Amen.


(BTW: I do the cc thing too and all for the reasons MichelleB stated. You won't believe the quick response time achieved!)

Okay, more thoughts for you...
When I send an e-mail that I know needs to be looked at or a letter, I make sure to visibly include any important cc's and I tell my units that may be having a problem to visibly cc me as well(example would be, the superintendent, the PTA President, your board, anyone that can be a witness to your e-mail.
CC the written letters too at the bottom. Perhaps it will help in response time to see that someone other than you IS watching.
As for the baskets, I say put them out AS IS. That's what they gave you, so they can live with the humiliation. They'll make damn sure to do it better next time!

OK--I've calmed down some. I was originally extremely annoyed at the teachers--actually TWO, mind you--another asked to go in on this basket! There is some history here, but this was just the absolute end to me.

There are a few reasons we went to the principal first. One was we didn't want to be accused of "arm twisting." Another was our principal has a REAL issue with control (even worse than me, if you can believe it! )--she would have been REALLY put off had we gone to the teacher first--the thought that something could be going on in HER school without her knowledge would have sent her into spasms. Another was that we felt the principal should know, since she WAS the one who told us to go for the class-theme basket thing--she staunchly denied that there is ANY problem with school spirit and teacher/student morale.

The whole thing is a tempest in a teapot, but the stress factor from the administration is just accumulating to bordering on ridiculous. We're trying so hard to raise funds for this handicapped inclusive playground, and it just seems that the principal is passive-aggresive, and is encouraging the faculty to be as well. It's such a bummer--expecially when we see how great other schools in our district have it as far as spirit and morale go. We'd really like to have the same for our kids in so many regards, but every time we try to do something to get people together, our prinicpal seems to do whatever she can to squash it.

But, ever the dog with my bone, I push on. I'm not a Taurus for nothing!

Some rooms are always better than others for volunteers, donations or whatever. The teacher should only have been embarassed she handed them in, instead of mentioning it was a poor showing in her class. Not everyone can donate, but they try. We do grade baskets and end up with 6 huge baskets and if we get some duds no one notices. We want really good baskets to get the most out of the raffle, so that we can get the funds for the kids. Our teachers jump over themselves to help us becasue they know they get a certain amount every year for classroom expenses. WE decide which of their grants are funded. WE supply food when it's conference time and they stay late to meet us. The list goes on. But it all comes down to the kids. Do you want to make an example or have a great raffle? If you can't get quality items rethink the idea. It sounds like it's more of a staff vs. parents issue. Get input on both sides to strengthen this relationship for the kids.

We do a Basketmania Raffle every year. Each classroom picks a theme, the students bring in one item each(if they can) and every class has ALWAYS participated. Last year we went to every business in a 50 mile radius and $9000.00 in donations were put into the raffle. About 300 people come, and we sell refreshments. We made about $3500. It was so not worth the work, it was like a full time job with overtime. This year we decided not to do it because of lack of volunteers last year. But the class baskets were huge, our teachers helped alot.

KMAMOM- We have been doing the class basket theme for 4 years now. The first year we had some pretty good baskets except one or two. We did NOT puff up the basket (It was a first grade basket)and put it out there with only 3 measly items. :eek: And yes... the baskets all had the theme on them and what class it was too. Usually the younger grades and parents are more gun ho than the older ones but guess what? The next year that basket had markedly increased in size! We do not have the problems with the principal/admin/teachers as you do, but class participation is not always good. Our baskets are wonderful now and each class has such class pride!