I thought it might be a good idea to start a list of what schools have active parents groups and what schools do not. Coming from a public school we assumed that all the schools would have an active form of the PTO, boy were we wrong.
I will start.
Groton has a parents organization that does basically nothing beyond send us a “remember to donate” email twice a year. There are volunteer opportunities but they are few and far between and not well organized - as in you email to volunteer and never hear back. When asked if there was a local parents group the head of the Parents Org shrugged and said no with basically zero interest.
From what I know of Middlesex, their parents group is quite active and actually sets up and decorates for holidays and dances for the kids (during non covid times).
-has a FB group where parents trade info, experience, and advice; this can actually be very helpful
-runs the Campus Closet (PA merch store)
-puts together some programming (all remote last year; not sure what it’s like otherwise)
-helped push for and organize parent surveys and focus groups with senior administration members during a difficult winter 2021 term
Cate’s PTO has regular meetings (zoom ones now), organizes some events, and does some spirit-oriented enhancements to existing events. They organize speakers, too.
They got a huge inflatable turkey (a la Macy’s parade) for Thanksgiving when the kids were stuck on campus, do goodie bags, special stuff for dances, etc.
They are moving into doing more - especially in parent networking and support.
I have to say that the DA parents network is pretty active.
It is our experience that they are involved in organizing meet & greets for potential applicants in different regions, as well as organizing Host Families for new students each Spring. They also provide updates throughout the year about events and activities for students, as well as parents. They are an important information source. Their dedicated webpage also has practical information about many things .
George school PA did quite a bit. Meetings with speakers of interest (parenting issues around social media, alcohol, etc., college topics, etc ), organize volunteer ops (usually timing coincides with events and/or pickups so distant boarder parents can participate), cocktail party for parents weekend, etc. All meetings were in person and Zoom. Usually a quick dinner before to give folks a chance to celebrate.
I appreciated the effort and found many of the speaker sessions (surprisingly) valuable.
Millbrook has a super active parents group, which does things like decorations for dances.
I always thought that schools with more local parents had more active parents’ groups, but perhaps that’s not the case. I don’t feel like Hotchkiss had/has a very active parents group.
Many schools have parents organizations that are actually involved in fundraising. Don’t worry DA parents on here - If I contact you it’s because I care about your kids….and for us to meet up at the bar!
Admissions office volunteer (greet parents)
Sports team parent (food, snacks, team apparel, off-site dinners)
House parent (weekly feeds, snacks during exams, end of year formal)
Development office (helping with donation drives)
Annual Walkathon
And many more…this is all I can think of for now
Our goals are twofold: to help build a community for parents, and to assist the school in its mission. So, we provide opportunities for engagement (parent get-togethers, zoom happy hours, tailgates at sporting events, mentoring new families, etc) , opportunities for volunteerism (assisting with admissions outreach and open houses, and development work), and we serve as a sounding-board by providing feedback and suggestions to the school on select topics each year. We have a council of 20-30 parents that helps lead and plan, and we welcome any parents who want to get involved in our activities.
