Parent Teacher Organization

A Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is similar to a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). A PTO is a formal organization that consists of parents, teachers and school staff. The organization's goals may vary from organization to organization, but essentially the goals include volunteerism of parents, encouragement of teachers and students, community involvement, and welfare of students and families.

PTO Goals and/or Mission Statement

Individual organizations typically establish goals and/or a mission statement. Here is a sample PTO Mission Statement from the New Franklin School PTO:

The New Franklin School PTO is a nonprofit parent/teacher organization whose membership includes all parents, legal guardians and staff at New Franklin Elementary School.

The PTO’s mission is to promote open communication and understanding between parents and staff of the New Franklin Elementary School. Our efforts serve to enhance and maximize the education of every child while aiding them in achieving their highest potential.

The PTO sponsors assistance to teachers in classroom setting, holds fund-raisers for supplemental educational materials and experiences, supports school and family social interaction, and provides a non-biased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our children.

It is our belief that the team effort of a parent teacher organization offers the best possible learning environment for our children.

PTO Board

A PTO generally consists of a board. These members may include a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. They may also include various specialty positions, such as hospitality or programs. The board typically governs the PTO by creating and voting on meeting dates, general meeting programs, etc.

PTO General Meetings

A PTO general meeting will consist of board members plus all parents, teachers and staff who are members of the PTO. A general meeting usually includes an agenda, which helps to keep the meeting on track. An agenda will usually include the following:

1. Name of PTO
2. Meeting Date
3. Meeting Location
4. Call to Order
5. Review of previous meeting's minutes
6. Officer’s Reports (President, Vice President, Secretary, etc.)
7. Committee Reports (if any committees have been formed for an event, such as a carnival)
8. Principal’s Report
9. Unfinished (Old) Business
10. New Business
11. Announcements
12. Adjournment

There may be a special event (such as a Family Reading Night, talent show or musical performance) or a special speaker included in the general meeting as well.

PTO versus PTA

A PTO is very similar to a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). One of the most notable differences is that a PTA is supported by a state and national PTA and thus funds are also sent to these offices to help sustain the PTA program. A PTO is local and does not pay dues or other fees to a national umbrella organization. Another notable difference between the PTO and PTA is that unlike the PTO, the PTA gets involved in political opinions such as refusing to allow PFOX to attend their conventions

PTO Activities

PTO's encourage parent, teacher and community involvement by providing programs that facilitate so. These activities may include bicycle safety, drug awareness, energy conservation, reading programs, science programs, math programs and pedestrian safety.

For parents

PTO parents get involved by supporting their students, teachers and staff. Parents can volunteer to be room parents to assist with class parties or field trips. They can help set up at a carnival or health fair. They can help teachers and staff by making copies for the class.

For Teachers and Staff

Teachers and staff may become involved by helping to plan events that encourage the education of the students. These may include workshops, tutoring or special family nights (math, science, reading).

For Students

The students reap the benefits by the involvement and support of all the adults involved in the PTO. The PTO supports the educational goals of the school, thus extending those goals to the students.

External links

"PTO Today: Ideas, Help and Advice for PTO/PTA Groups". PTO Today. Retrieved 2008-11-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)