Open House/First day of School.

Last Tuesday was the first day of school for Kat.  It was my mission as PTA president to ensure that the day went smoothly and that the children and their families felt welcomed.  We started the morning by hanging out a banner that read, "Welcome to {the school I am PTA president of.}" As students began to congregate outside of the front door of the school many parents took pictures in front of our banner.  It was very cute!  We bought the banner using a Groupon deal for VistaPrint.  Only $10 for a large vinyl banner.  Good deal and we can use it again and again.
After the first bell rang we welcomed parents into the gym for coffee and doughnuts.  We had about 40 people come and mingle, it was nice!  We spent about $70 on the refreshments. 
Once everyone cleared out, the PTA executive board and I got to work on the Open House.  We had it planned that the PTA would have tables set up in the gym for different activities that go on throughout the school year.  There were booths for:
PTA membership
Spiritwear
PTA reflections
Green Club
The local public library
Box Tops for Education
Scrip
Girl Scouts
Enrichment (our lunchtime clubs that are run by parent volunteers.)
Science Fair

We also had a sign up wall where parents could add their names to lists of activities they might like to volunteer for. 

We created a scavenger hunt and placed signs around the school with sheets of stickers attached.  Once students found the locations listed on their scavenger hunt cards, they were able to add a sticker.  Once their cards were full they went to the front door and were given a prize.  We had leftover pencils, highlighters and school buttons to choose from.  It was a really popular activity and mostly free!  I bought sheets of stickers from the Dollar Store and made copies on the school copier.  It was less than $10 for the whole school to participate. 

We ran our Open House for 90 minutes and it was the perfect length.  Just long enough to feel like an event but short enough to not overwhelm.  The PTA was able to present the information we needed to share and teachers were able to meet families.  No one much liked having it on the first day of school logistically but it was nice to do it right away and have it DONE by the second day of school.