I love short meetings! Because one of the objectives of PTA is parent education we try to have speakers at as many meetings as we can. A few years ago our three middle schools even booked a speaker to talk about "Who is raising who". He went to all three middle schools and spoke with all the kids at assemblies and then that evening had a meeting dedicated to the parents. It was excellent!
As far as speakers during your meetings I think it is a great thing! Especially if they keep their presentation short. (we have found 15 minutes ideal) Here are some of the people that our units have used.
-Speaker from the library hepping us parents on all the technology help and how to help our students in the library with research etc...
-Psychologist from our cities youth services spoke on how to get our middle schoolers through the end of the year, homework, focus etc... Teen parties, behavior etc...
-High School Counsellors preparing our students for high school, what to expect, graduation requirements, preparing students for college, scholarships...
-Looking for good childcare...
-Recreation Department-what is available for our students age level, things available over the summer...
-City services..what is available for our families from the city, health, immunizations etc...
-Music teachers, talked about the band, choir and orchestra opportunities available to our 5-12 graders...
-high school coach, talked about sports and our kids, safety etc...
These were all free and short, allowed for questions. There are many people out there willing to give their time.
Our principal and assistant principals speak at every meeting and members really love the insight into the school.
I know there are so many more I just cannot think. I will post when I remember.
I decided this year as president that I would keep my meetings short (one hour) and try to get them interesting enough so people will want to come. Our October meeting went the best it has ever gone!! I called each chairperson prior to the meeting to see if they needed to be put on the agenda to give reports. This eliminated a lot of committees that are year round--box tops, popcorn, school store, etc. I had sent out a flyer stating that all who came to the meeting would receive a ticket and if you brought a friend you would receive two tickets for a drawing for a Halloween Delight. I put together a basket of halloween candles, dishtowels and other "cutsies" and raffled this after the meeting. I bought cider and donuts and our teacher reps brought trail mix. I purchased small wood pumpkins for each member and had the table decorated festively. We had 25 people in attendance (the largest number in 2 years). My goal is to get done with business in 1 hour and leave 1/2 hour for us to socialize with one another. This month I thought I would make up a quiz about the school and offer a Thanksgiving themed prize for the winner.
My question is to other PTOs, do you have guest speakers, fun activities, crafts or anything that is a hit with your meetings? I am pretty creative but like everyone else, lack time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
