> [!summary] Progressive Summary # Structured Notes ## Chapter Summaries ### Chapter 15 - Why Parent Organizations Are So Difficult to Sustain Parent involvement tends to wax and wane, and is seldom stable. One of the main reasons is that unlike the other bodies (ie Board, CoT), the parent body often doesn't have a clear mission or purpose. The following are some suggestions for tasks that a parent body could take on. > The Tasks of a PTO: > - Welcome and orientation of new parents, staff and faculty > - Conversation on school-wide topics of mutual interest > - Networking with community organisations > - Supporting festivals, school assemblies and school-wide gatherings with logistics, food, music and warmth > - Raising money for special projects > - Asking the questions that need the attention of faculty, staff, or board > - Being "an ear" for current issues in the parent body and the community > - Nominating capable individuals to serve on committees of the school > - Assisting with recruitment and outreach efforts > - Hosting special events, such as grandparents' day and faculty appreciation day Only when a parent body has earned the trust of the other bodies is it realistic to be allowed a seat at the decision-making table. Once this occurs, it is helpful for representatives of the parents to meet with the school bodies once a month to discuss important matters. ### Chapter 16 - The Life Cycle of Parent Involvement in a School Alumni-parent relations should be one of the highest priorities of the school. # Rough Notes # Quotes