What was that movie with the dance off, one uppers -- You've been 'Served" or something like that?

That's a great idea, maybe we should announce that at Monday's staff meeting!!

As long as the dance off doesn't involve **me** I'll be fine with it!!

Jennia - That sounds like a ton of fun! Will the dance competition start with a dance off between the Principal and Asst?

Our school wants the Dance Dance Revolution (and game system) and the PTO plans to purchase it later this year. When it arrives we plan to coordinate with the PE Department to hold a Dance competition.

The kids are all excited about getting the system. The PTO will get a chance to "show off" that we used our money on something virtually every child at the school can use. The PE Despartment can show off their new toy (and explain the curriculum to the parents if desired.)

Some schools do a Math night. As a Middle School I'm not sure we'd get a turn out for Math night and reading night but I plan to incorporate games that utilize math in our Game Night.

I've done a Bingo Night where I asked for donated prizes of items between $1 and $5...and suggested people use local dollar stores for their purchases. Kids love that stuff and we had a ton of prizes donated.

We also did a Family Color Wars night where I had about 10 different games we played...the type of games you might play at Field Day. All parents had to participate and we had a blast.

This year we're adding Family Game Night. We'll be playing all kinds of board and card games.

At all free activities, I asked parents to donate snacks and drinks and we've always had plenty.

I'd stay away from things like open gym night (although I personally LOVE the idea)just because it can get a little crazy having so many people in the gym without a structured activity.

Good Luck...and I'll keep checking back here for more new ideas myself!

Try a Bingo night with PTO/PTA providing the snacks/drinks. Our group holds 2 dances a year without charging admission - but the 5th grade provides drinks/snacks at a nominal charge (.50) and they use the money earned for their big end of the year field trip. So it's a win/win situation for all!