5 Tips & Fun Ideas for PTAs at Back-to-School Night
Back To School Night is one of the most important events for school administrators, educators, students, parents, and of course, your school's PTA. This is a time for the new parents to learn more about the school and connect with their child's teacher; and for veteran parents, it’s all about reconnecting and learning about any changes or additions for the new school year.
With the opportunity to connect with new members of the parent community and rekindle relationships with the more experienced school parents, the PTA must take advantage! So how can you make it an event that is more productive, enjoyable, and less chaotic?
1. Get to the point. For both the veteran and
new families, Back To School Night can be chock full of new info and updates, and will quickly become overwhelming. A brief overview of a few of the things that your PTA is focused on (don't ask for money or dive into school fundraisers) is the primary objective. Give the parents just enough that they want to find out more later
on as they settle into the year.
2. Have a friendly chit chat and listen. Keep your conversation light but stay focused on the individual parents whom you meet. Friendly chit chat keeps the parent engaged long enough to leave a positive impression of your school and PTA, and encourages parents to be active supports and volunteers. In many cases, you may have that parent tell you that they have are short on time this semester to volunteer. Listen and you might find a different way to get that individual involved!
3. Share your social. Let parents know at Back to School Night how your PTA communicates with parents and be ready for feedback. If your PTA has a facebook page, a twitter account, a webpage, blog, you name it - share those online addresses and social handles so parents can follow you right away and be prepared to hear from you online throughout the year!
4. Don't get dicouraged by a "no". Any
experienced PTA chair or fundraiser can tell you that you
often get a lot of no’s before you get a yes. Be patient and don’t take it
personally if parents are not gung-ho from the very start of Back to School Night. Sometimes they will come around at a later date, so just let them know that they are welcome to ask at a
more convenient time about your PTA.
5. Use VolunteerSpot! Lose the clipboard signup sheets at Back to School Night. Give your parent community the impression that your PTA is ready to dive into the digital age. Post your online signup links on BTS Night materials, banners, you name it. Or utilitze the "Clipboard" VounteerSpot app for iPad, turning your tablet into a virtual clipboard. Stress the time-saving nature and convenience of an online scheduling tool to really bring your new parent volunteers on board! Get started now, click HERE
