We have a Welcome Back Breakfast on the 2nd day of school (the first day is so hectic for the teachers & principal). If you want any teachers to be able to stop down or if you want your Principal or VP to stop down for a meet & greet, then don't have it on the first day of school. Also, don't have it at the start of school because parents will want to drive their children in & drop off. For the kids that suffer from separation anxiety, they need to get into the routine of getting on the bus. So have it start a good 1/2 hr or so after the start of school to prevent parents from dropping off & having the "leg clutching incident" in front of the school!
We have it for about 2 hours in the morning after the start of school. Just light breakfast items, coffee, tea & juice. Our PTO board is represented and we have our meeting schedule, activity listings, membership forms, etc. Its a great way to get a jump on the membership drive. The President of the PTO speaks just to welcome everyone and encourage parent participation & then the Principal speaks. 2-4 min is all that's needed.
When our teachers send home the Welcome packet in the summer with the school supply lists, teacher assignment, etc., that's when our flyer goes out to announce the breakfast. It's a great way to meet the Kindergarten parents as well and explain what the PTO does.
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We're looking to have a meet and greet sort of situation with coffee and pastries on the first day of school next year. Not just to encourage involvement, but to help families, especially kindy parents and new immigrants, feel welcome. Who else has done this? Does anyone have any sage wisdom?
