We are a new school that through redistricting opened in September with students from four schools from within our district. One thing that helped us get kick started was that each of the PTO/PTC organizations from those 4 schools made a donation to the start up of our PTO. Without those initial donations we would not have been able to have insurance when we had our first function, and our members would have been paying out of pocket for many more things than we already did. Yes - we went to each of the boards of the organizations and asked for money, the formula that worked out best for almost all of the schools worked out to about $7.50 per student. One school provided us with some cash, but also a Scholastic gift certificate from that year's book fair. We also had great offers of human help with everything from meetings to volunteering at events for the first year. We were most appreciative and have taken them up on their offers of support, financial and otherwise.
Stuffed Mascots? T-shirts? How much money do you have to spend? I think I would try to come up with something that the kids would be likely to hold on to, like a school pennant(?)(you know, one of those felt things you hang on the wall with the name of your school on it?). This might be a good time to consider a one-time year book that includes a family photo, depending on the size of your student body. You could make a deal with someone like Olan Mills Portrait Studios, who will do a free year book (soft cover)and a free 8x10 of the family (they are going to make their sales up on student AND family photos, believe me...lol). They do it for churches and schools too if I'm not mistaken. Call up your local photographers studio and ask. What is the worst they can say?
due to redistricting this is the last year at our school for a group of our students. Any ideas for something our PTC can do as a fun send-off; something that will show these kids and their families they were appreciated members of this school community but at the same time not dwell too much on the sad part of leaving.
