Our school is the same way, and it usually takes at least a month to get membership forms out to parents. With middle school the pto/pta turnover is especially high because students are there for a short time, and some parents feel that when children are this age the support for the school is not as vital. Due to this fact, the chairpeople for membership may be new and have had a slow start. Many middle school pto/pta have very little parent support and invovlement because parents feel that the children won't be there long enough to make a difference. Being an involved parent is work no matter what age your child is. I would definetely make an effort to get involved, it is not "pushing" if you want to improve your childs education. Don't take the defensive, but maybe you can suggest (or do it yourself) to make parents feel more welcome. If more pto/pta groups had people with your ambition they would have a larger support system. Hope this helps. Stay involved no matter what it takes, your children need the support.

I know this sounds aweful, however please bear with me. My oldest just started Middle School this year. They have been in school for 3 weeks now and I've heard neither hide nor hair of the PTO. I am very involved in the Elementary PTO (Prez in fact) I'll admit I was timid to start at first. We were late comers from a different state. I had expected to see or hear from the PTO looking for new parents (6th grade especially) I'm not sure if they feel we should know how to go about it by now or if they just don't care. I don't feel it should be up to the parent to do all the leg work and be able to join if they work diligentely enough to find the open (ormaybe locked) door. It is very discouraging when you think you may be trying to force your way in. I know I can just go into the office and say "Hey, I want to join the PTO" But there disreguard for inviting new parents definately has me on the deffensive. Why don't they want me.

I am going to go to the office and ask for the information and join the PTO. I just thought it may help alot of us understand how parents (outside the PTO) can sometimes feel. This year has really pushed me to reach out at the elementary school.