Dear TLGinTN:
Thanks for the feedback. I guess I never even considered counting mileage for any PTO activity. I just thought if we volunteer to help, part of that volunteering is running errands, making copies, and going up to the school endless number of times to get things done without worrying about how much mileage or gas we have used. And in regards to lunches, that still puzzles me, because the PTO money is in my opinion for the kids, not mine or any other volunteers lunch. I know in the "business world" there are "business lunches" but PTO is not truly in the "business" world. And I really don't think it is proper for us to be taking any of the money that has been raised through all the fundraisers and or donations to buy lunches. But as I said, that is just my opinion. Other members who have spoken to me, were bothered by it also, and that is why I did voice me concern in regards to the matter.
Thanks for the pep talk. I am simply just a volunteer who is fortunate to have extra time since I am a stay at home mom. I cannot think of a better way to spend my extra time than being an active part of my kids education. I still make sure I have time for my little one who is home (she is 2) -- we have library time, play dates, and lots of outside time, but she loves going up to the school to help out too. And she has learned that if she wants to go, she has to be on her BEST behavior and not go running down the hallways!!
I personally admire you and all the other parents who work full time outside of the home and still make time to help with the PTO!! That is wonderful and such a good example to the kids. I know how much time it takes just to maintain the house, the kids, the husband, the yard, and the finances... adding a fulltime job and the PTO is a lot more juggling --- I trully admire you for doing it. Keep up the great work.
Thanks again for the feedback. If you can think of any way for me to reach out to parents so that more can be an active part of the PTO, please tell me. And I have to do this without offending the current officers. I have met quite a few parents who apparently have volunteered their time and to help out with PTO functions, but who have been told their help wasn't needed.. so now they have stopped volunteering thinking everything is covered.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 12th, and I have requested a flyer be sent home with the students ahead of time (and I volunteered to make such flyer) so that more parents could be given the opportunity to come to the meeting. That is supposed to be the meeting where the board decides when the elections for next year will be.... I wish our PTO had a set day each month for the meetings (such as the second Thursday of every month....) so that Parents would know when it was happening because it was scheduled. Unfortunately our PTO does not have set meeting dates, nor do they meet every month. Does yours? I also wish we could have a monthly PTO calendar to hand out which would show the upcoming events planned, meeting dates, and any school activity going on.... Just an idea to keep the parents informed and active. Does your PTO have a monthly calendar?
Forgive me, I get to rambling and I cannot stop. I hope you have a great day and Thanks again for all the feedback and tips!
~~~sincerely, justavolunteer