10 Reasons to Get Involved with PTO

1. Your child benefits.

When parents get connected to the school, children do better. Research shows children whose parents are involved get better grades, do better on tests, and have fewer discipline problems at school.

2. We make a difference.

Our mission is to create the kind of school community where teachers and administrators can do their best work—and so can our children. We provide support for teachers in and out of the classroom. We provide resources they need. We help create learning opportunities for children. And we try to build the kind of supportive, caring atmosphere that makes school fun.

3. We pledge to honor your time constraints.

People are often reluctant to participate because they’re afraid they’ll get pulled into a black hole of never-ending time commitment. That won’t happen here. An hour or two a semester really makes a difference. And we won’t push you to commit more than you want to or are able to.

4. We have fun.

Volunteer work shouldn’t be drudgery. We accomplish a lot, and not everything we do is easy. But we know we’re not balancing the national debt, either. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we try to enjoy ourselves along the way whenever possible.

5. Meet nice people who share your concerns.

We all have a common bond. We care about creating the best possible educational experience for our children. We are neighbors and peers who share many of the same experiences. And many friendships have developed as a result of those connections.

6. There’s a lot to be done.

These days, schools are asked to do more with less. Our help is needed more than ever to fill the gaps. 

7. We can match jobs to your interests and abilities.

The work we do covers a broad spectrum: filing and photocopying, planning and executing events, writing and editing, working directly with children, managing a budget and cash flow, and lots more. We encourage creative ideas, and we’re thrilled to have people take on tasks that meet their skills and interests.

8. We’re welcoming.

To us, there are no “outsiders.” We are people who have come together to work toward common goals. We couldn’t be happier to have you join us in working toward those goals.

9. We’re about parent involvement, not fundraising.

In these times of tight budgets, parent groups everywhere are having to fill in the gaps, and so are we. But our number one goal is to get more parents connected to the school. That’s because more than 300 independent research studies show that building parent involvement in education is the number one thing we can do to create a great school and improve student performance.

10. This work is very rewarding.

It’s seeing the bright light of learning sparkle in a child’s eye. It’s seeing the smile that shows we’re making school a little more fun—and a child feel a little more comfortable in a learning environment. It’s learning that test scores have risen and knowing we played a role. There are lots of rewards, both big and small, for those who get involved.

Won’t you join us? Fill out a Volunteer Form to get started with PTO!

Join us for the first PTO meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 @ 6:45 p.m. in the Laurin Commons (cafeteria).  We will be discussing upcoming events and goals for this year.  If you have any items you would like put on the agenda, please email glenwoodlaurinpto@gmail.com.  We are searching for someone to step in as Glenwood President, so if you’d like to find out more about this position, please attend the meeting.

Room Parenting 101 – Some Frequently Asked Questions and Some Great Answers!

Q: What does the term “Room Parent” really mean?

A: Long ago, the term was “Room Mom”, which in this day and age seems like we wouldn’t allow Dads in the classroom! Now we have opened the door to any parent, guardian, even grandparents! In a nutshell, you, as Room Parent, are the liaison between the teacher, the parents and the PTO. You will be asked to handle PTO paperwork, coordinate parties and activities throughout the year, and complete tasks as requested by the teacher.

Q: Isn’t that a lot of work for one person?

A: Not if you know how to delegate! See if you can obtain a list of parents with phone numbers, that you will keep confidential, so that everyone has a chance to participate in the class activities. Your job is to match the right parent to the right task, just by asking them what they are willing to do! If you know a parent who’s child is also in the class, ask them to work with you as a Co-Room Parent. This is a great way to share the responsibilities and make lasting friendships!

Q: How do I know what to ask for?

A: You will work closely with the teacher to find out what the needs will be for the year and what his/her expectations are. Together, you can make a sign-up sheet for parents to see at the open house. The parents will let you know what they are comfortable with by signing up for the activity that suits their talents or abilities.

Q: What information do I need from the parents?

A: A useful tool in dealing with many parents is to find out what the best form of communication will be with each one. Personal contact is always best, but some parents find the benefit of email easier than trying to call many parents in a short amount of time. Another important piece of information is learning of any food allergies in the classroom. Find out now before any events involving food have taken place!

Q: Can the Room Parent send home flyers in the students backpacks?

A: Depending in the nature of the flyer, most of them need to go through the main office or Principal for approval. Anything having to do with money, absolutely get main office approval. If you would like to make up a contact list of parents who want to network with other parents in the room, you may do so with the pre-approved sheet included with this informational packet. When in doubt – have it checked out!

Q: What are the benefits of being a Room Parent?

A: Almost too numerous to mention! You will get to know your child in a different light, and see young minds grow throughout the year. A very important reward is having the chance to help one of the few people who work harder than you do – your child’s teacher! Did I mention the occasional delicious cupcake or two?

Tips and Tools of Successful Recruiting!

How to get all of the help you need!

1. Meet the parents! Arrange a class get-together at the playground or have coffee after the children get dropped off in the morning. This gives faces to the names and instills a spirit of cooperation, right from the start.

2. When asking for help, be specific! Let your parents know exactly what you need from them. “Can you be at the party from 1:30 to 2:30?” or “We need 2 dozen cupcakes for the party.”

3. Offer a range of ways to pitch in. Some parents like to cook & bake, others use their ovens for storage and love the opportunity to buy paper goods or beverages. Find out who likes arts & crafts, and use their talents when needed!

4. Use the “week before” reminder system. Email or send out notes to make sure your volunteers remember what they signed up for!

5. Send a Thank-You letter or email after someone has volunteered. Share digital photos with those who can’t be at the school. When parents know they have made a difference, they’ll be more willing to help in the future!

Your involvement in your child’s classroom really does make an impact. Thanks for being a Room Parent!