parents

small-nonprofit-leadership

Small Nonprofit Leadership: 10 Strategies for Success

Having a leadership role in a small nonprofit like a parent group, service club, sports team or more can add a lot to your plate. These are almost always volunteer positions for already busy people. And whether your group is a team of three or a small army consisting of a Board of Directors, officer…

school closure activities for kids

The Ultimate List of COVID-19 School Closure Activities for Kids

Just when we thought we were rounding the corner and heading for Summer, a new type of school break has been imposed on much of the country. School closures due to COVID-19 (more commonly called Coronavirus) are being announced state-to-state every day. This comes alongside a long list of dining, retail, business and government closures…

Telephone

15 Family Fun Night Ideas that are Actually Fun!

Parent groups like PTAs and PTOs are many things, including an amazing way for local families to create connections they might not have otherwise had. They also serve as inspiration to families, often promoting ways families can spend time together. The key to having a successful parent group that people are excited to be a…

pta-pto-taxes

How do PTAs, PTOs and Other Parent Groups File Taxes?

Parent Group, PTO & PTA Taxes 101 Taxes. If you dislike doing your own personal taxes, you’re likely not looking forward to filing your nonprofit’s taxes. Right?! Like it or not, Parent Teacher Associations and Organizations who have a federal exemption (think 501(c)3 status) must file a 990, 990N, or 990EZ every year. But how?…

get-more-pta-volunteers

5 Ways to Get More PTA / PTO / Parent Association Volunteers

When you’re trying to accomplish big things on behalf of your children, your passion is palpable. You’re working with the principal, staff, school board and parents to help bridge the gap between home and school. That’s no small task. And we don’t need to tell you that research shows parental involvement leads to higher test…

use-social-media

How to Engage Parent Volunteers in New Ways

These days, it’s not uncommon for kids to be enrolled in several different activities at the same time. For parents, that means filling the role of shuttle driver on top of #1 fan. Add to this the opportunities parents have to volunteer, and things can get a bit hectic. Whether you manage a kids team,…

Most Valuable Volunteer MVV

Meet Ann.

Ann Bailey is our Most Valuable Volunteer for August 2019. Ann has lived in Clear Lake, Iowa since 2001. She enjoys life there with her husband Todd and sons Brandon and Tyler, who has Down Syndrome. She loves volunteering and being involved in her community.  Ann is very passionate about her organization, Down Syndrome Association…

parent teacher summer communication

How to Keep up Good Communication with Parents in the Summer Months

One of the best parts of school is the generous summer break. It’s time to relax and spend time with your kids. But if you spend almost three months with zero communication with your school’s parents it can really hinder your Parent Teacher Association’s success. Create A Communication Plan Don’t let the summer months go…

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Ideas for a Successful Movie Night at School

School movie nights are fun for everyone. They create a great sense of community, and students really enjoy bringing their families to experience their school during non-school time. When you’re planning a movie night at school, there are many things to consider so your event can excite your students and bring local families together. Here…

social media

7 Ways Parent Groups Can Use Social Media to Connect

With so many social media channels out there, it can be difficult to choose which one to use for your parent group. Spread the word of your group through these social media channels. Getting Started One of the great aspects of social media is that it is free and shouldn’t take much time, once you…