Increase PTO Membership by Welcoming New Kindergarteners

Welcome to my first of many blog postings that will be related to school Parent-Teacher Organizations.  If you're a parent or teacher of a school that has a PTO, PTA, PAC, PA, or one of the many other school volunteer group acronyms, this blog is for you.

Each week, I hope to provide you with tips to build a better group and hopefully you can share your ideas too.  This week, I'll start off simple...

To increase participation of your parent group this year, remember to welcome new parents early.  Invite incoming kindergarteners along with their parents to a playdate at the park or playground.  Hand out name tags and maybe even a few ice pops as a cool snack. 

Ask your principal to include the invitations in the information package he/she mails out to parents in August.

Greet the parents and kids with a smile and be available to answer any questions they may have.  And remember, to tell them about volunteer opportunities with the PTO.