From past experience, we have had luck getting parents there by offering each student of a parent in attendance a free homework pass, holding small raffles, and providing kid entertainment. Our music teacher was never cooperative, but our PE teacher was. She teaches each grade level various dances and they would take turns performing at meetings. We have a new music teacher this year, so I'm hoping he will help as well. We also plan to have a PTO member in the parking lot after school on meeting days to gently remind parents in the car line. Can't get a better captive audience than that!

Going in on my 3rd year as PTO Pres and we have always had some attendance problems. Tried having meetings with music programs, after school and night meetings, raffle prizes, we send out a notice the week before, also reminder each month in newsletter, have signs, plus the meetings are on our yearly calendar that goes home start of the year and babysitting is provided. SO my point is we get a small group, BUT we have great attendance for our events---movie night, craft night etc etc and that's what's really important!!
Strive to get some free fun events going to show what your group is all about, also don't forget to 'advertise' the good things you do like provide classroom supplies, book sets, assemblies etc. Don't let the attendance get you down and keep doing your great work!

Discuss healty fundraising. To much unhealthy food products.

I am a newly elected PTO President for the upcoming year. We had the same problem with our meetings. Going into the new year, one of the new things we have decided to do is.....

Working with the Music teacher she is going to do mini music programs with our 1st graders during our Oct and Jan meetings. It is our hope that it will bring in enough parents to spark interest in attending future meetings, as well as, a chance to volunteer for any upcoming activities.

Hope this helps.
Tammee
Ohio

We have about 4 general meetings a year (more if needed but 4 in the bylaws). At our October meeting we brief the budget and approve that, lay out our goals for the year in general terms and have the PTO membership bless that, and discuss the overall calendar. In February I present a "State of the PTO address" that lets folks know how we're doing, what our money coffers are looking like, address upcoming elections for start up etc, and then in April we have our elections. That allows a month turn over time until our May meeting where the new board holds their first meeting. Of course this varies a bit and we do have agendas etc as suggested by denver, but those are the primary "points" I have put out in those timeframes.

Things we've also done:
Round robin brainstorming for different projects; teacher appreciation ideas; gift donations etc.

d

I would start with the Principal....maybe she/he has something they want to announce or discuss.

I make an Agenda and keep it pretty tight and on schedule and on topic.

I would only discuss what needs to be discussed (upcoming events) and whatever needs to be voted on.

I send out email blasts about the PTO meetings and put it in a PTO Newsletter of the meeting and topics to discuss, vote on etc...

your district may have some speakers to come to the meeting but... keep it simple. people are busy! The first meeting of the year for me is to go over the budget and vote on it. go over any school grant requests.

this website has great ideas on sample Meeting Agenda. here's an example of mine:

I. welcome/announcements by Principals
II. Budget Report
a. Status
b. Grant Requests

III. Committee Reports or "Old Business"

IV. "New Business"

V. Teacher Reports

VI. Q&A


hopes this helps.

D