Trust me LovinDisney, it is well worth the wait! It's hard when you know how things could be but aren't because of one person.
And to the one poster, I do know my place and there were many more than just me that were upset about being told our flags could not be hung in the school. WE ALL KNEW OUR PLACES, and still stand true to them ten years later.
Stay tuned...back to school this week after spring break. The newsletter which "problem secretary" used as her personal message board, will shortly be turned over to new, opened minded, fair parents. One problem solved, many more to go. Yes, it may take time for people to see, but when there is a "bad egg" on the school staff, parents CAN make a difference!
As a parent that volunteers at my children's school I see a lot that goes on there. The staff that's doing what their suppose to are happy were there supporting them and the students. But those who aren't feel like you do. "We don't have the right to challenge you". Let me inform you, we do have the right if your behavior is inappropriate. Us parents bring our kids to the school which is how every staff member at that school has a job. So you mite want to learn more about your place cause as parents if your not doing your job and/or over stepping your boundaries with parents and/or students we can have you replaced.
Sorry if my post was confusing, I'm actually not a teacher but rather one of the many dedicated parent school volunteers out there, just like you. I was replying to the post from Teacher's View about parents "knowing their place." You hit the nail on the head when you used the analogy about one "rotten egg." I realize that no-where in life are we immune to dealing with conflict, and after all, diversity is what makes the world go 'round. In my case, the "rotten egg" is a board member, not a staff member. I've already vented my frustrations/concerns on other posts, so I'll save the repeat of information. I'm very thankful I turned to this site because I have learned much through others experiences (good and bad!) It sounds like you have received some great advice from others and you are on your way to building a successful PTO. I'm eager to apply some of the advice and suggestions I've received on this board as well, yours among them. Best of luck in your journey and I hope you finish the school year on a high note.
Thank you AlamoCityMom for your thoughts as a teacher, you are right on when you say that not all parents seek control to the inner workings of the school. I would love to not have to say or do anything to anyone in the school, now that would be a perfect world. I have my job to do, the school and teachers have their jobs to do. What I have seen in the workplace and in our school is that it takes "one bad egg" to get them all going. The secretary I am referring to is just that, "one bad egg". For more info on her, read the 1st post. After you read the first post, know that our communications board has seen the problem I was referring to about our newsletter having very little to do with fact and substance, but everything to do with her opinion and her censoring what can and cannot go into our weekly newsletter. Finally, someone has seen the light at our school and she will shortly be taken off the newsletter. Two very capable mothers will be in charge of that newsletter on a weekly and monthly basis. One item down, many more to conquer on her list. I do believe what goes around, comes around and that people like her will finally be seen for who they are. Just may take a little time. So my advice to any of you out there who may have a "bad egg" at your children's school, document it, talk to the principal and school boards, try to come up with a plan and see where it goes. You may not get the answer you want but at least in your heart you know you are doing the right thing for your children and school.
Surely you must know that not all parents seek to control the "inner workings" of their child's school. Most are likely good-hearted, well intentioned people who just want to make a contribution and go home at the end of the day. It's a shame you would discourage any parent from approaching the school principal to help resolve a problem, no matter how big or small. Isn't that part of the principal's job? If your school's environment consists of dismissing a parent's valid concerns and then resorting to laughing or negative-talk behind their back, please share your school's name and town. Yours would not be the welcoming and inclusive environment I seek for my kids.
While I'm usually always one to give teachers and administrators a "pat on the back" for all they do, your post has me wanting to steer clear of any school that has such an obvious lack of respect for parents.
