practice saying "no...No...NO...". Seriously, we have a great group and everyone pitches in.
8. I DON'T HAVE A BABYSITTER:
WE DO! Just bring that little darling of yours along. We’d love to meet him/her too!
9. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF OTHER PARENTS THERE SO YOU WON'T NEED ME:
Pahleeeeeese! If we had a dime for everyone who thought that, we wouldn't have to run any fundraisers! We Want and Need You!
10. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT PTO STANDS FOR:
Please come to YOUR Parent Teacher Organization meetings!
Thanks for the feedback. Has this increased or decreased the workload for the room parent? Just wondering why you are having better response! Seems that there should be a win-win solution that helps the room parents and the PTO.
Hi,
We're starting this year to join our room parents and the PTO. We are holding a Doughnuts for Room Parents right after dropoff one morning. We hope to pass out a questionnaire to see what they will be willing to do, Ex: help gather donations for our Bingo, recruit volunteers for various fundraisers, sale raffle tickets, etc. Plus they will be our ears to the teacers needs. I have still to make up the questionnaire though. We will have the teachers pick their own room parents. We're having great feedback for this approach. Good Luck with yours. Will let you know if this works or not lol. With so many women I hope it does.
Donna
Try looking under the heading "running your group" Quite a few ideas under new PTO there.
I myself have been working on a room parent questionnaire for our school. In the past, room parents and PTSO have been separate in our school... there seems to be great resistance to the idea of working together. Any feedback?
Does anyone have a "room parent" questionnaire they could send me or post here on the board? We are a new school opening in Sept. and would like to send a sign-up form home with the parent information packets this summer.
