1. What information I need
1.1. Lack of Communication
1.1.1. All notices go home on Wednesday folder
1.1.2. Communication embedded in school district
1.1.3. Automated call-out message
1.1.4. Silvermine info line / hotline
1.1.4.1. Answering machine
1.1.4.2. In English and Spanish
1.1.5. School Newsletter
1.1.5.1. Increase readership
1.1.5.1.1. Show information about progress
1.1.5.1.2. Ideas for working with your child at home
1.1.5.1.3. Deliver on a specific day of week
1.1.5.1.4. Include content for children
1.1.5.1.5. Use Drawings
1.1.5.1.6. Include information about transportation
1.1.5.1.7. Announce Upcoming Events
1.1.5.1.8. Include stories about the school
1.1.5.1.9. General Information
1.2. Our Students
1.2.1. Parents need consistent communication with all specialists
1.2.2. Tell me about my child's progress
1.2.2.1. Use telephone to reach parents whose children are having difficulties
1.2.3. Encourage students to engage parents
1.2.3.1. Read school material
1.2.3.2. Read to me
1.2.3.3. Help me with my homework
1.3. Support Reading and Learning
1.3.1. Family night activities
1.3.1.1. Fun & Appealing
1.3.1.1.1. Get children to motivate parents
1.3.1.1.2. Food
1.3.1.1.3. 6:30 pm
1.3.1.1.4. South Norwalk Location
1.3.1.1.5. Spooktacular
1.3.1.1.6. One day every week
1.3.1.1.7. Pizza Dinner
1.3.1.2. Social Friday
1.3.1.2.1. give families something to do on Friday's after school
1.3.1.3. Community Building Activity
1.3.2. Parent Workshops
1.3.3. Reading Center
1.3.3.1. Sharing books
1.3.3.2. Recommended reading list
1.3.3.2.1. Summer
1.3.3.2.2. School Year
1.3.3.3. Books are read by good readers
1.3.3.3.1. Instructional for parents
1.3.3.3.2. Exciting for children
1.3.3.4. Books read in English and Spanish
1.3.4. Homework Support
1.3.4.1. Reading every day
1.3.4.2. Reading logs + incentives by PTO
2. Why it's hard to volunteer
2.1. School needs, what are they?
2.1.1. I don't know how to help
2.1.2. What is the impact of my participation?
2.1.3. Build a general awareness of the educational community
2.2. Value of my participation
2.2.1. Lack of ownership of issues
2.2.1.1. Make everyone a PTO member and small dues
2.3. Organizational Issues
2.3.1. Babysitting
2.3.1.1. Use a separate room from meeting
2.3.2. Don't know the time commitment
2.3.2.1. Lead time for event commitment
2.3.2.1.1. Yearly
2.3.2.1.2. Steady Calendar of Events
2.3.2.2. Knowing the specific time commitment would help !
2.3.2.3. Time and Work limit my schedule
2.3.2.4. Volunteering opportunities occur at limited dates/times
2.3.2.4.1. Beautification Day is only one day in school year
2.3.2.4.2. PTO Meetings are on a night I cannot attend
2.3.2.4.3. Carry out a census to find out the best time
2.3.3. Getting the word out
2.3.3.1. Flyers in backpack
2.3.3.2. Mail directly to house
2.3.3.3. Emails
2.3.3.4. Calendars on website
2.3.3.5. School Directory via email + backpack
2.3.3.6. Room Parent job to call or contact their class.
2.3.3.7. Word of mouth
2.3.3.8. Keep website up to date
2.3.3.8.1. Paid webmaster
2.3.4. Information Authorization
2.3.4.1. Separate card to be sent w/ emergency card to release name + personal info
2.3.4.2. Beginning of year packet
2.3.5. I don't have transportation
2.3.5.1. Help me network with others to find a ride
2.3.5.1.1. School Directory
2.3.5.1.2. Room Parents in my neighborhood
2.3.5.2. Encourage male parents to connect and build motivation
2.3.6. Lack of organization within Spanish speaking community
2.3.6.1. Carry out discussions in Spanish
2.3.6.2. Share learnings and outcomes with entire community
2.3.7. Language
2.3.7.1. PTO Meetings are mainly in English