LOL, funny a similar situation has been happening at our elementary school.
We have one parent and her groupies causing problems. We have a new principal this year and this parent is only giving the principal a bad impression of herself, not our PTO, luckily.
Recently we had an issue with another organization up at school in which I was a part of. Because I"m the PTO VP this year and have been voted Pres for next year, this mom has just done everything to slam my name and the PTO. Our Principal laughs and said not to worry because the % of the negative parents doesn't even come near the large % of satisfied parents. And you know, she's exactly right!!! In one of our newsletters, she wrote a quote:
"tough times don't last, tough people do"
Best of luck and don't let ANYONE bring you down when all you are wanting is "for the kids".
jon--Thanks! I realize I overreacted JUST a little, but it was the last item on list of negatives our group got handed that day. (See the "Too Good to be True" posting in Fundraising to get an idea). I realize it's the always the same Ps in the A who make the negative comments, but our principal while not undermining us, is just a little too worried about the comments from the peanut gallery. We're hoping that if she gets tenure she'll feel more confident (though we hope she doesn't go to the extreme--the control freak)!
I'm over it now, though I guess not COMPLETELY--I still get that twinge of annoyance when it comes up. I'm just hoping the same big mouths can be put in their place as time rolls along!
kma,
We send out numerous surveys throughout the year asking for input, comments, recommendations as well as critiques. Every agenda, flyer, notice, email, or other correspondence contains the officers names and phone numbers. RARELY do we get anything feedback. Yet there are always the gab sessions at the bus stops where comments fly like gnats on a hot summer day. Or the parents in the halls waiting to pick up their kids chatting about how they dislike the fundraising, the colors of the new playground equipment that the PTO bought, meeting times and dates, and any number of other things. But none of these people come to a meeting, call an officer or drop an email..... Frustrating? Oh, yeah.
But, sadly, it comes with the territory.
After cancelling two events due to lack of volunteers, I recieved one phone call and one email asking how the officers could let this happen. I almost had all of my officers quit on the spot. We all went thru a joint cooldown cycle and I wrote a newsletter article explaining that the four officers can't do it all nor can they satisfy everyone.
Just got to keep plugging on until summer comes.
[img]smile.gif[/img]
Being heavily involved in several PTO groups over the years, I have learned that the
"critics" are the parents who never raise their hand and yet, know everything! Just ignore the criticism and chalk-it-up as these people having "way too much time on their hands." You, and the other involved members know that you are doing the best that you can and making a difference every day. The "critics" of the PTO need to try to filter some of their negative emotions into doing something positive for the children and their school. Just think of all the things that could be done if that were even remotely possible! [img]smile.gif[/img]
The best revenge is . . . . . put the bug in your nominating committee's ear to recommend this person for next year's board. We all know what easy, high paying jobs we hold with our PTO's and these "anonymous" folks are just jealous of all the glory we get - - - give them a chance at the brass ring!
I'm just hoping the same big mouths can be put in their place as time rolls along!
Just ignore the criticism and chalk-it-up as these people having "way too much time on their hands." You, and the other involved members know that you are doing the best that you can and making a difference every day. The "critics" of the PTO need to try to filter some of their negative emotions into doing something positive for the children and their school. Just think of all the things that could be done if that were even remotely possible! [img]smile.gif[/img]