We are faced with the question what is the difference between PTA and PTO more often.  I heard a terrific analogy that I would like to share, and feel it hits the nail on the head: "to compare PTA to PTO is like comparing public education to charter schools".

PTA is the largest organization to speak out for all children; it provides quality training and advocacy at county, state and national levels; it's programs, grants and benefits are extensive and support all children.  PTO is a parent group at an individual school that may or may not be a 501c(3); it is not part a larger group and therefore does not receive and training or benefits.

Public education is the largest free education system in the U.S.; it serves the needs of all children; control and funding come from state, local and federal levels; public curriculum, funding, teaching, employment, and other policies are set through locally elected school boards with jurisdiction over school districts.  Charter schools are publicly funded, but operate privately; they are not required to provide transportation or lunch;  the state requires 75% of charter school teachers in elementary school to be certified while 50% in middle and high school must be certified. 

GCC of PTAs

• REGISTER for PTA Networking!  Don't miss the opportunity to meet other PTA leaders working for the same mission...children.  Send anyone from your board of directors!  We promise you will leave with ideas and energy!  Tuesday, October 15th - Elementary @10am, Middle @6pm, High @7pm. im the PTA room behind the GCS building at 712 Eugene Street.

• Children shine when they participate in Reflections.  This year allow them to "Believe, Dream, Inspire" in music, literature, visual arts, film production, dance and/or photography. Click here for county deadlines.
 
• Send in your Council Membership Dues. This keeps your PTA in good standing and allows you to receive our full support, participate in free training, receive grants and much more. Download this form to submit with your $50.

• GRANT DEADLINES APPROACHING:
• October 18th at 11:50pm...Submit your S.P.I.C.E. Grant application online.  Try a new program to "spice" up your parent involvement.  Up to $1000 available to PTAs or PTSAs in good standing.
• October 25th at 5:00pm...2014 Take Your Family to School Week grant opportunity! Now open at www.pta.org/awards, local PTAs can apply for a $1,000 grant to support 2014 Take Your Family to School Week Grant events.
• November 1st...The 2013-14 edition of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook focuses on school breakfast and increased physical activity - because students who eat well and move more learn better! Your school can apply for funding to support one Healthy Eating Play and one Physical Activity Play from the 2013-14 Playbook. Up to $4,000 per year is available to qualifying K-12 schools through this competitive, nationwide funding program. 

• Attend the Title I Conference at Hairston Middle School on Saturday, October 12th from 8:00am-1:30pm.  Be sure to visit us at the GCC of PTAs table! Click here for more information.

P.O. Box 8712, Greensboro, NC 27419