I too am slightly discouraged about the school in which I am the "PTO". I have been encouraged to be the president of this schools PTO. Had maybe two parents who busted themselves to try to make a difference in this school. Yes the first year we mad some money and the children did benefit, but it was hard and tiring for the one or two people to do. Last year the school go a new principal. Absolutely nothing was done because she didnt want it. No book fairs ,santas workshop or anything else. The children as well as teachers were upset. Therfore no assistance. This year the Principal left and again we are left with a retired acting principal who is allowing me to get things going again, but we are starting out with no funds and trying to get more parents to get involved which will be an up hill battle. Right now i am looking for quick solutions so that the kids may get the assistance from us and have some enjoyable programs in the school this year. So I feel the fustration of many and hope like the rest we will recoup and have a successful year and years to come.
To discouraged, quite a lot of us have felt discouraged! We are working for our kids and their school, and when people are negative it can feel like we are alone and hey... why do it anyway? I can say to you that most people just don't know how much effort this takes. People are so busy they really don't have time to think about how busy PTO executive members must be. I make an effort to let people know that anyway they can help is appreciated. Some parents can't come to meetings-fine. Some don't want to be on a committee-fine. Anyway they are supportive is great. Individually one person can make a change, or help out, without being at every function. I know because for quite a few years that is how I was supportive. Teachers are already doing so much...talk with them to see how you can work together. No one can help with that issue except the people involved.
In response to the mom asking about parents involved in PTO, yes and most don't work as teachers. In regard to the question of teacher involvement I have a few things to say.
1. 2 teachers come to every meeting. We alternate meeting times every month 3:15 and 7:00. The teachers generally just listen and report back to other teachers.
2. They have made it quite clear that any time they do offer a suggestion,or try to get more involved,a parent gets confrentational. Most teachers will talk with exec. board in private,and in that way,be heard without feeling
attacked.
3. I, as president, feel my job is to facilitate commuication between parents, teacher and our pricipal. I write a lot of letters to staff asking for input and also thanking them for all they do for our school.
I guess that is what I have to say. Good luck to everyone!
I think having teachers involved is a concerned to most parent and teacher groups. I do have a few suggestions that may work. 4 years ago I was the president of my local PTA unit and we had only 2 teachers that came to our meetings each month. I wanted to hear more of what they wanted from us. I wanted us to work together to figure out where to spend our money. After talking to a few teachers and getting their opinions of why people don't join us at our meetings, I was told that we had to remember that our teachers have lives outside of the school...they also have their own Parent Teacher meetings to attend where their children go to school. Our meetings were held on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. What I did, was talk with the principal to see if I could sit in on the teachers meetings once a week to hear what their concerns were. This is a meeting that normally is just the principal and the teachers. I would have a chance to talk at the meeting if I choose. We also decided to make those two teachers at our meetings the "teacher representatives" on the board. That way the teachers voice is always heard.
I don't think the issue of teachers not showing up was the biggest issue. I think having them respect us a group was the biggest. By opening the path of communication between the PTA and the teachers, opened the path for respect.
Try to work the PTA into the teachers schedule a little more. Some of the teachers may live outside of that school district. They are also running their children to soccer games, music classes, girl scouts and their own Parent teacher group activities.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support
that is given. I have been busy planning our next PTO meeting abd this time I am hoping there will be
more parents there.Our next meeting will be dealing with our parking issues by our school and the chief of police will be attending. I'll keep you posted and let everyone know how it went . It's gret o have found a site where other's can understand the things that I need help with.
In responce to Araia.
If I understand your question correctly You are asking if there are Parents involved in a PTO that are not teachers but only parents? If that is the correct question then the answer is a Great Big Yes! Most of the PTO members are parents that are not teachers in the Offical sense. We are all teachers to our children by being parents and care givers. We just don't get payed for it with cash.
Count yourselves lucky that you at least HAVE a PTA/PTO. I am a parent who use to attend the school that my daughter is now enrolled in. After going through that school, I know what I would like to see changed/added/taken out. At the moment, I am the fundraising coordinator and volunteer whenever possible. I am trying to convince the principal and vice-principal to allow the formation of a pta/pto so parents can have a voice/choice to new programs, fundraisers and more for their kids!!! So far the response has been, "We don't have time for a pto. I don't think many parents would want a pto." However, I know for a fact that over half the parents have mentioned to me that they want to be more involved. Anyway, if I think of anyway to help you guys figure out a way to get more involvement I'll post it, and in return I would love to hear some ideas on how to convince a non-interested administration to allow us parents to get together with the school in a pta/pto!!!! Hope to hear soon!!!!
