pam1500- What a cool idea! I feel like I know most of you guys already.

I belong to a group that has a Yahoo discussion forum and you can see when other members are on there if you want to chat. Plus that is a great way to inform people about "Coffee Hour." Our forum is linked from the webpage.

What about an online list as an ice-breaker? No scheduling needed there! Then people kind of feel like they 'know' each other, and you (and/or others) can post notice of some kind of monthly get-together. Pick someone's house, or a coffee place, or whatever. Make it open, make it welcome. People can bring their friends along who aren't on the list, to expand the circle.

I'm with you on this subject completely. And you're talking about middle school! How much harder it must be in high school. I mean, as you have less and less control over your kids, it's nice to at least have some inkling of who their friends are by having at least a passing acquaintance with their parents. Sigh. Is that just a pipe dream?

A bunch of mothers (and a couple dads!) from different parent groups in the district meet monthly at a local coffee house. We discuss whatever we feel like. Notice is simply by word of mouth and people just know that we meet the first Friday of each month at 9:00am.Our numbers range from 4-20... but the conversation is always good and the contacts and friendships I've made from this group are invaluable!!! Maybe this kind of casual concept will help??? Good luck!
Kelley
Mount Vernon, WA

This year the other room mom and I had 2 potluck parties, parents only. I was surprised at how many people came because we really didn't know each other that well to begin with. It was a lot of fun and gave us a chance to get to know each other better, and I will definitely do it again next year. Maybe once each semester? Next year our parents association is going to have money we can apply for to fund our parties/snacks!

Checkout your local chamber of commerce networking cluster brunches, ours is split by profession or interests (most let guests come for free), our dads group meets for fantasy baseball, LOWES's Do it yourself classes, or coofee at a local campus coffehouse.

Don't worry haven't seen many of us guys here upset about the lack of gender specific posts (unfortunately its a way of life: ie. Parenting, American Baby, PTA/PTO most do it) :cool:

Our school is an elementary school, but we do an organizing strategy we call "house meetings", which aren't held at a house, but at school. We pick a topic of conversation that is relevant to the school (safety issues, campus concerns, etc) and invite parents to the meeting. Instead of "calling the meeting to order" we do "rounds and introductions", where everyone present has to say who they are, how many kids are at the school, and what made them attend the meeting (if it is a staff or community memeber, they explain their affiliation). Then, we present a quick presentation about the issue at hand, and break into smaller groups to come up with solutions, then come back together to compare ideas. Close to the ending time of the meeting (always have an agenda with a set time, otherwise it WILL get away from you!) we give the opportunity to share stories about how the issue personally effects people there. Then, we set another date for the next meeting, where we follow up on what ideas were presented.

I got to know a lot of people I would have otherwise never met. It pulls together people with the same concerns and really give a sense of communty when we all start working together. Maybe something like this would work for you...