5 PTA and PTO Ideas for Back-to-School or Open House Events

PTA and PTO leaders know that connecting with new parents during back-to-school or open house events is critical for rallying support and getting things done. 

To boost your engagement and inspire new parents to get involved, check out our round-up of PTA and PTO ideas for back-to-school night and open house to ramp up participation this year.

1. Populate your bulletin board

If your organization doesn’t already have reserved bulletin board real estate near the main entrance or common space, ask for it. A bulletin board is a great way to showcase your accomplishments and needs. 

PTA and PTO bulletin board ideas include: 

• A fun, creative Welcome Back sign for parents
• The meeting schedule for the year
• Easy-to-read section for key phone numbers, emails, social accounts, etc.
• A scannable QR code connecting to the group’s main online page, site, account, and/or RaiseRight program or information
• Highlights of last year’s accomplishments 

2. Cover the field 

Leaving a pile of flyers on a table and hoping for the best won't cut it. You need a PTA or PTO marketing game plan to get the word out, get parents involved, and meet your goals for the event or evening. Plan on: 

• A well-organized table with signage, handouts, and other resources
• Organization ambassadors to mingle and talk to people
• Time to speak to the group on stage if a formal presentation is planned
• A bulletin board
• Name tags for all members present 

3. Support parents' needs 

In addition to asking parents for their time and effort, think of ways you can help them. Ideas for your PTO include reaching out to new parents who just moved to your school district, or finding a way to support a busy mom and make her life a little easier. Consider: 

• Creating shopping lists for products a parent would need to purchase for certain activities, sports, or clubs 
• Encouraging parents of children on high-performance paths to mentor other school parents 
• Sharing tips to save money on uniforms, equipment, school supplies, etc.
• Providing a calendar with key event dates (think picture day, performances, sports games, etc.)

Research shows that family involvement is strongly connected to children’s academic achievement, so connecting them to your PTA or PTO and your resources can benefit both parties. 

4. Prioritize financial transparency

One of the most important PTA or PTO goals you can focus on (regardless of the season) is building trust through financial transparency. When parents understand where your funds come from and how you use them, they're more likely to continue their support and participation. 

Help parents see the complete picture by: 

• Sharing last year's income and expenses alongside this year’s goals
• Breaking down how much your PTA or PTO earns from fundraising events, campaigns, programs, grants, and donations
• Showing how funds are allocated across different programs or activities 
• Clarifying annual funding, one-off investments, or other long-term goals 

Being open about your financials builds credibility, encourages engagement, and shows that your PTA or PTO is accountable and goal-driven.

5. Offer flexible ways to contribute

Provide opportunities for parents to contribute in ways that cater to their interests or availability. Instead of asking for time or money, strategize specific roles or tasks they can choose from, so parents are more likely to commit to something they can follow through on and feel comfortable with.

Consider offering:

• Sign-up sheets for roles for specific, upcoming events
• Ways to participate remotely or on their own time
• Broader opportunities to engage diverse skill sets, such as budgeting, event planning, or marketing

And if you're looking for a way to engage even your busiest parents, consider starting a free RaiseRight program for your PTA or PTO. 

RaiseRight is a year-round, passive fundraising program that helps your PTA or PTO earn money without selling goods, planning events, or asking for donations. Earn up to 20% back with everyday purchases, like gas, groceries, dining out, clothing, or even travel.

Simply buy and use gift cards to pay for expenses, or shop online and earn when you complete a purchase. Members can also dine at participating local restaurants to earn on their entire bill (tax and tip included). With hundreds of national, regional, and local brands available, RaiseRight fits seamlessly into any lifestyle or budget. 

Families don't need to do anything extra—they simply buy what they've already planned to purchase. RaiseRight is an easy, impactful way to raise money without asking parents to do more or spend more.