Hi Patricia!


You could also try meeting with the teachers (check with the principal, perhaps it is possible at the start of the school year) to talk to them about what funds you have, what your goals are and ask them to share their goals as well. This goes toward feeling more like you are working together. Let them know you have limited funds and volunteers and while you try to fulfill each individual request, it is really hard to do so. Working together, perhaps you can come up with funding plans that do benefit entire grades or the school as a whole, as MIDAD says.

Another idea is to set up a grant program and let the teachers know that XXX amount will be available for the coming year to fund specific requests. You can then evaluate requests and allot just those funds you have already designated as grant money.

If teachers have small requests for classroom supplies, consider getting your school involved in TeacherLists.com. (www.teacherlists.com) That's our sister site. Teachers can create wish lists (along with classroom supply lists) and easily share that information with parents. That way, parents can make small, inexpensive donations to the classroom.

Good luck!

Rose C
Community Manager