First of all my own Mother thnks that I have
completly lost my mind and can't see why I just can't bake some cookies for the class and be done with it! "Oh Mom" is all I tell her!

I over heard the past Prez tell a new parent that asked how to become involved and she told them to attend EVERY meeting. We have an averge of 4-5 meetings PLUS the school board meetings a month (this is including the PTO)!
This parent walked away and I never saw her again. I was asked the same question at an orientation meeting and I said " Come have lunch with your child, come share a talent you have with the class, if you can get a day off- go on a field trip with the class. Plese don't think you need to spend hours here, any time you can help or spend with your child is great and your child will feel so special!"
That parent I have seen again in the store and is SO excited about the school! No she hasn't promised me to join the PTO but the fact she is looking forward to the school year is all I asked!
I have neighbors ask me if I'm trying to save the world-- no just showing my kids I can do more than bake cookies for their class!
I chaired the Parent teacher Conference potluck (we bring in dinner for the teachers) and the big sell to many Moms, if you can send a bag of salad; loaf of french bread; bottle of dressing with your student that is all I ask! Worked GREAT! We signed in that mom for her volunteer effort and there you go! I know I still made all the calls etc but got the ball rolling to some of those moms that "Never have the time".
Hang in there "newtothis"! I get my energy from those that tell me I'm crazy (thanks Mom!!) and those that tell me it can't be done! Fools I'll show them HHAHAAHAHAAHHA
I'll get off my soap box now........

I have seen where the school administration and PTO/PTA has come together and "HIGHLY ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO DONATE 5 VOLUNTEER HOURS A SCHOOL YEAR". This was put on all school correspondence, hall posters, mentioned at every meeting, open house, etc. If you follow in that direction, everyone needs clear communication on what type of volunteer activities the school needs. From attending a school activity, baking cupcakes, to cutting things out for teachers at home, guardians need to know what they can do.

I feel like I am on a merry go round. Just going around and around and making NO Progress!!!

I'm still working on the incentive program for our school. i've talked to someone from the city and it isn't very promising that we will be able to have a parking space reserved for Our Parent Volunteer of the Month. What a bunch of BS. I'm only wanting it for school events and drop off and pick up times!!!

And I took my kids to the pool, was talking to the other PTO mom and a teacher at the school. I can see their points and their issues are very valid but they won't really help get more parents involved. Then I see a neighbor who has a son starting Kdg @ our school and told her I was on the PTO and I really hoped she would be willing to help out. I got that typical "Well I don't really want to be on any committees." Don't you want to just say "WEll neither do I but if someone doesn't step up to the plate nothing will get done!" I do not try to come off as a martyr. I just want parents to not just assume that a public school is a nearly free baby sitter! Would it kill them to help at fun night or a book fair????????? Uggggggg!!!!!!!

Ok I'm done for the moment. SOmetimes I just want to say "Jesus come back today because I'm tired of the apathy that is so rampant."