Thank you so very much. We are holding a 'special' meeting tomorrow evening. I principal is completely behind me and gave me his cell phone number. Perhaps I'm seeing too much in it but that sure means a lot to me. Since that call I have also learned that many of the teachers fully support me also. I'm feeling much better, but still hurt and let down!!
BLH in PA
Many of us have been in your shoes. When I was elementary PTO pres, I spent an insane amount of time at school on weekends and late at night trying to get things done when I could since I work during the day. (And, yes, I had a master key - more access than most of the teachers, who had keys that fit the front door and their own classroom.)
The call you got was totally unfair. It's hard to ignore as criticism always cuts deep. But that was ONE person out of hundreds.
That being said, we ALL need to be vigilant about perceptions and about including others in the effort. During my presidency, there were so MANY times it was easier and faster to "just do it myself". And it's not like there were volunteers standing in line to go up to school at 10pm. But - still - we have to remember to ask and to at least give the opportunity for others to help.
So as far as that call my suggestion is to analyze it in your head like this:
90% - unfair, unwarranted accusations and personal attack that should just be ignored
10% - never hurts to be reminded to include others and to be aware of possible perceptions, both positive and negative.
I am PTO Pres. As with all of you I have a family. When the need calls for it I will go to school in the evening and print out letters to go home, (no less than 550) sort them by class rooms, and put them in teacher mail boxes to go home the next day. The Principal gave me a master key and permission to do what I need to do to get things done. Some times I will be there late after school and set up Santa Shoppe, or Book Fair, things of that nature. I go in and decorate for teacher/staff events or to do work on fundraisers that I just don't want to have at home and in the way.
Does anybody else put time in like this? Or am I just stupid? There are ALWAYS custodians around and there are cameras through out the building. This next part has me very confused.
Yesterday I received a phone call and this person proceeded to tell me that, "You go to school at night when no one is there and sneak around going thru desks and paper work...especially in the office". "You do what ever you want and never ask what somebody else might want". BLAH BLAH BLAH It ruined my day real fast.
I have been staying after school like this for 4 years and noone has ever said a word. How in the heck could I possibly sneak around and do these things when there are cameras and custodians all over? I feel like resigning @ the end of the year. Let somebody else see how much energy I put in to things? I am so let down and hurt I don't know what to think.
Thanks For Listening.
Pouty Pres in PA
