I just went through a similar situation.I have a 3rd grader and moved to a new city last year. I left a very active PTO that I was a VERY ACTIVE member of to one that is very clicky. I swore that I'd never go back to after attending my first few meetings! I did keep going back and I still feel like I have to prove myself over and over before I'll be welcome. But you know what-it's not about the adults, it is about what you can do for the kids and thats why I do what I do for the good of the school! I only hope that I make a differnce not just in the life of my daughter but any student that my volunteer efforts come across! Keep going back and offering a helping hand!

Same idea, different words, show these gals you are serious. Keep showing your support and if you can, CALL HER.

My husband grew-up with a single parent. She did a great job but refused help. I mean he NEVER had a babysitter, ever! So when we met (I'm from a huge farm family) I would jump in and help with dishes, dinner etc and at first she didn't know what to do with me, of course that all changed when she got to know me and my parents but you see? It's gonna take some time. Heck, your attending the meetings, helping out, cutting out box tops...your on your way and if anything if the President is slow to see the asset you are, I have a feeling the Principal will notice. Long term thinking, you want that. It's how I got started, crazy as it sounds, I nominated myself for Secretary my first year! Won, too if that's not a kick! But when the other moms thought "Oh, she won't last" the Principal saw different and five years later I'm still standing.

So, welcome to the toughest job you will always remember and love to hate ....sometimes!

I agree with the other posts. If you see something needs to be done and you can help just do it. Bring other parents along too. She has probably been told this several times only to have no one to show up and my be a little leary of trusting people. If she sees that you are sincecere and dependable she will feel more comfortable. Another reason, why I don't know, some people feel they are imposing if they ask or let volunteers do anything. I felt the same way at one point. I got over it quickly.

Bring up having a specific vol program. I devised one pitched it to the principal and the teachers and it was going along pretty good. This years pres decided not to use it. But the teachers seem to appreciate my efforts and I got several moms interested.

I don't know how your school is set up but devise a day to go in and volunteer. Tell the teachers you are coming in on that day that you will be glad to do anything they need done.One very important lesson I learned, I wished I had learned earlier, is that teachers are as scared of parents as we are them. Well those of us that had a hard time jumping in.

Thanks for the replies. I have been to both PTO meetings, I helped w/ Santa's Workshop, I went to the district PTO meeting, I turned in 132 Box Tops (that I started collecting when my kindergartener started preschool), I have offered a fundraiser (I have a home party business), and then like I mentioned above about the Bake Sell and Soup Supper.

I guess my thing is I want to be involved in my children's education and school life in all aspects. As I stated my daughter started kindergarten this year, my middle child will start kindergarten in the fall, and my youngest will be there in 3 yrs. I am a SAHM for now ~ however I will be going back to college in Feb. So I have plenty of time to volunteer my time and efforts.

I'll just keep plugging away at it. Thanks Again.

I know just how you feel. I'm currently the corresponding secretary for our PTO, and believe me when I say I had to push my way in! But that's exactly what I had to do. I spent the first year at this school bugging anyone that would listen about how "I need to help!"
See if you can put some time in your child's classroom. I would come in once a week to make copies or update the bulletin board and I think that made not only the teacher happy (for the help) but showed the "serious" mom's how commited I was to really helping. Then I made a point of attending EVERYTHING. From all PTO meetings, to every little school event.
Eventually you'll "worm your way in"...just remember to be persistant. Good luck!

It's my guess that she is so used to doing everything and has probably tried a little of everything and is just trying to get by. Go ahead and help. Even though her acceptance of your offer was half hearted, follow through and show that you are interested. Show up for the events even if you arent fawned over by the current woman in charge. Until more parents like you volunteer in even some small way, the situation will not improve. Just stick with it. Don't get frustrated. When the one parent realizes you're more than talk (which is probably what she has experienced up to this point) things will change.