You’re letting go of the warm and fuzzy stuff of elementary school, like reading nights with little ones in pajamas and messy classroom party activities. But the middle school experience can be just as rewarding, as long as you remember this one important tip: Ask the kids what they want to do at events. Don’t assume you know!

Example: My first year on a middle school PTO, we planned a series of activity nights, one for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes. We provided a range of activities that seemed age-appropriate—jewelry-making, board games, bingo, a DJ in the cafeteria, snacks, and sport activities in the gym. 

The 6th graders had a ball, running from one activity to the next. The 7th graders had less enthusiasm and spent more time talking in small groups than participating, and the 8th graders didn’t even sign up. Our mistake: Assuming the older kids would like the activities the younger ones enjoyed. 

So here’s how to avoid that: 

• Consider adding student representatives to come to your meetings so they can pass along ideas from their peers. 

• Try running ideas by your own kids. 

• Chat with students at events so you feel more in touch and get more of a sense of what interests them.  

• Ask leaders from other schools for successful middle school event ideas. 

Also, consider these event suggestions offered by our community members on a recent Facebook post: 

• Color run

• Simple dance with a DJ and concessions. No theme—that’s too babyish. 

• Dodgeball tournament

• Faculty and staff sporting events with the students, like a staff-versus-student floor hockey or volleyball game. 

• Family night at a local gym

For additional middle school resources, check out these articles: 

Adjusting to Middle School Involvement

34 Success Tips for Middle School

Middle School PTO Promotional Poster