PTO Today

Number one question asked!

How to Increase Parent involvement!

Single GoalConnect school with your community

HOW????????????

7 habits of highly effective parents groups

1. Redefine your groups goals to focus on involvement and

engagement• Reorganize your meetings

Reduce the business section

Focus on family involvement

2. “Sell” family involvement

• A great benefit for families and children

Make it personal – quote the experts

THIS IS A MESSAGE PARENTS RESPOND TO:

THIS IS A MESSAGE PARENTS RESPOND TO:

Why Get Involved?Research reveals many benefits when parents are involved in their

child's education, including: Higher grades and test scores; Better attitudes and behavior;

Better school attendance; More homework completed;

Greater likelihood of graduating from high school; and Better chance of enrolling in postsecondary education.

3. Start a family involvement committee

• The sole purpose of this committee is to brainstorm and execute programs that engage more and more of your school’s community.

• Calls to new families• Use special talents – storytellers, quilters• Spaghetti diners, ice cream socials FUN FUN

FUN• What about inviting the grandparents

4. We will offer family involvement events without

strings

5. “Time is the new currency”:

• “Time fear” may be the single biggest factor keeping volunteers away

• Be honest – give job descriptions

• RESPECT peoples time

6. Carefully develop and reward new volunteers

and leaders

• Make volunteering easy (keep notebooks current)

• Develop your leaders-put with a mentor• REWARD volunteers

7. Treat new parents with extra special care

• New parent meeting• Call new families to see how they are

doing• Personally invite them to go with you to

events at your school• Introduce them to other new families

WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?