school groups

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…

School Spirit Merchandise to Sell

100 Online School Spirit Fundraisers to Keep the PTO Funds Rolling

With many schools going virtual in some capacity this year, it’s only fitting that fundraisers should follow suit. A great way for students, parents and other supporters to show their school spirit is with spirit wear. For many school districts, extracurricular activities are not canceled, just modified. It would be great to have your supporters…

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.…

Most Valuable Volunteer MVV

Meet the Volunteer: Carla Olivo

Meet the Volunteer: Carla Olivo Our 2nd Quarter 2020 Most Valuable Volunteer Nominate Someone Carla Olivo is our Most Valuable Volunteer for the second quarter of 2020. Congrats, Carla. Thanks for all you do. Carla Olivo is the Content Manager for SoCo Neighbors, Clifton Living, and Neighbors of Fairfax Station magazines circulated in northern Virginia.…

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…

attracting volunteers

Attracting Awesome Volunteers

Groups that are purpose-driven depend on volunteers for everything from fulfilling their mission statement to fundraising to even performing basic day-to-day office duties. Many organizations have no paid staff and operate only through a group of dedicated volunteers. So how can you attract & encourage awesome volunteers? Show Appreciation Volunteers need to feel appreciated. The…

booster club stem

Booster Clubs for STEM Groups

Booster Clubs are a great way to raise funds for a school group or organization. Most often run by the parents of students involved in a particular group, a Booster Club operates with a mix of volunteer hours, membership dues and donations. Booster Clubs are most often known for supporting athletics. They could supplement funds…

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?…