Okay, my sons b-day coming up, I've always done
cupcakes for his classroom during lunch time and
goody bags. This way they can celebrate his day
with him and I usually take a couple of pictures for his scrapbook.

Interesting Post, I just got finished handing out bowling party invitations for my son's 7th birthday to his entire class so no one would feel left out. I have found with my older son, whom I've done this for also, that the kids who do come to the party are the ones he usually didn't talk to very much, but afterwards they became closer. Now I just pray that the whole class doesn't show up and the parents all leave for two hours :eek:

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: chrystal ]</p>

I am a former classroom teacher who, for the past two years, has been developing a curriculum for schools on the subject of Manners and Etiquette. I'd love to find out what the board thinks is relevant for schools in this area (ok, that leads me to jump on my soapbox, I know...)

Personally, my approach is based upon a simple premise...We have good manners because of the way it makes us feel about ourselves on the inside. The 'magic' of good manners is that it makes people want to be with us, they want to be our friends!

When searching for information on the topic, I have many book recommendations (start with Emilie Barnes' series and don't miss the book 'Always Wear Clean Underwear and Other Ways Parents Say I Love You by Marc Gelman) but be wary of materials and/or programs which put too much emphasis on the importance of manners because of the judgement of our peers. All too often, the 'experts' in this industry see polite behavior as a marketing tool rather than a life skill.

Interesting post, I'm glad I found it!

We've got the same policy as NCPTO -- nobody unless everybody. Some teachers have been known to look the other way if a girl invites all other girls and no boys (or vice versa), but that is technically against the policy.

We also frown on (but do not prohibit) parties where the invited students go directly home with the host. I've seen such instances, with the invitees bringing gifts to school for the party afterwards -- it's not a pretty sight for the uninvited kids. (Actually, as I think about it, I believe the gifts are prohibited these days)

Our elementary school has a policy regarding this. Children are not allowed to bring in invitations of any sort to outside school functions UNLESS the child is handing an invitation out to each and every student in his/her class. This policy is clearly stated at the beginning of each school year and is printed in the student's take-home agenda as well. Should a student want to invite only a few children in his/her class, the parent can either go to the office and look up the addresses in our school directory or call the invitees and get their addresses. Hope this helps.

I would like to know how other schools handle the issue of party invites coming to school(k-4)? This seems to be an ongoing problem. Those that are not invited, not receiving the coveted envelope in their go home cubby or backpack, end up with hurt feelings and lower self esteem.

The school has no real stand on this. The PTO would like to address it in the newsletter. Any stories or thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks.