5 Things
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Mt. Baker PTA |
One: Special Presentation for Parents
Mt. Baker PTA invited Karyn Brownson from Youth Suicide Prevention Program to give a short but powerful presentation on how parents can help recognize stress and depression in their kids. It is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is important to be able to talk to our kids about their emotional health. Providing a guest speaker at General Membership meetings, or some leadership training at Board meetings, is a great use of time. Nice work! Two: Welcoming and Friendly!
The board actively particpated in welcoming parents and staff to their meeting. Outgoing leaders introduced new faces to veterans, and everyone seemed to feel comfortable and appreciated. Bonus: the president kept the meeting on target and moving along! Three: Small Budget? No problem!
Mt. Baker has a very tight budget this year. Their strategy is fiscally fabulous: most extra programs, events, and supplies were slashed from the budget. As their fundraisers begin to grow the wallet, they will revisit and vote on additions. It is a very good way to demonstrate exactly what PTA could support with sufficient resources. It is also an efficient way to discover the things that really matter to your members. Four: Committee Sign Up Sheets Tell the Story
Esch committee had their own sign up sheet, and each sheet gave a brief description of the committee, when it is most active, and a little about what is expected of volunteers. Five: Staff Steps Up!
It was great to see so many members of the staff at this general meeting! Getting direct feedback on the kinds of ways PTA can be relevent to your teachers and administration is really important. |
Olympic PTSA |
One: A small group of parents and teachers saw a need.
It is very exciting that the PTSA is coming together after a few years of dwindeling. They face some big challenges, but they are all on board! Parents, Students, Staff, and Administration are all working toward the same vision. Nice work! Two: This team uses their tools!
There are some great things that help leaders run a PTA. Council offers training, support, and ideas. State offers handbooks, membership envelopes, more training, and some critical support for the really complicated tax and law stuff. National PTA has still more information, convenient online training, and support. Olympic PTSA knows they are not in this alone! Three: Planning Small...
It is refreshing to see a team that is NOT trying to do more than they have resources. Olympic is carefully and purposefuly avoiding the trap of over-planning and stretching themselves too thin. Baby steps!! Four: ... and Dreaming Big!
Even though the team is small right now, they are making plans to grow. Membership, Outreach, Community Building, Teacher Participation... every little thing helps grow a PTA in meaningful ways. Five: Community Building is Number One!
Olympic has a great idea that will reach out to their entire community and celebrate each family in a powerful way. PTA will be organizing parents for a community potluck, and the Principal will organize performers representing the diverse cultures in the Olympic community. What a lovely way to celebrate Diversity and Inclusivity at their school. Great idea! |
Lea Hill PTA |
One: All Executive Officers wear matching "Lea Hill PTA" shirts!
It was easy to see who was in charge even if you were brand new to the meeting. Bonus points for the cute "Like" icon from facebook on the front! Very cute theme on its own, and a great conversation starter to talk about their new Facebook page! Two: Handy Magazine Rack in the front office for PTA materials!
The first thing I saw when I entered the foyer was a 5' tall spinning rack of PTA paperwork. Very eye-catching and easy to find important materials! Three: Members discussed and approved the Standing Rules
A committee prepared updated standing rules,a nd brought them to the general membership meeting for approval. This can be a dry and tedious part of the first meeting, but the Lea Hill team tackled this Best Practice and informed their members about the importance of having and abiding by a consistent set of basic guidelines. Nice work! Bonus Points for also discussing the benefits of having COmmittee Binders! Four: Great sense of community!
This great team organizes several fun family events throughout the year. What a great way to inspire a strong sense of community! Lea Hill families are looking forward to an ice cream social, family craft night, and a pumpkin carving party! Five: Committee Contact list is organized by month!!
I LOVE this idea: a one page handout with each PTA event, activity, and program organized BY MONTH!! This makes it so easy for a new member to know what to expect, what to look forward to, and who to call when they want to volunteer! |
