I too am in the same boat as momaboo and I would love to have a Mission Statement. Who is dlf? And how could I get a hold of her. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Email me direct with anything you may want or need. I have been prez for 4 yrs now! These boards are where it is at. I cannot thank those here enough. Now I have a little chance to give back so just send me an email any time This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IF CC doesnt have it -- and I'm sure she does I have tons of forms available also This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
--Robert Louis Stevenson

momaboo - You're in the right spot! Welcome to the world of parent group leadership. You sound like you're enthusiastic, open minded and a real team player. Good for you!

dlf will be back from vacation soon and I KNOW she'll help with your mission statement. From other posts, I see you want something upbeat and family friendly. She's the girl for that sort of thing. Also, insider tip, if you let her know your mascot she'll come up with terrific mottos. (yes, d, you know you will.... )

It can be intimidating to start out in the lead spot but you and your new principal are in an excellent position to 'start from scratch' and develop the kind of parent group that your community needs.

Mostly, I'd start by checking to see if you have a very basic structure in place:

1. Is your group it's own 501c3 or do you fall under the school's non-profit status?

2. Do you have bylaws? And a copy of Robert's Rules of Order?

3. How about a Charter or Policies and Procedures docuements?

4. Is your 06/07 board in place (ie, President, VP, Secretary and Treasurer)? With these four key positions you can build from there. Maybe also recruit two or three teacher reps so you know the staff ideas are heard too.

5. Would you consider becoming a member of PTO Today Plus? Sure there is tons of free info here (Thanks Tim!!!) but "membership has it's advantages". At least sign up to be on their email list and for a free copy of PTO Today magazine. Check out the Bonus Tools tab at the top of the page.

I'm in the middle of a move right now but hope to have my real computer (using the laptop now) with all of my saved documents set up next week. If you need it, I can email copies of Meeting Agendas, Monthly Minutes, sample bylaws, etc... Just send a message to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I'll do what I can to help.

~CC

Hello all! I'm here because I need all advice I can get! I've never served on a PTO but was asked to run last year by someone from 2005-6 PTO I said sure and they voted me to be President...wasn't expecting that at all! We have had a lot of changes at this school in the past 3 years or so and school moral is really low. We do have a new principal that is very motivated to change the atmosphere and that's what I would like our PTO to help with besides earning money for the kids, school,etc etc.

I want to create a monthly newsletter. I would like to have a mission statement. I want to set goals and state these in the newsletter. I'm really not sure what to say. Please any help or advise is greatly appreciated!