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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We’re transferring to a MCPS elementary next year with a large and active PTA. I’m slightly intimidated to get involved both because I don’t have a lot of time outside my job and don’t do well with cliquey situations (neurodivergent). But I’ve heard getting involved is important for the well-being of my kid in the school. Can anyone speak to how it is to join the PTA (time expectancy, cliquiness, acceptance of new/transfer families, etc.)?[/quote]

I've been involved in PTAs in four different MCPS schools. They nearly always are short of volunteers and welcome help. [b]If you have parents who have known each other for awhile, it may seem like a clique, but once they see you are willing to work and help, it will be a rare PTA leader who isn't welcoming. [/b]

As for time commitment, that varies by the job. One nice thing about the PTAs is that there are year-long commitments, and single-project volunteer opportunities. You may find parents who have done the same job for the last 5-6 years and don't want to give up what they view (incorrectly) as "their project." PTA leadership doesn't interfere because the parents have been hard workers, and no one wants a hard worker to quit.  Parents who have a pet project could be annoyed if they think you are trying to interfere with "their" project and it could look like cliquiness. I'd recommend being willing to take on any project at all in your skill set and time availability.  [/quote]

I think this is important to keep in mind. I feel like so many people come to one meeting, see that parents are already talking to one another and then immediately feel left out. It's likely that these parents met through PTA and that's how they became friends. Don't get discouraged if you don't feel like part of the PTA immediately. It may take some time but that's the same with any group.

But, if you do get involved (which is not an obligation), make sure that you really do have the time to dedicate to the project you are volunteering for. I was a PTA president and definitely got burned a few times by people who "really" wanted to get involved and then just dropped the ball so I was left to finish the project. [/quote]

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