I love this idea! And badpants- the BYO is a great suggestion. Think I'll bring this up to our board. We do a potluck but maybe we can combine the two events.

If free is the case, then I would encourage BYO. I've had success with it for the last 4 years, no one seems to mind and it is certainly less hassle! Plus, the event is only a few hours and after dinner. Families might be relieved to know they can just bring whatever they have on hand and not have to put too much effort into it.

Check out the supply lists from your school. Chance are many of the teachers have same or similar items listed. Maybe you could get the principal to throw in a weeks worth of lunches as a door prize. I'm sure parents would appreciate that! All you really need to keep track of families is a sign in sheet. You could work on up with a line to sign and columns across for each grade/class.Each family signs in by family name (Smith Family) and checks the box for each child. The winner is based on percentage so it remains fair (some classes may be larger/smaller than others). We do this at meetings and the winning class gets a treat the next day.

I like the idea of giving teachers much needed supplies for the class that has the most students show up. This dance will be completely free. Our PTA has the problem of forever fundraising without giving back. I want our first event to be absolutely FREE. I also like the idea of the simple welcome back theme with the school colors. We ALWAYS serve pizza so I am looking for something different, but just as easy as pizza. Thanks for all of the ideas. I can't wait for September!

I'd say "Welcome Back" would be your theme. Keep it simple, use your school colors. String some lights, maybe balloons. We charge $5 per family, which helps to cover the cost of the DJ and let families know they can BYO snacks & drinks. I always get the large size paper boats to put out on tables for families, many of which get together with each other to share snacks. If you wanted, you could give out glow sticks to the kids. You could raffle spiritwear or offer it as a door prize. A basket of school supplies (Germ-X, Lysol Wipes, Kleenex etc.) for the teacher whose class has the most familes show might go over well.

Depending on when you are planning the dance, set the theme around an event. It's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 this year, so a patriotic theme would be good.

For our dances we hire a dj, who does games as well as the music. I'm sure you can google ideas, but use things like hoola hoops, or wrapping with TP. We also do a cake walk for fun, and use donated baked goods.

For food, we keep it simple and bring in pizza. We have pop, water, capri's. We often sell popcorn too.

2011-2012 will be my first year as PTA President for an elementary school. We have around 500 students. I am very excited to be planning a free welcome back dance. It is the first dance our school has ever held. I would love tips and ideas on everything from themes to food and anything else you think I should know as I plan this fun family night. Thanks.