I took all the advice given and approached it in a PTO and parent manner.
I asked the principal if she would speak at the first PTO meeting and to let "parents" know what she was working on or anything she would like to say. And she loved it she said she was never asked last year. So she didnt mind at all.
We also have a our membership drive on Parents Night in a couple of weeks and we have a table set up when the parents first walk in. I asked if she would like to be with us to "greet parents" So I think it went pretty well.
I know it wasn't a PTO issue per se, but I think her being out there for the kids and parents does make a better impression. Hopefully I handled it somewhat diplomatically.
OFF to a GOOD START!!!!
Cindy
Cindy<br />
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<br>"People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse the privelege."
This is an interesting discussion... Personally, I have had to have discussions with our principal that I began by stating clearly that I was not speaking as a PTO leader, but as a concerned parent.... my principal has always been able to see the difference.
As for the specific situation.... we have staff that are assigned to greet the students every morning... they simply stand in the front hallway and tell everybody "good morning!" Maybe you could suggest that this idea might be good for your school community? That way it might not seem like a personal criticism.
We will just have to agree to disagree on this one. You have one poster here who noted their principal asked for opinions and input and was receptive of comments. You handled your situation by asking the principal to get involved in reading to the kids and your principal was receptive. I personally would not advise a PTO president to approach her principal (whom I do not know anything about) and tell them how to do their job better. It could backfire on her and strain the relationship. There are most definately some principals who would be highly offended by this. If as she posted there are many other people that feel this way ...then I would sooner advise that one of the many others go and speak to the principal. This way she is not at risk for herself or the organization to suffer if the principal is not receptive to unsolicited advice on his/her job.
Originally posted by Serendipity: This is just my opinion, but just a mom going to see the principal to discuss such an issue is one thing....I think the PTO President going to give the principal career advice is a whole other ball of wax. I just can't see how that is going to play out well for the president or their group if it comes from them.
And I am just a mom first and the PTO President...#5 someone that can't see you as a conserned parent first needs to be reminded! Hi I'm Tina, mom of three students I was wondering if you read to the students ever? The parents think you are great and wouldn't it be great for the students to see that too? Maybe the PTO can purchase a special book for you to read on the upcoming holiday?
or chalk it up as...gosh she was nice but my student never got the chance to know what a great person she was....
I think this is a tough one. Our former principal (who was WONDERFUL!) solicited this kind of information from the PTO board. She saw it as one more way to know where the parents were coming from and what their expectations and needs were. We were very open and up-front with her during our meetings and she was not offended by it. She made it clear that she couldn't be all things to all people, but that she appreciated the on-going evaluations and it helped her keep in step with our families. If you go to her, I don't think you should go as the PTO representative. Make it clear that you are approaching her as a concerned parent and you value educational atmospheres that allow the children and administrators to interact and build positive relationships. Does she attend your board meetings? If not, invite her. Maybe as she gets to know you sharing these things will be easier. Good luck!
This is just my opinion, but just a mom going to see the principal to discuss such an issue is one thing....I think the PTO President going to give the principal career advice is a whole other ball of wax. I just can't see how that is going to play out well for the president or their group if it comes from them.
