Episode Details

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 

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. 

We’re also thrilled to be sponsored