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PTO-Treasurer-Financial-Best-Practices

The Ultimate Guide to Financial Best Practices for PTO Treasurers

School Parent Groups are known for their fundraising brilliance. Parents, teachers, faculty and students do amazing work creating new ways to pay for everything from new playground equipment to classroom supplies. But let’s get down to the brass tax of this post: what happens after the money comes in? Why Finances Matter to School Parent…

shake up pta traditions

Shake Up Your PTA’s Annual Traditions

For parent groups like PTAs, PTOs, PFCs and Booster Clubs, tradition is as ingrained as the permanent marker on the chair in study hall. From weekly group meetings to annual fundraisers, these are things students, parents and teachers look forward to each year. But this year, more than ever, we can’t do what we’ve always…

marching band in white uniforms

Beyond Sports: 10 Types of Booster Clubs

When you think of a high school Booster Club, you may think of the parents selling tickets or snacks at athletic events. But parents form many types of Booster Clubs beyond athletics. The main commonalities between all Booster Clubs include: They are typically formed by parents. They provide financial support for one or more student…

pta summer slide prevention

PTAs Can Help Prevent the Summer Slide by Keeping Parents Engaged During Break

The 2020 school year has come to an end unlike any other we’ve seen. As graduates celebrated with virtual and distanced ceremonies, school-aged children said goodbye to their classes with drive-by’s and video celebrations. Like most of us, we’re just crossing our fingers that some semblance of a normal school year can begin this fall.…

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…

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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,…

school mascot fundraisers

Incorporating the School Mascot Into Fundraising Events

Eagles! Wildcats! Bulldogs! No, it’s not the zoo. It’s back to school time. And whether your school is the home of the Dolphins or the Warriors, you should consider incorporating the school mascot into fundraising events. Why? A mascot will boost marketing, branding and entertainment values for Parent Teacher Associations, Sports Teams, Booster and other…