VCW...do you have a web address handy for where the signs were ordered?
I liked the sign idea from the first time I read it in Tim's article's post. I would be leary about the whole predator thing, we definitely have our share here. The signs would be too expensive in our district, even at $3 each. I do however LOVE the one big sign or banner at the school. Surrounding it with balloons make it better. This way, all students are welcomed back. Our PTO helps in the purchase of t-shirts for our kindergarteners plus we have the boohoo/yeehaw breakfast, so I think we're covered in our welcome of them and their parents to our school.
Just from reading all the posts we are looking into doing two large banners. One for where the busses pull in and one for where the walkers and teachers enter. I am looking at the cost of a vinyl banner to be able to use over and over again. I think we will also dress up the enterance with balloons to make it more of a celebration of the new year.
I agree about there being other signs of a child. I'm still undecided about what to do. I haven't priced materials yet but I would be handmaking all the signs, I'll start making them probably next week. The idea could change to just a big banner on cost alone...our bank account hasn't been switched over yet and I think we only have $1000 to start the year. Maybe I will just do PreK and K.....decisions, decisions
We have approximately 30 kindergarteners per year, and we should be able to use the signs multiple years.... so i don't think the budget will be a big issue. I actually see it as the kind of investment that will pay off both in terms of 1) powerful involvement/community message; and 2) (this so often follows #1) actal increased fundraising returns.
I call it the "fundraising reverse," which basically says that the more we focus on welcoming and involvement (and the less we make our focus on $$ and fundraising), the more we actually make from the fundraisers we do hold.
With 260 students and estimated cost of $3. each, I think the $780.00 could be better spent as well. I think if parents want to add something for their own child, they be given that option, but with so many PTO's having issues with fundraising and taking cost-effective measures, I think it deserves another consideration of options.
Although I do agree that a preditor can drive around neighbors and seek out for other signs of children living in a home. I would never put a banner out there for a week or more announcing it to everyone. "An ounce of prevention...."
As a parent and board member, I have to say that I would much rather see fundraising dollars be spent differently, rather than on a welcome back flyer. A banner is great idea in that it could be used from year to year, with the addition of the balloons. Maybe a nice surprise for the students could be a "Welcome back" pencil/eraser, or a school folder that they could use?
