I see said the blind man....that makes sense. Things have sure changed since I was in band! I suppose my school was small enough that if you were in the third chair you were also good enough to be in marching band unless you broke your foot lol!

Like KC said, we will have to agree to disagree on this. In response to the last post by mykidsmom, let me just add this:

I mentioned band uniforms, not the original poster. I understand and agree with earning money for band uniforms or trips to NY, etc. I agree that working towards a common goal is good for our kids. This fundraiser seems to have been intended for a regular band class though. The term Band Booster leads me to believe that they sponsored the event, but had regular band classes working it. At least that is the way I read it. The only thing I disagree with is regular, during the day band classes having to participate in a mandatory fundraiser, one that is sponsored by the Band Boosters, which usually denotes Marching Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, etc. These are specialty classes and would need funds. And yes, they should be out raising funds because specialty band areas are not funded with district funds, hence the need for organizations like Band Boosters. Regular, run-of-the-mill-my-kid-plays-clarinet-in-third-period-band do not need funds, as they do not wear uniforms, do not go on competition over-nighters, etc. If my child is asked to give up a Saturday to sell candy bars, my child had better be the one getting something out of it, not the Band Boosters who are purchasing stuff for specialty band areas. I have a teen son who is trying out for Jazz Band next year. I fully expect him to work to earn the extras. I do not see the kid who plays the clarinet in 3rd period having to help though. He isn't going to benefit from the money. Why should he/she, or his/her parents be blackmailed into raising funds for something they are not a part of? There shouldn't have to be an 'excuse' written. The kids who are benefiting from the fundraiser should be there. Period.

When I was in college, one of our fundraisers for our trip to New York was to work in the concession stand at the football games. You worked, money was put into your account, you didn't work, no money. Period. Of course many students didn't see this as fair but why should I be making tons of hot coco for a bunch of screaming fans and have to share with you my earnings when you didn't want to go to the game!

I have to agree with KC, sorry Menzy but if the band is counting on earning say $100 per child to purchase uniforms then either Johnny better be selling hot coco or writing a check for his share! How are we going to teach kids the importance of working together to acheive a goal, like new uniforms. If the teacher feels it is important to mark their grade for showing up or not, I would rather cancel my daughter's other activity that night to help than say "It's only band!" Not because she is being graded but because she needs to help her fellow bandmates!

you think things are hot here....this is nothing!!We've had hotter topics!

Whoa Raptordad! No one is bashing teachers. We are discussing whether or not it should be mandatory to participate in a fundraiser. Some feel it is okay, and some don't. I want to add that while I am not bashing teachers, they are human and make mistakes. I think this issue was an error in judgement. I'm not condemning the guy to hell, I am saying I don't agree with him. I don't agree with you either. In my humble opinion, there is never a reason to make students particiate in a fundraiser. I offer plenty of prizes if they do, but participation is still voluntary.

Self directed learning? OH, now I agree that it is okay to make a child participate in a fundraiser - on their day off from school - ... NOT!!!

I'd be interested in talking to the teacher! Think we can get him to post? Come Clean Raptordad! You are that teacher, aren't you?

Here we go again PTO Today chatroom bashing. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

OK, here we are again on this website - Teacher bashing. Yes, it does sound a little extreme to say that they would lose points if they didn't attend the fundraising event. But, then again, that could be an area of self directed learning where the teacher is deliniating the points needed to go from a 3=proficient to a 4=exceeds expectations.

Did anyone think to talk to the teacher before they posted something on here??

Think of it this way, how many times have you held a fundraiser for the PTO and have only a small percentage of the actually families in your school participate. But, everyone in the school benefits from the profit gained. Ever feel like screaming at that! Well, maybe this is that teacher's way around it.