We have so-so support of PTO from our teachers due to past personalities on the Exec Board, but this year is MUCH better.
One thing we do that has helped--not necessarily increased PTO membership among teachers, but it HAS increased our funds. I'm also co-ordinator for Boxtops, Campbell's et al. One thing that keeps popping up on the teachers' wish lists is a color ink cartridge for their printers. So, I placed a collection bin just for teachers in the mailroom. It said that as soon as the bin was full of Boxtops, I'd draw one( they were to put their name on the back) and that person would win the cartridge. The bin wasn't large--just big enough to hold enough to cover the cost of the cartridge plus some extra. It boosted our Boxtops collection and the teachers felt like they were getting something needed. Last year, we did similar drawings each month--sometimes it was school supplies, sometimes it was something more of a luxury for them personally--dining gift certificates, a travel kit with bath goodies, imported chocolates.We got through to them that we appreciate them but that we have to have funds coming in to be able to "give" them what they ask for.
We also have a wish tree for teachers to place their needs/wants on. It's in the front entry and parents are encouraged to take one. Usually, at Xmas time, PTO will take all remaining wishes and fill them. We let it be known that teachers who were PTO members went to the top of the list as far as wish fulfillment--that alone has helped boost their participation and support.Dues are only $5 and most have wishes of at least $50--what a payoff for that small investment.
Good luck!
Barbara
Editing here because the situation has changed--DRASTICALLY! One of the past bad personalities has incited some teachers to complain about having to pay dues since they work at the school. This prompted the principal to decide that all people( parents AND teachers)should be members--free.And she is making PTO meeting attendance mandatory for the teachers. As outlined by others, this isn't really reasonable--yes, teachers DO have lives outside the school they work in.Now we're really in a scramble to figure out a way to not alienate even more teachers when things were going so well.Sorry to rant here, but it is so frustrating when we want things to run smoothly for all involved.
We don't give teachers any funds, with the exception of the PE department who this year we gave $200 to at the start of the year. The teachers keep their profit from the prior years Spring Festival. The PTO mans the ticket booth and takes a cut of the food vendors take, but otherwise the teachers get what they earn. The PTO then acts as the "bank" and reimburses the teachers for anything they send in a receipt for up to the amount they have in their own account. However, if the teacher is in need of something she can make a request to the PTO and it is considered on a case by case basis. The school district is chaning and more and more lower income families move in, there will of course need to be changes made. At this time though, the teachers compile a list of school supplies with it being requested if you wish to purchase additional supplies it would be welcomed. So far it has worked without the PTO's involvement in that line. Most of the parents when they can they buy extra or "pay extra" to make sure all students have what they need. If a teacher did have a student or students that were in need, the PTO would more than likely establish it under a "Hardship" and it would be taken out of that fund. I have noticed lately that more and more teachers are speaking to me (I'm always there!) and telling me what they need, and asking me questions. I have hence been designated at the go to her and she'll get it done girl. I'm just the secretary but I try to always make sure to smile and speak to the teachers. The support of our Principal etc. has been wonderful in this matter. As for complaints, we are learning that no matter what our good intentions may be, there will always be those who complain. No matter what. We have chosen to make notes of them but only change things if there is a majority represented.
I am so glad to know that we are not the only school with "NO" support from Teachers. This is my first year on PTO. We had our first meeting this week and the next day was a disaster. The teachers complained about everything. Do you give money to teachers, from fundraisers, or do you buy something for the school? This is one of our dilemas. The past PTO pres. gave each teacher $100 in the fall, but we decided to budget the money and save to purchase something for the use of every teacher/staff member. I am being unreasonable?
I wasn't going to reply but you said the magic word- budget cuts.
We are a VERY small group with a budget of $2000 TOTAL for the year but we are able to ask for a wish list from teachers. Last year we had a terrific group of parents that took the lists and from their pocket, purchased small items teachers were asking for. My point, we asked them how we can help them but reminded them we can help more if the requests are kept simple. You bet we would love to hand our 100+ teachers $100 cash but we can't. We can put together a list, give it to our parents and they are happy to donate what they can.
Now, our group is put together so that EVERY parent and teacher are members SO one person starts in I smile and say "Well, we are all PTO and I'm sorry you feel that way."
We do what we can and talk to everyone when we can. Lunch completely donated by parents, served during conferences; the class with the best attendance at the next meeting gets a gift certificate to a supply store (huge hit!); bagels and juice in their lounge-no reason.... We've done this HUGE hit!
***we are not allowed in the teacher's lounge without permission and I don't mind. It's their break room...
I am so glad to know that we are not the only school with "NO" support from Teachers. This is my first year on PTO. We had our first meeting this week and the next day was a disaster. The teachers complained about everything. Do you give money to teachers, from fundraisers, or do you buy something for the school? This is one of our dilemas. The past PTO pres. gave each teacher $100 in the fall, but we decided to budget the money and save to purchase something for the use of every teacher/staff member. I am being unreasonable?
The Principal makes sure that each grade has a PTO rep that sits on the board. She makes it mandatory that they attend all PTO Board meetings and PTO general meetings. If they miss, they had better have a good excuse. As for faculty meetings, the Principal uses notes from our board meetings and other notes we give her to talk about what we are trying to do etc. It has improved as of late. There are still a few, but the others are coming around since receiving a list of what we did last year (including $$ amounts) and what we have already done this year and plan to do. I think we all had a too short of summer and with budget cuts across the board, the mood hasn't been quite the same.
