Our Open House is put on by the principal and staff before school starts. It is time for parents to make sure their kids know where their class is and there isn't an offical gathering for a message to deliver. We have an information table that all groups can put handouts on but that is it. We don't have our first general meeting until 2 weeks later but we never hold any PTO functions for fundraisers before 1 month into the year because no one has time or money.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
talk about miscommunication! I would not hold both events at one time. Parents will feel rushed and I always thought the PTO put on the open hoouse. You should be setting up a PTO table and recruiting volunteers and push the membership drive at the open house.
We have a calendar meeting every April after the district releases it's schedule. I noticed a few things were tweaked from the initial list over the summer. Is it possible that this was just an oversite of someone in the school that the new schedule didn't mesh? I would talk to the admin and get them to post a new meeting schedule-revised by you-in the next newsletter, or even send home an update yourself. Also, make sure to send home a personal note or make a phone call to all those new members that signed up enrollment.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
10 moms? what a blessing that would be Chippendales???? Now that would be a meeting w/ oustanding participation!
Sorry I can't offer any advice, but is there anyway that your board and the school can coordinate what activities are going on? I mean, if they think about it, combining 2 events may bring in more people than seperate ones. Try to get them on the same page. You may have to rearange your meetings, etc., but I'll be your turn out will be better.
Our meeting was schedualed at 6:30 and the Open House starts at 6:00. I did talk to one of our Principals to let her know we need to met about this and find a way to make this a win win for everyone.
Hey Lisa- food works! Also babysitting! Seriously, I'm happy to see my usual 10 Moms!
We have always done a meeting before the Open House. We get decent attendence. I hope to make it more exciting this year so that they will keep coming back. I will have a drawing and a Chippendales dancer. Just kidding! I do need to find a way to get more people there. I found out yesterday that they have 2 meetings planned when there is no school! I plan on doing the PTO schedule from now on. I won't let the administration do it for me. I don't mean that I will tell them when I want to hold them, but I will encourage dates.
Chippendales???? Now that would be a meeting w/ oustanding participation! 
