I spoke with the front office at the Middle School (Junior High 6-8) and there is a parent group. They have a PTSA and their first meeting is Sept 7. They have already had their first fundraiser a back to school dance. Which also had no notification home. I've come to the conclution the school has a few communication problems. The good news is they now have me. granted I have not joined yet but I do intend to be at the meeting and I have a very good record at breaking up the parent "clique". I'm not saying that is the case, but I would like to stir things up a bit based on what I have experienced so far.
My oldest started middle school this year as well. Our middle school does not have a PTO. My sister-in-law works there and I asked her about parents helping out and she said that there really is no opportunities for parents to come in and help. Go figure - In some ways I think the middle school is a way to get both students and parents ready for high school
Gosh - where are you. If you're at my school I'm going to cry. If you aren't - come on over - I'll take all the help I can get!
When you do get involved - perhaps slowly working your way into the membership arena would be a great mix for you and for them - you have some fantastic ideas on how to attract the parents, right?
I can tell you that we sent home membership papers on the first day of school, have already had a letter in the school to home newsletter, will speak at open house tonight, and continue to grow an email list to notify people of events, when we need help, etc.
Good luck and let me know if you want to move to Houston and help at our school!
Our Middle School PTO is much different than the Elementary School PTO. The problem is that the parents come and go so quickly, and the older the kids get, the more activities, and fundraisers they are involved with, such as, sports, band, chorus, etc...
Most of the parents don't have time to devote to the PTO. My son was in Middle School for two years, but now going into Junior High. I still have two at the Elementary level and they seem to look for more aid than at the older levels.
The PTO at the Middle School was a group we definately had to seek out. Good Luck!
Hello,
You mentioned that you are new to the area? At least new to the school, anyway. Are you sure they have a PTO? Some schools don't. If they do, please do contact the school office or your child's teacher for info. Also, until you find out about this school's PTO try not to be defensive, until you find out more. For instance, if they have a controlling principal that requires everything to be approved by him/her before going home with the children, the information you seek may very well be languishing in limbo on someone's desk, pending approval.
Whatever the case, please don't give up! Your school needs parents chomping at the bit, ready to work!
I hate to admit this but our PTOis the best kept secret at our charter school. We do get to have a table at registration and I watched as the middle school parents zipped by! (we are K-12)
There is nothing wrong with self promotion and if it comes down to you letting anyone and everyone know you want to help, what's the worse that can happen? Yep, and it's THEIR LOSS!!!
Library, feild trips, lunch room, fundraising, etc. we know they are out there it's letting them know your name and number.
Sometimes you gotta be the go getter....don't wait for them....hey they may end up finding you while you are working and wonder how they missed you!
