Monday, November 17, 2008

How do we get them in??

This is my 6th year as principal of a primary school in a rural area in Georgia. Ever since our school system rezoned the primary schools, our school has had a horrible experience with parent involvement. Initially, we were used to PTO's that experienced packed houses when there were meetings!! There were activities scheduled and parents always showed up. Our system used a portion of their Title I funds to hire parent liaisons for each primary school to assist students and facilitate workshops to assist them. The first year, our sessions had at least 40 parents to participate. Now, we have NONE!! Our PTO scheduled a meeting last term and we had 3 parents to attend (approx 400 student population). Parents complain that we do not involve them,but we schedule activities during the day and in the evening. They still do not show up!! This year we planned a Skate Night and there were about 40 parents and children attend. I often wonder if they spend more time wtih recreation activities and just do not have time or is it that our activities are not exciting enough?