Here is a poem I wrote hoping to inspire some parents to volunteer - it is meant to be humorous! It is personalized for our school, but easily adaptable. Hope it helps!

Welcome to the PTO
by Jen McConnell

Parent: My baby has turned five, now it’s off to school she goes.
PTO Member: Great! We need new members!
Parent: Oh, I haven’t time, Lord knows.
PTO Member: I’m sure you’ll love the work!
Parent: But, I have no time to spare.
PTO Member: Our meetings start on Monday - I know we’ll see you there!
Parent: Volunteering has been fun, but for October I shall rest.
PTO Member: The fun you’ve yet to see, let Book Fair be the test!
Parent: My family loves this school, the activities all go well.
PTO Member: And to pay for all that fun, there’s fundraisers we must sell!
Parent: The holidays are here, my volunteerings got to stop.
PTO Member: For a few short weeks it will - when we close up Santa Shop!
Parent: The weather has turned bitter, I’ll just stay at home.
PTO Member: Yes! More volunteers must be called - we could use you on the phone!
Parent: My daughter’s so excited about a fun fair sort of thing.
PTO Member: Ah, yes! Our Anderson Carnival - we do it every spring!
Parent: What a wonderful tradition it sounds like so much fun.
PTO Member: Absolutely! And what’s more, there’s a game booth you can run!
Parent: It seems summer’s coming - the year’s end is in sight now.
I’ve baked and copied and served ice cream. You name it, I know how.
PTO Member: But can you really say - you haven’t had some fun?
Show up for this year’s Field Day. You can time the children run.
Parent: Today’s the final day of school, I’ve lived through it after all.
PTO Member: And isn’t it exciting to know, it all starts over in the fall!

I'd love a copy of your parent survey as well.
Thanks alot!

PattyK--

I would love a copy of your Parent Survey. Thanks for sharing!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am working on what to do at our open house right now. I am thinking of having little bags with suckers that have a sticker that says "Stick with the PTO... 1st meeting August 31st, 7:00p.m.".. well, that is my after midnight tired idea... haha..

Anyway, Patty, may I see what is on your questionaire? You can email it to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thanks. [img]smile.gif[/img]

We are having a table as well. We are making packets of information with a magnet of the school on it with the contact information.

Perhaps have the parents fill out a Parent Survey Form... I have one if you'd like to see what we are askig... it's a word.doc.

pattyk

I was just at about this at 10am! Here's what we're doing that night. I'm sending out a card inviting our families to Welcome Back night. They'll have a chance to meet new staff and teachers, drop off all their school supplies (makes first day easier), play wild games, have photos taken with Polaroid's KidCare program, eat pie and ice cream (hey, there has to be food!), and LEARN ABOUT ALL THE COOL THINGS PTA DOES! We're having card-table sized displays with posters that explain our four major committees and sign up sheets to join them. There will also be a display that explains our fundraising plans for the year and where the mone goes. Hope this all helps.Good luck!