A high school pto! What immediately came to mind is 1.) they should be happy to have some new blood. 2.) they can't have all been there forever, kids can only stay there for four years! and 3.) if these ladies have been volunteering for eons then they may feel a little resentful about a newcomer with no volunteer experience jumping in.
BUT- I would say, forget what you've heard, treat it as gossip and persist in getting information. If you want to help out, then go for it. I find the school secretaries know everything - if they meet at school, just go to the meeting. I don't want to jump on the previous poster but there really is no "helping out in the classroom" in HS. Also, perhaps there is another group of boosters that you could help out with. My kids hs has parent booster groups for most sports teams, the music group and theatre group. We are very excited in the Music Parents group when someone new comes in. I have 3 kids - a fourth grader, a ninth grader and a 12th grader and have been on quite a few field/band/choir trips in all level schools. They still need us, the trick is finding out where. Good luck!
Good for you! In my experience, when there is a group like that "running the show" it is difficult to gain any positive gain without it becoming somewhat confrentational. I was in a predicament similar to yours 3 years ago...I handled it by getting more involved with the teachers that actually had my children in their classroom. I made myself available to help in any way, remained positive, and also became involved with our After School Enrichment program. I am sure there are ways to support your school outside of this group. Good Luck!
I recently moved to AL from CA and have chosen to become a stay at home mom. I have a 4yr son and 14yr daugh.
I always regretted not being involved in my childs school, due to my work. So, when we moved here I eagerly joined the high schools PIO. I was required to pay a small $5. memb. due.
I consider myself an extremly creative and outgoing person and was eager to jump in and get involved.
I was told I'd be notified of 1st meeting in wk or so. - didn't hear anything.
I called and was told they meet once a month and she would call me to let me know of first meeting - didn't get a call.
Months later now, I have spoken to other parents who state the same thing happened to them. It appears this school has it's little "group" of women who run the show and pretty much don't need or want any other involvement. They seem to have everything under control and don't really need anyone else involved in their meetings and all.
I received one phone call a month ago from one of the ladies asking if I can come in 3days/wk and help in the attendence office (I told her I couldn't commit to 3days/wk as we go out of town alot and I have a 4yr old but to please let me know what was going on - they never called back)
I don't mind donating my $5. this isn't about that. But I'm upset that this little group of "high class" ladies that have been on the board for years don't try to involve any of the parents.
I was told by several others that approaching them does no good. I was told they "fake" alot of sweetness and state how they really want you involved and then things return to normal - you're left out as usual.
Can someone out there offer me any advice on what I can do without upsetting anyone.
If I did push my way on the committee - do I really want to associate with a group who excludes all the members. Or, perhaps I could make a difference and help the PTO become what it should be PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION.
I wanted to be involved in plannning and decorating for dances and volunteering for school functions and aiding in creative ideas. After all, that's what I do best.
