Keep on working MOM. I am involved in elementary school & in middle school. I am also Pep Squad Coach & I help with yearbook. Never give up.

I am in the process of transferring our Parent Group at middle school into a PTA or PTO.

You can also check out the website I have created for School#34 PTA: www.myschoolonline.com/School34_PTA

Jennifer [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thank you to everyone who posted advice. I was really starting to feel completely aliented, and even beginning to question myself. Following our earlier meeting, I decided that I would just have to accept her inability to administrate properly, and do what I can to help the school. I spend 2 hours a week volunteering in my son's classroom. I was the only available parent to run our club's Santa Shop for three days last week. I make sure that every time I cross paths with her, I have a smile on my face. And now when I have a school-related problem (the most recent being an older child bullying my son), I take it directly to her office. Frankly, I think she has become tired of seeing me around the school. Several of the teachers have let me know that they are very unhappy with her as well. I told them all that the parents will stand up for the teachers in any way we can. The Booster Club executive committee (myself included) has almost completed a new set of bylaws (using as a reference several samples found on these boards). We should have them finished and presented to the general membership for a vote by the end of January. We really feel positive about the direction we are going. Thank you for all your help. I am so glad to have found this website.

By the way, I am in California and we do have state laws mandating parental involvement for Title I school (economically disadvantaged). Our school is a Title I funded school, however the school district is meeting their parent involvement requirements by having "parent university" classes (computer, literacy etc.) at the main district office. I still haven't figured out how those classes are supposed to help my sons school become a better place.

Thanks again!

I would say that a meeting with the Superintendent is way over due. Discuss the situation with him/her calmly. tell him/her that you want a productive working relationship with this prinicipal, but things need to be worked out and a mutual understanding needs to be arranged.

Just for reference the following states have either passed a state level parent involvement policy or have endorsed the PTA National Standards for parent involvement: Alaska, Conneticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon and Rhode Island. (These are a few years old so I am sure more states have passed similar laws.) The school districts in these states typically have been mandated, because of the laws, to develop parent involvement policies.

Your profile did not say what state you are in but I would certainly check into it. If you state has passed such a law, I would want to see that parent involvement policy. Your principal seems to be alienating the wrong people here and I would go to my school board if things are not resolved. (I would also fight to have a comprehensive parent involvement plan put into effect for the whole school district if none exists!)

As far as an apology, I would not press that issue so much if she simmers down and shows some effort to work amicably with everyone. Everyone who matters seems to know the truth of it.

Chin up!

OK you may think this is a little harsh.....
I think you have to be proactive for the kids sakes, not just your own, but every child in that school. If she is acting in this manner in a new school, you should consider her actions in her prior school. Do a little digging, find out what went on in her last position. Talk to some of the parents at that school. Notify the Board of Education of your concerns. Chances are this is not new behavior for her. Don't stand for that! She is a role model for the children, and obviously not a positive one. Unfortunately, we all know that bad teachers, even teachers with criminal records, get passed from school to school without the parents knowing until the damage is done. You want the best for your school? Than tolerate no less! We need to teach our children ethics, morals & values. Sometimes that means bucking the system to stand up for whats right- even if it makes you unpopular. :eek:

Uptightandtired,

WOW! You are really in a tough situation. I really don't understand why some principals undermine their parent groups. It is definitely their advantage to have an active parent group!

Is there any way you could have a sensible conversation with her, just the 2 of you?
Perhaps you could say you thought the two of you got off to a bad start & you'd like to try again. You should definitely discuss the "he said/she said" situation about your alleged conversation regarding parents on the school grounds. Let her know that you consider yourself to be a key liason between her & the parents & you feel open & honest communication between the 2 of you is essential. If this conversation is unsatisfactory, it's probably appropriate to speak with your district superintendent. Do your best to stick to the facts.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>She said she didn't feel what she did was wrong.<hr></blockquote>
I'm a little confused. Did she actually admit that she made up the story? What did she do that she felt wasn't wrong?

You probably also need a meeting regarding the future & direction of your booster club. Really emphasize the positive parts of your program (funding for ...buses for field trips or whatever.., parental involvement, increased communication with parents, etc..) Should this meeting also involve the 2 other key club members?

What sorts of ideas does she have for your club? Are any of them sensible? Don't forget that even though change is incredibly difficult, it is also necessary. Do you feel like you're being fairly open to her ideas? (Although that little stunt would close my brain to her ideas pronto!)

Keep in touch. I'd love to hear how this progresses.

Jo