We have a potluck that is very popular and good for building a community. Kids and parents love having a weekly Parent Reader.

My earlier answer was focused more on elementary school. Many of the things Jewel suggested, however, have been done at my kids' secondary school, specifically--

Teacher/staff appreciation lunches

Front office assistance (making copies, answering phones, greeting visitors)

Grounds beautification (weeding, planting)

Coordinating and hosting after-school activities

Also, setting up speakers on health/safety/parenting issues (such as internet safety, teen drinking, drug abuse, gang activities, etc.) can work well for parents of older kids.

You are the best judge of whether the suggestions made here would apply to your school.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Which of these ideas worked best in secondary schools?

Tech Teacher-
That's fabulous. There are so many wonderful programs that don't involve fundraising. In fact groups that focus too much on fundraising have a tougher time getting parents involved. Looks like you have some good ideas from Jewel, mum24kids, & Sheri.

Here are links to programs mentioned in their posts & some links with some other ideas:

Family Reading Night , Family Movie Night & Go Green Green are great events to build community at your school. The kits make them easy to coordinate.

www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/arti...uick-and-easy-events

www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/back-to-school/...ek-show-your-spirit/

Some event ideas contributed to our Idea Bag by other groups -- some are fundraisers but a lot are not.

And also events & programs that focus on the arts, enrichment, and raising student achievement are a wonderful way to get parents involved in a meaningful way.

Best of Luck. Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

~Lisa


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We are mainly a non-fundraising PTO. Our only fundraiser is our Used Uniform Sale we have 3 times a year.

Our other events are Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, Staff Appreciation and Canned Food Drive.