We’re celebrating a big milestone in my household this year: my son is starting kindergarten. For the past five years, I’ve thought about how the transition to ‘big kid school’ would play out for him: gaining more independence, learning new skills, and making new friends—with a difficult school drop-off here and there. But I’ve also romanticized how the elementary school years would look like for me, too. As a person who’s always wanted to be involved, I was committed to volunteering at the school through the Parent-Teacher Association/Organization (otherwise known as the PTA or the PTO).
But now that the time is here, I’ve decided not to sign up. A part of me feels like it’s a big time commitment, and the other part simply doesn’t want to participate in any of the planning process. And you know what? I’m here to say, I don’t feel bad about not joining the PTA/PTO.
For parents who have busy schedules, are introverted, or simply don’t want to join the PTA/PTO, there are other ways to support your child’s school and still be involved. From volunteering for select fundraisers to signing up to be a field trip chaperone, I’m sharing 20 ways I plan to be involved in this school year—without having to join the PTA/PTO.
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What is a PTA or PTO?
You may have heard the terms “PTA” or “PTO” thrown out at your child’s school orientation. If you’re wondering what these programs are, they stand for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Both programs help support students and teachers by planning and funding different events, programs, and activities. If you’ve ever attended a school event, odds are it was organized by the school’s PTA/PTO.
The core PTA/PTO roles generally include:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Teachers & Staff representatives
- Committee Chairs
- General volunteers
Do you have to join the PTA or PTO?
Joining the PTO has many benefits. It’s a great way to be involved in your child’s education, help fund important programs that fall outside the regular school budget, and get to know other parents, teachers, and school staff.
But the short answer is “no,” you don’t have to join the PTA or PTO as a parent. Being involved in your child’s school experience comes in many forms. After all, every school has different volunteer needs and opportunities.
And walking up to the PTA table doesn’t mean you’re officially signing up for a committee either. In fact, it’s OK (and encouraged!) to ask your PTA/PTO president and members about other ways you can help throughout the school year without going “all in.” Maybe it’s volunteering one day at the book fair, passing out flyers at the school play, or decorating the teachers’ classrooms for holiday parties! Just because you’re not joining the organization doesn’t mean you’re not an involved parent. Small contributions and any contributions make a difference!
How to be involved without joining the PTA or PTO
1. Volunteer in your child’s classroom
One way I plan on being involved this school year is by finding ways to volunteer in my child’s classroom. One of the main reasons I originally wanted to join the PTA/PTO was because I wanted a glimpse of my child’s day at school. I’ll be looking for opportunities to read to the class, to help with any art projects or science activities, or with any organizational needs.
2. Become a room parent
If you still want to be hands-on without joining the PTA/PTO, becoming a class parent might be a great option. Usually, being a classroom parent isn’t a solo gig. Other parents tend to sign up to be a room parent and share responsibilities. While it’s still a time commitment, it doesn’t require you to have a PTA/PTO membership. Some duties include organizing and setting up activities for classroom parties, collecting money for Teacher Appreciation Week, and sometimes even helping kids with their reading. It may look different for every school, but it’s another way to help, get to know other parents—and see your kid in their natural habitat.
3. Help from home
And if going up to the school on your lunch break or during after-school hours isn’t an option for you, there are ways to help from home, too. The PTO or PTA may have plenty of events throughout the year that may require some prep. Ask if the organization needs any laminated materials to be cut, packets to be assembled, or crafts to be made, which can be done in the comfort of your own home.
4. Donate supplies teachers actually need
Being physically present isn’t the only way to support your child’s school either. Donating supplies to the classroom is equally as helpful. Things like tissue boxes (to be prepared for sick season!), dry-erase markers, books, gift cards—and we can’t forget snacks—are great donations that don’t require much from you. Many teachers also have classroom wish lists that provide what they need in the classroom.
5. Attend school events
The PTA/PTO works hard all year long, planning events and fun experiences for teachers and families. If you can’t volunteer your time, attend the school events that the PTA/PTO puts on. Mark school concerts, plays, STEM nights, open houses, book fairs, and family nights in your calendar and go to some of them if you can.
6. Volunteer for one-time events
For parents who still want to volunteer their time but have limited availability in their schedules, volunteering for one-time events is something to think about. Consider manning stations during the field day, standing at a booth at the annual school carnival, checking students and parents out at the book fair, or selling concessions at a sporting event.
7. Chaperone field trips
Kids get so excited when their parents are allowed to join them on school outings. So, when I found out that I was a chaperone for my son’s preschool field trip, you can imagine how elated I was to spend a fun day with him. Besides it being a great opportunity to spend time with your kiddo, you get to know their classmates and support the teachers—all while making memories!
Just because you don’t have a teaching degree doesn’t mean you can’t teach the class something! Be a guest reader for story time (a fun and easy option) or share what you do for a living on career day. Who knows? Maybe your presentation will spark interest in a child’s future career.
9. Support school fundraisers without planning them
Fundraisers can benefit the school, whether it’s to support funding for a specific program or to rebuild the rundown basketball court. A low-effort way to be involved in a fundraiser—without planning one—is by buying the products, sharing the fundraiser links, and, of course, donating!
10. Help teachers directly
A way to support teachers is to help them directly. A simple email asking what your child’s teacher needs at the moment can be so helpful. Maybe it’s coming in to organize the classroom bookshelf or reminding parents to browse the classroom wishlist. Teachers will usually appreciate any help when it’s offered!
11. Join school committees instead
If none of the PTA/PTO committees speak to you, see if there are other school committees you can join. Reach out to the school directly for any programs, like a safety committee, a school improvement team, or a library committee.
12. Volunteer in the school library
Great learning happens in the library, and in many schools, parents can volunteer there, too! The Everymom’s Senior Editor, Kathy, loves giving back in this way. She helps kids find and check out books and helps the school’s librarian with any organizational and shelving needs. For her, it’s a 30- to 40-minute commitment with her daughter’s class every few weeks!
13. Be a lunchroom helper
Because teachers need to eat too! When lunchtime rolls around, teachers can use some extra time off their feet and enjoy a meal to themselves. If you want to volunteer at the school—that doesn’t require you to stay there for hours—consider being a lunchroom helper. This duty usually entails walking around to help open snack bags, keeping an eye on the kids, and making sure a food fight in the cafeteria doesn’t break out.
14. Coach a school team or club
If interacting with kids is more your style, see if there’s a school team or club you can coach. Some schools have LEGO leagues, chess clubs, STEM clubs, writing clubs, and sports teams that need all the volunteer coaches. It’s an impactful way to help the kids without joining the PTA/PTO.
15. Give money to the PTA/PTO without joining
While putting in time to the PTA/PTO isn’t doable for everyone, parents can still give back financially. Sending money straight to the PTA/PTO may help with things like funding the school musical, field trips, and other school clubs. It’s low-effort on your part and very much appreciated.
16. Be active in school communication
And even if volunteering isn’t your style, being an involved parent can simply look like being active in school communication. Staying informed, reading the class newsletters, responding to any surveys, and completing forms promptly tells teachers that you know what’s going on at school.
17. Support your child’s learning at home
Your kid will directly receive the benefits with this type of interaction. Help your kiddo establish a good homework routine, or if they need to practice their reading skills, have them read to you or read together side-by-side. Even having conversations about school can be a way to connect with your child and show them you care.
18. Thank school staff
Showing appreciation for your child’s teachers doesn’t only have to happen during Teacher Appreciation Week. Send thank-you notes to the teacher who’s put aside extra tutoring time or give teacher appreciation gifts whenever you feel like it. Don’t forget to give positive feedback to administrators, too. Teachers like being seen, especially by parents and students, for all the hard work they do.
19. Advocate for the school in some way
If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider ways to advocate for the school. This can look like attending school board meetings, voting in local elections, supporting education initiatives, and more.
20. Show up for your child
And lastly, simply showing up for your child during the school year is good enough! As a kid, I remember my parents showing up to my band concert or track meet. Of course, it’s completely understandable if you can’t make it to all of the events. You can support them in other ways by sending them flowers or having another family member record their school play—so you can watch their performance together at home.
Ask them if there’s an event that means a lot to them and see if you can prioritize being there, even if it means taking time off work. ‘Showing up’ can come in many forms, and whatever that looks like, your child will most likely appreciate your effort.
How to find school volunteer opportunities
If you’re wondering how you can volunteer at the school—don’t worry. The school will send alerts throughout the year, with ample opportunities. Once the school year starts, be on the lookout for school emails addressing any volunteer needs, and consider reaching out to the PTA/PTO’s volunteer coordinator for any sign-up sheets.
Most of all, know that joining the PTA or PTO isn’t the only way to be part of your child’s school year! Show up however and whatever suits you and your family best. It’s important to note that most schools require background checks prior to volunteering.
FAQs
Is it OK not to join the PTA?
Yes, it is OK not to join the PTA or PTO.
Will teachers think I’m uninvolved?
No, if you do not join the PTA or PTO, it does not mean you are an uninvolved parent. Participating in school activities, events, and your child’s learning can look different for everyone.
Can I volunteer if I work full time?
Yes, parents can volunteer if they work full-time. For parents who need more flexibility, seek out volunteer opportunities that meet your time requirements and limits. Some examples include being a field trip chaperone on a day you have off, helping a teacher organize their classroom before or after school, or volunteering for events that only take place after school hours.
Do schools need volunteers outside the PTA?
Yes, for most schools, volunteers outside of the PTA are needed throughout the year. Keep up to date on school communications or reach out to your child’s school/teacher directly for other volunteer opportunities.
What’s the easiest way to help if I only have an hour?
When signing up for volunteer times, reach out to the event coordinator, school, or teacher to communicate that you are only available for an hour to help. Parents can also seek opportunities that can be done at home, like putting together pamphlets or other types of classroom prep needs.
Patty Schepel, Associate Editor
As the Associate Editor, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, editing freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
