jalvarez, does your son have some kind of special learning challenges? Most parents are "indifferent" unless their child's academic needs aren't being addressed, or there is some sort of bullying taking place.
If your son is struggling academically, has he ever had a comprehensive educational evaluation for learning disabilities? You might want to join Greatschools Learning and Attention Difficulties Group at community.greatschools.net/groups/11554.
If bullying is a concern, you might want to join community.greatschools.net/groups/11560 and for support with single parenting, you can join community.greatschools.net/groups/11559

I hate my childs school and I think that is very sad. I am so upset because it makes me feel like I have failed as a mother. My son is in 6th grade and I hate the district, hate the teachers, and I hate half of the children in his class. He is so miserable, the only reason why I send him there is because its close by and i don't have anyone to take him or pick him up from school. So my only choice is to send him there. What should i do?

I am on the school leadership team,PTA and assist the parent coordinator at my younger childrens' school. I would love for other parents to get involved.

If you work full time then a good option is to see if you can find out which parents are on the school leadership team. There should be posted minutes of every meeting that can keep you informed, this way you are more willing to talk with the principal about topics that concern you and the school. Simply baking for bake sales can make your kids proud-they'll say my mom made those!

I think the biggest way is to be involved at some level. Even if you're a full time (outside the home) kind of person, schools always need help. I try to find the person that has the most knowledge of the schools activities, (the school secretary, the principal) whoever is most approachable and ask them what they need. I think that being an active part of the school is the best way to improve the relationships.

Also, no gossip! I don't listen to it, I don't spread it.

Thanks for your suggestions. I was really talking about both topics you mentioned. My children were used to me being at the school, so they are missing my closeness in many ways. So your advice was really helpful. I guess I am on the right track. I do my best to attend as many events at the school as possible.

My children are pretty young, 3 and 7. We will keep working at it. I am still learning. Good to talk to parents with children in high school, since those issues will soon be mine as well! Thanks!!!

LaShawndra, I'm not sure if your question is how you, personally, can improve your relationship with the other parents who help out in the daytime, or if you're talking about improving your relationship with the staff and kids at school. I think it's great that you've volunteered to serve on the governance council already.
As you point out, it's very difficult to help out during daytime events if you're working full-time. I don't know how old your child(ren) are, but often at the younger grades, there is a greater need for "behind the scenes" planning. I don't know if you'd be able to contact the room moms, and offer to help with "party planning" (ie, baking or assembling craft projects) but that was appreciated when my son was younger. When he got to high school, and I was working longer hours, I asked whether there were evening or weekend events that needed assistance...I ended up being in charge of "Hospitality" which was basically Coordinating refreshments and volunteers for the school's "Meet the Teachers" Night, and "new family Orientation," etc. Those events gave me a way to meet other PTA parents, as well as see teachers/administrators, and while it wasn't in my son's classroom specifically, I definitely think it was worthwhile.

That is awesome and definately commendable!!! I wish I could be more involved in my children's school. I am currently serving on the student governance council at my children's school. I wish I could do more, but since I work full time and am the sole provider I am unable to volunteer there. I worked there before I started this stage of my career. I miss being near them and participating, because I work so much. There are so many parents in this situation in schools like ours. I am greatful that there are many parents with more freedom in their lives to be volunteers during the day. I am working on improving relationships with these parents at my children's schools. Do you have any advice for me?

Hi. I know you categorized your question for Milwaukee, WI and I don't live there, but I do agree with you that involved parents make for better schools. I only wish more parents had the time and/or desire to participate.
My son has some LDs, so it's not always been an "easy" path for him through school, but my volunteering not only conveys a message to my child that I care about educational issues, but it also helps the administration know that "we're in it together."
I initially got involved as a preschool "room mom" and stayed involved throughout my child's elementary as well as high school years, eventually taking on PTA Board positions...My son is now in college, and I'm STILL helping out with alumni programs, etc!