I'm with Serendipity--how are there enough chaperones with no parents? Has anyone met with the principal to ask her why she would make such a request? I can see being old-school, but there's a limit!
Definitely the PTO should be involved--that's what we're all about--getting parents involved! Nothing confrontational--just a cup of coffee with questions and valid arguments for the parents' case. If you don't get resolution--take it the next step up to the superintendent.
First off how do you have enough chaperones for the trip if class moms/parents are not included?
Ultimately all you can do is go and speak to this woman and try to change her mind by explaining to her that the parents are upset and that this is how it has been done for x amount of years and this is the way all the other schools in the district operate. If she refuses to change her mind there is not much more you can do....unless the trip will not have the number of chaperones that are needed. That would be a whole other issue and a matter of safety for the kids. If that is the case then that is how I would plead my case and then if she still refused I would go to the Super and BOE, because the safety of the kids should be priority #1.
If your organization pays for the trips then certainly you could withold the funds for the trips, but that would only hurt the children and I don't think you should do that to them.
I have just become the president of our parent organization. It has not been active since my daughter started school(she is in 3rd grade now). Our principal came out of retirement to take the job for this school year. The previous principal left close to the end of summer. For the most part she is a good principal, but she is very old school, and does not really like parental involment. She decided parents would not be allowed on field trips. We have recently learned she intends on staying for at least one more year. Many parents are not pleased about the new field trip rule. Since I'm fairly new to PTO, I need to know if parent groups can lobby for change? I'd like to petition the school board. I know there is plenty of support to try and change this policy, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it. I have checked with several districts in our area and they all allow parents on field trips. I would welcome some suggestions to best handle this problem. :confused:
