Each fund-raiser we have we offer incentives for the teacher. The last one we had we received gift certificates from various merchants and will have a drawing for teachers only. Also, our principal aggreed to allow the teacher of the 2 top selling classes a free day off!!! We have a parent that gives her time to be that teachers substitute for the day. It's working so far to build the morale up with our PTO and teachers/staff

Sometimes I feel that we lack in participation but I think I/we are really lucky. Our Principal is into PTO big time, we have the teachers sign up to attend the meetings 2 at a time and they bring things back to the other teachers. We do a lot for the students and the teachers with paying for all field trips, arts and enrichment programs etc. The number of thank you notes that we receive from the teachers and students is unbelievable at times. We have thank you notes to share at every meeting.

My wish for you would be that the staff will see the light and benifit of PTO and get involved. Also the kids just light up when I am in the building, it is such a rush.

We have programs that are in place to directly support our teachers. We have a copy program - parents go into the school in the evening and make copies of the numerous things teachers need copied. We have a "teacher allocation" that allows the teachers to submit $25, $50, or $100 for reimbursement for all of the things they pay out of pocket for their classrooms. We submit a sign-up sheet for teachers that want to use things like "Weekly Reader" in their classroom, and we pay for it. And we have "Field Trip allocation" this is a set amount per student ($3 per student this year) they can use towards admission, buses, whatever.

These programs that directly affect the teachers - can bring them on board.

This year we asked for "Teacher Liaisons", they serve as the go between for the teachers and PTO - to promote our programs and ideas. This has been a wonderful addition.

We are having the same problem. Our principle asked us to hold our PTO meeting out side on the picnic tabels (by the way,I have a new born baby)so she would not have to let us have a key or open the building. We have no teachers that will come to our meetings. At our open house we asked the teachers to give us 5 min. of their time and give us some idea as to their needs so we can focus were to spend this years money and they all hid. We are at a loss as to what to do. Our parents are the same way. At any given PTO meeting we have 3 to 4 parents show up. Our fall carnival is in 2 weeks and to date we have 6 workers signed up. It is so sad. You almost want to give up but if you do it only hurts the kids.

I have to agree with mykidsmom. I also have gone out of my way to be extra nice to the staff. This is the first year as PTA PRES> for me and I was very nervous about dealing with the teachers. I had heard alot of negative things about how the teachers act towards the PTA, well I try to go the extra mile for them and I have been very fortunate the teaachers have all been very supportive. There are even a few that have volunteered to chair a ocouple of events that we have going on this year. Good Luck and rememberr to always greet your teachers with a smile!

I'm not going to give you a response that will be popular (and those that know me may be surprised) Leave the principal alone then. Keep that person in the loop, meeting notes/minutes; issues you may need help with; special events; etc. but please don't force them to be involved! I have seen that ugly side of this mistake a former prez made several years ago and she really regrets everything she tried to do to great tht person more involved.
As far as staff, I have killed ours with kindness. I have done my best to go that extra mile yet have NEVER asked for anything in return! I keep them informed of events and even give then personnal invitations/reminders of potlucks etc but I never expect anything in return. BUT in the past months, more teachers have warmed up to our PTO and have just started to attend meetings. Baby steps....A LOT of baby steps.

I really don't want to not give you any hope just maybe respect their wishes for now but still keep the door open. Like my Dad said when I moved to college "I'm going to miss you but you know where the spare key is." Keep the spare key handy and when they do come thank them for coming, personnaly AND written!