Does your church help support the school? I taught in a christian school for several years and our pastor was our biggest asset. If the school needed anything major he would announce our needs to the church. Our parents were mostly members too so that helped as well. We also did a church wide garage sale every year to benefit the school. We not only sold all the garage sale items but also sold drinks and baked goods all brought by church members and parents. Then we also did a fall festival every year (I'm not sure if that benefited the church or the school, but it was great fun for the kids to help decorate and plan the games and snacks). We never did do a fundraiser that really felt like a funddraiser though. And I agree with everyone before me here too -- the first year is definately the hardest!! You have a lot to learn, but if you stick with it you'll do a great job!!! Good Luck!!

I have to agree with cbrooks...it does get somewhat easier. Do you have to charge dues? We are a school in a district that has alot of lower income families, for that reason we dont charge dues. We try to "advertise" as much as we can and get our name out there via newsletters, pictures in local papers when we do a event, minute flyers to every family each month, etc.
We were started after a PTA with only 4/5 active members/volunteers. HEre it is almost three years later and our numbers are around 57. We do alot of free family events, and that has helped parents see what we do. The kids have fun, there is no charge and the families go home with a really great memory that we made. I know that we have gained volunteers because of these events.At our sock hop I overheard two non-involved fathers talking about how much our group had done this year and how we really try to stress family togetherness. That was a really nice compliment. Have fun with it, show people it's fun and yes it does get better=)

First year is the hardest in just about anything. Keep sending info to the parents about how important staying involved is and keep explaining that more can be done with more help and more money. If you can reach one or two parents this year that is better than none. Patience is a virtue.

You could have family nights that cost no money to the parents, perhaps you can find a sponsor. You could also do reading days during the day and other fun activities of no cost that parents are more willing to help with, then it may be easier for them to see how things really are as far as money and effort that is needed. The board can make a big difference many times by just the attitude they have. Positive attitudes are just as catchy as negative ones. If they see that the new officers are excited about the school year then maybe they will feel differently. Don't give up, there is still hope.

I am new to our school's Home and school association, I am the secretary and I need help. Our school is a very small one ( k-8) between 160-180 students, we are a parochial school, and we are also a very poor school. Most of our students are on financial aid and/or grants. The problem that I have is this- The parents do not want to participate at all of pay dues ( $5 per child) . They complain about everything, they do not come to the meetings , but they want more, more, more. What are we to do? The principal so far is backing us up, but how do we get the parents involved in their children's school? And please understand that the H.S.A. just became active again last year and the officers then did not do much for the school. Will this get very ugly before it gets better? any ideas, suggestions please!!! Thank you.