Hey there, am wondering... my daughter just started the school year this Wednesday, and I was surprised by how little preparation we had as parents. I didn't even find out what class my daughter was in until after 4pm the day before school started, the only mailer was for the back-to-school "Jumpstart" event that happened this afternoon, and I still don't have the student handbook or anything like that. Beyond that, the school's website doesn't have a list of email addresses, just the principal's (a spam-protected "contact us" page would be fine also), and the website doesn't look like it's been touched since last spring.

Mind, I've worked in educational technology for many years and am all too aware of the painful constraints schools face, but this seems something of a mess. Rather than whine and complain about it though, I'd rather see what I can do to help out. I plan to join the PTA and attend meetings, but what other opportunities are there at Petaluma City Schools for a concerned parent to get involved? Site Council, etc? Also, any advice on where to direct my efforts to be most effective (so I'm not "pushing on a rope") would be most welcome.

Cheers.

From my experience, PTA and Site council is the way to go! You can learn a lot more from the principals and teachers that way. And with your background, they would love your experience and insight!

Volunteer in your child's class if you can. Teachers appreciate that very much, and that will help you and your child learn the ropes, meet other kids, ect. Teachers can use all the help they can get!

Talk to other parents as well.

And always, always get on the good side of the school secretary. They have the hardest job, and so much is expected of them, but they are your best resource!

And check out PEF (Petaluma Education Foundation) if you get a chance - many ways to volunteer there as well.

Good luck!!