In New York's District 5 of the National PTA, which comprises Cayuga, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties, membership has grown to 7,850, from 7,200 five years ago. Many schools, such as Liverpool High School, have independent parent-teacher groups. But as children reach middle and high school, demands on time for sports and other activities increase. If parents would just contribute to involvement in just small doses, then we all would have less to do. Peters said competitive sports is one of the biggest reasons secondary-school parents can't attend meetings.
Children can compete at many levels, from varsity to junior varsity to modified.
Parents make the right choice to attend a child's game over attending a meeting, Peters said. Getting parents to even respond is challenging. Stiegert said she handed out 2,700 surveys to families during an open house night. She received 14 back. At Durgee Junior High in Baldwinsville, PTSA President Deb Simone saw membership rise from 52 to 183 this year.