Blog

For graduating seniors, saying that final goodbye to classmates and teachers evokes mixed emotions. The right support and advice for graduating seniors helps them prepare for their life’s next great chapter. Hopefully, high school has done its job priming them academically, but students also need help to adapt socially and emotionally to the new challengesRead more

Booster club leaders can show genuine gratitude with volunteer appreciation gifts. But is gift-giving really necessary once someone has committed to supporting your organization? A happy volunteer feels a sense of belonging and contribution. Booster clubs that value their helpers hold onto them for longer and attract new support. And all it takes is aRead more

Collaborative efforts between parent advocates and schools create the best results, parents should seek out ways to make themselves available as a valuable asset to teachers and administrators to increase advocate effectiveness. That’s why parent advocacy works best with a collaborative approach. But how do you strike the ideal balance, and how beneficial is parentRead more

AT A GLANCE Volunteers stay when they feel appreciated. This article shares ten recognition ideas, from handwritten notes and Volunteer of the Month to swag bags, social media shout-outs, and appreciation events. Key takeaway: tangible thank-yous, not just verbal praise, measurably improve retention, and consistent year-round recognition keeps volunteers engaged and attracts new ones. ONRead more

Hosting a school book fair can be nerve-racking for first-time parent-teacher group volunteers, but it doesn’t need to be. With a little help from AIM you can make your event fun, lucrative, and educational. Offering books at dedicated school book fairs is as vital today as it’s ever been. Parents who volunteer contribute to theirRead more

Home/school partnerships play a central role in the success of K-12 education. The most visible of these in US schools is the PTA or Parent Teacher Association. But how do PTAs work, exactly, and how do they differ from PTOs or Parent Teacher Organizations? The PTA is a system that builds community networks around K-12Read more

AT A GLANCE Ready to start a parent group? This step-by-step guide covers nine moves: gather interested parents, write a mission, meet with the principal, set bylaws, get an EIN, elect officers, register if forming a PTA, and recruit members. Key takeaway: know the difference first; PTAs require national affiliation and dues while PTOs runRead more

The secret to any happy and healthy long-term relationship is communication. While this may sound like marital advice, it’s also true for your parent-teacher group. PTAs, PTOs, and Booster Clubs succeed by organizing and applying the efforts of parents to better the educational experience for the students. Regular communication with your group’s parents is vitalRead more

AT A GLANCE Icebreakers help parent volunteers put a name to a face and get comfortable speaking up, which is exactly what a PTA, PTO, or booster club meeting needs. This article offers a ready-to-use toolkit of conversation starters, quick games, and structured activities, most designed to take about fifteen minutes. Key takeaway: match theRead more

A walk-a-thon is the perfect way to raise funds for your PTA, PTO, or Booster Club, as well as gain valuable attention for your parent-teacher group’s cause. Follow these event tips from AIM to put on a successful walk-a-thon for your parent-teacher group ensure you won’t end up walking in circles. First Off, Be SpecificRead more