school groups

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?…

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,…

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…

nonprofit facebook pages

Should Your PTA or PTO Run A Facebook Page? Pros & Cons

Should Your PTA or PTO Run A Facebook Page? Pros & ConsWhether you are new to your school’s Parent Teacher Association or a veteran, you might be considering a Facebook page for your organization. Facebook is a great tool that doesn’t require much time. We break down more pros and cons so you can make…