Finding the resources and funding for learning tools and enriching events is a consistent challenge for many districts. The PTO is often a largely underutilized resource, but most people cringe at the thought of having to attend one more committee meeting, especially in the evenings. Yet a well-run PTO can help take some of the load off of school staff and leverage resources in the community. That’s why I was excited to talk to Christina Hidek from PTO Answers about how school staff and PTOs can work together. Christina Hidek is a recovering attorney turned Professional Organizer and certified PTO volunteer nerd. She founded PTO Answers 7 years ago to boost family engagement in schools and empower parents to improve their child’s educational experience and school community through PTA/PTO involvement. She’s been an active PTO leader for the past 14 years and hosts the vibrant 7900 plus member Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group. When she’s not volunteering, you can find her in her garden, listening to the latest Katherine Center audiobook or walking the family dogs. In this conversation, we discuss: ✅How to get people to show up to the first PTO meeting (hint: It’s not by asking, “Hey, want to join the PTO?”) ✅Ways people can get involved if they can’t come to PTO meetings. ✅Examples of low-maintenance, high-profit fundraisers. ✅Deciding what events and initiatives are a priority for your district. ✅Creative ways to get resources, funding, and donations. Here’s where you can go to connect with Christina: On Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ptoanswers On Pinterest here: https://www.pinterest.com/ptoanswers On YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ptoanswers Take a look at her website here: https://ptoanswers.com/ Sign up for the PTO/Teachers Collaboration Guide here: https://ptoanswers.com/teachers/ Join the PTO Super Star Leaders Facebook Group: https://ptoanswers.com/community We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more: Simplify and streamline technology Save teachers’ time Reliably meet Tier 1 standards Improve student performance on state assessments 🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
