Have meetings on Zoom!

As a parent of two kids who graduated Hs, looking back, what would have been really helpful in ES is a PTA speaker on child mental health - even in ES kids are experiencing anxiety, social skills problems, etc., and that only becomes more likely in MS &HS. As a parent, it would have helped me a better parent but also a better more supportive peer parent to others going thru the experience.

Waiting until MS or HS for this topic is way too late.

A lot of PTA’s post their meeting agendas and meeting minutes on their PTA websites. You can google some school PTAs and get a look at what they’re doing that way.

Anonymous wrote:Topics that went over well for us:
Screen time
Online safety

It's hard, because what appeals to some, won't appeal to others. I once had a 3rd grade girl mom wanting us to do a session about lice. I explained to her that those who've had a kid who had it, knew what to do already, and those that didn't, wanted nothing to do with the topic!

Thank you for sharing! Can you remember any specific speakers that presented on those topics (screen time, online safety)? Both very relevant and important!

Topics that went over well for us:
Screen time
Online safety

It's hard, because what appeals to some, won't appeal to others. I once had a 3rd grade girl mom wanting us to do a session about lice. I explained to her that those who've had a kid who had it, knew what to do already, and those that didn't, wanted nothing to do with the topic!

Definitely don't do Board-level stuff at a general membership meeting. obviously you need to approve officers and the budget, but the details should be for board meetings. For general meetings, think about what people want to know. Our school has done presentations on the different curriculums and how they are implemented, on how to make decisions regarding screen time, how to help kids develop executive function skills... basically try to find out what parents are interested in and then bring in a speaker to discuss that. If you are in ES and can offer babysitting, even better.

I like having meetings that are well structured and time is used wisely. Have the various committees defined at the first meeting and get feedback to see if changes are required. Meetings should have a purpose specifically related to issues that are impacting the school. Make sure please can see the what's in it for me and my kid(s).

A mix of executive and informational meetings with some in person and some virtual.

Do a formal presentation, principal speak and then informal talk to let families ask questions.

For some meetings bring in presenters. Principal and staff may be able to help.

OP here - I meant to say I an incoming PTA president =)

I am an incoming PTA chair of our elementary school. We have not been very active and have had low participation with our meetings. I would love to increase engagement and volunteerism in the new school year. In planning our PTA meeting agendas, I would like to crowdsource ideas of what types of PTA meetings you find the most beneficial.

For example:
- topics or speakers that were interesting/helpful
- meeting structure: do you prefer executive-level discussion (regarding budget, upcoming activities, etc.) vs. informational presentation

Thanks!