We had our meeting today. The principal told us that it is stressful dealing with our group that is why we haven't heard from the office. We went over our list and although we are not a big priority, we managed to get answers to questions that were put on the table for awhile. We will do what we can until school is over then that will be a wrap!!!! Thanks to everyone who responded to my cries for help.
Best of luck to you! We went through pretty much the same thing. What made it worse was when the principal made some bad decisions and people questioned us she didnt want to own up it. We finally just gave up- it only takes so many times of getting hit on the head to know its not worth it. The principal will do what she wants and to heck with whatever anyone says or thinks. We tried to meet with her several times but she'd say one thing and do another. I hope it gets better for you!
I am in my second term as PTO president for a PK-6 school of about 500 students. This was not the first time that I have chaired an organization or event. I chaired for 3 years one of the largest fundraisers in our community.
Going into my first term as PTO president, I spent my entire summer planning a year of PTO events & activities. I wanted to introduce new fundraisers and new activities. I did all of my homework. This website helped me alot.
Before our first executive board meeting, I prepared in detail the following:
a calendar of events with tentative dates
sample flyers for new events
a list of goals that I wanted to the organization to achieve
I also worked with my treasurer on what we thought the budget should be.
Our executive board includes 7 members and the Principal. They appreciated everything being so detailed. It may debating alot easier.
Would love to talk with you more. Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks luvmykids. We never go in without an agenda. We always wait and give the principal time to read our questions. We were told the principal doesn't schedule appointments. We take the parents suggestions to the office. We always have back up plans because we figure the more we have something will work. The SCHOOL has already done some of the ones we talked about but didn't get to do. I pray before I go in that it will get better.
It really sounds like your group is getting the run around from your principal. Maybe it's time to rally the executive board and have a frank discussion with the principal.
First, get together and make a plan of what you want to accomplish in your school, what programs are important to you and what you expect in the way of effort and cooperation from your principal.
Now, SCHEDULE a meeting with her. I'm talking time specific appointment. Figure out how much time you think it will take to relay your views and tell her you need x minutes. Send her some kind of agenda in advance that spells out what you want to discuss. This way she won't feel attacked and she can prepare her responses and do any feasibility research she might need.
Be professional and clear on what you feel are the important issues for your group and the school. Be flexible and have some back up ideas for fundraisers and programs in case she tells you something won't work.
You may not get all you want, but hopefully you can come to some kind of terms for how your group can be an important part of the school.
