I agree! Don't set yourself up to be knocked down by these people if you know they are going to be uncooperative. You learned a lesson today...Who not to ask for anything or about anything.
Honestly, it is not the secretary's place to tell you what you can and cannot do. Only the principal can make that call.
I'm new to the PTO executive board and have been trying hard to make positive changes to our PTO. I finally have the support of the principal and he really likes a lot of the ideas I have, but that's all. The teachers are too busy to talk to me (except for a couple)and the office staff makes me feel like I'm a nuisance. For example, I asked today if the school owned their own popcorn machine. I wanted to start selling popcorn on Fridays for 50 cents to raise money for classrooms. The secretary quickly cut me off and told me I couldn't do that because (1) PTO is NOT part of the school and (2) a classroom is trying to raise funds for a school trip and it would cut into their concession stand sales. I didn't even get the chance to explain myself and let them know I wanted to raise funds for that exact purpose! I don't know if she meant to be mean - but my feelings got hurt and I had to walk out of the office immediately. I know I'll eventually get over it, dust myself up, and try again, but I just wanted to vent a bit here because I really feel this forum is like a supportive family. Thanks!