Talk to me about PTAs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your experience with the PTA is going to vary by the school. My kids go to two different schools and I am involved in both PTAs--the difference is astonishing. One is very well-run, communicative and the events are well-attended. There are processes in place and it makes it easy to volunteer.

The other is....a hot mess. It's way more low-key, which can be nice, but no one participates in anything and they spend money on things that, in my opinion, are not needed.

But I have found both to be very welcoming to new parents and open to volunteers. You just have to go in with the understanding that these are busy people who are volunteering their time--no one is getting paid for this and they doing their best. Contrary to what DCUMers think, all of our PTA board reps and the most dedicated volunteers are all working parents who are just trying to balance it all.

Lol. RHES and CCES???

[Anonymous]

I think you may be conflating two issues, OP:

1. All parents and caregivers should absolutely JOIN the PTA at your school. This usually involves paying a small dues each year (plus any donation you want to make) and handing over your contact information. At our school joining the PTA costs $10/year and joining gets you access to all kinds of really great info - school directory, listserve, etc. There is no reason to hesitate on this (if you can’t pay the $10, that’s okay!).

2. Volunteering on the PTA. That can be serving on a board position (regular meetings and responsibilities) or an ad hoc or seasonal position (volunteer coordinator, spring carnival coordinator, book fair manager, etc.). You should only do this if you want to, and then maybe start with something ad hoc/lower key. These positions are generally really fun and a GREAT way to meet people/give back/belong to a community.

Yea, there are some annoying moms out there. In PTA, at soccer games, at the grocery store… whatever. Ignore them. The PTA in general at my school is welcoming and has a big mix of moms and dads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Generalize much? Jeez. As a former elementary school PTA president, I assure I didn’t take on the role to get my child extras, or protection. In fact, just the opposite - I was always careful to make sure my child was treated the exact same as every other student because I didn’t want the appearance of favoritism.

To the original poster, you should do as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. I would definitely donate to whatever fundraising drive your PTA does - you can ask what a typical donation amount is if they don’t suggest an amount - and then, if you want, start with small volunteer jobs. At my school the Teacher Appreciation committee was a great way to get involved. It was kind of easy and the teachers really enjoyed it. Every school is different though, so you can also just see what happens this year and then jump into volunteering next year.

You assume you had influence or were somewhat important. You weren't important. What you don't realize is despite your goals not being the same, you still assumed as superiority due to your ridiculous role as "president". It's all BS and you prove the point by coming across as incredibly precious.

You're the one who's assuming. You don't know what school the PP was PTA president nor how they or the community evaluated the impact of the PTA or them as president.

You're coming across as a bitter, miserable person.

I really do hate PTA moms and all the stupidity that goes with them. That is not a reflection on the rest of my life, thankfully.

They often make me think about the movie Bad Moms.

[Anonymous]

We're in the inner suburbs. Everyone joins the PTA to get access to the school directory, and the cost isn't crazy high like in NW DCPS ESs. Our PTA is active but not cliquey. PP's advice "quietly show up and leave, smile, yes and no" - that advice would be totally unnecessary at our PTA. It's all about what you can volunteer for. There are many types of volunteer roles depending on whether you have time during the school day, want to do a year-long position or a one-night school event, etc. If your kid is neurodivergent, getting involved will help you help your kid.

[Anonymous]

Joining requires no time, so that's sla good place to start. Like anywhere, PTA has all kinds, some easier to work with than others. Come to some meetings, or volunteer in a low key wsy for an event, and you will likely figure out who you'd be willing to work with! There are also some roles that are more independent, like mccpta rep or heading a specific event. Glad you want to pitch in. Most of us are just happy for the help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your experience with the PTA is going to vary by the school. My kids go to two different schools and I am involved in both PTAs--the difference is astonishing. One is very well-run, communicative and the events are well-attended. There are processes in place and it makes it easy to volunteer.

The other is....a hot mess. It's way more low-key, which can be nice, but no one participates in anything and they spend money on things that, in my opinion, are not needed.

But I have found both to be very welcoming to new parents and open to volunteers. You just have to go in with the understanding that these are busy people who are volunteering their time--no one is getting paid for this and they doing their best. Contrary to what DCUMers think, all of our PTA board reps and the most dedicated volunteers are all working parents who are just trying to balance it all.

Lol. RHES and CCES???

We are at both those schools and think both PTAs are really well-run. And we very much appreciate the PTA leadership at both schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

Find out why no one else is stepping up before you agree. You could be inheriting a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

Find out why no one else is stepping up before you agree. You could be inheriting a nightmare.

And make sure you have a good relationship with the principal. If you don't know them, ask to meet and figure out if it's a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

Find out why no one else is stepping up before you agree. You could be inheriting a nightmare.

And make sure you have a good relationship with the principal. If you don't know them, ask to meet and figure out if it's a good fit.

The problem is you will not know if they are supportive till it's too late. Usually, another board member will step up so if they don't or want it and aren't supported by the current board, find out why. If the VP is still at the school, they should do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

Find out why no one else is stepping up before you agree. You could be inheriting a nightmare.

And make sure you have a good relationship with the principal. If you don't know them, ask to meet and figure out if it's a good fit.

The problem is you will not know if they are supportive till it's too late. Usually, another board member will step up so if they don't or want it and aren't supported by the current board, find out why. If the VP is still at the school, they should do it.

We have a ton of VPs at our school and most would not take on being president. It’s a huge and very time-consuming role. The EVP at our school is the immediate past President (and can help out a bit but certainly is not doing it all).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't need to get involved for the well being of your child. Donate when you can, turn up for class activities / field trips when you can. Go to parent-teacher evenings.

The PTA is full of really pushy moms with troubled kids who think if they are in some position of influence they can protect their kids and / or get them extra resources they need / keep them out of trouble. Crazy mommies of crazy kids, I am not joking.

I was so glad when my kids got to HS and we didn't have to deal with any PTA crap any more. I just ignored it all, as much as possible.

Wow, you are supremely misinformed. If that's how it was at your school, well sorry to hear that but please don't generalize PTA parents and dump them all in one bucket. I've been a PTA president a couple times now -at the ES and MS level. Trust me, most of the people volunteering to be on the PTA board are already swamped and felt obligated to volunteer because no one else was willing to do it. Many were begged to do it because no one else was stepping up to the plate and they ended up doing so, since they didn't want to see their schools without one. As for being in a position of influence- hahaha! That's crazy. What people don't realize is that the PTA board/officers often end up skipping chaperoning field trips, going to parent-teacher conferences , etc. because it either conflicts with the stuff they're already doing at the school or they're too busy catching up on other things that they've neglected because of the PTA. The schools get more of my time than my kids do. No joke! And it's a thankless job- many parents like you love to sh*t on the PTA and criticize their every move but sure aren't willing to lift a finger. I am so looking forward to the end of this school year when I officially retire from the PTA and no longer have to deal with people like you!

I've seen it go both ways. Really nasty PTA presidents who only want their crew and others welcoming and appreciate the help. No one is skipping conferences. Be real.

I was just asked to serve as a MS president next year.

Classic example of “if you want something done, ask the busiest person you know…” Sigh.

Find out why no one else is stepping up before you agree. You could be inheriting a nightmare.

And make sure you have a good relationship with the principal. If you don't know them, ask to meet and figure out if it's a good fit.

The problem is you will not know if they are supportive till it's too late. Usually, another board member will step up so if they don't or want it and aren't supported by the current board, find out why. If the VP is still at the school, they should do it.

That’s pretty presumptive to think that someone who has already volunteered should do more or something else. Why? If anything some of the folks who have been sitting on the sideline just paying dues should stepup and do some of the work. A key reason current board members don’t step up is because they are tired. It’s not that they don’t have board support, it’s that they don’t have parent support. While we appreciate any volunteer hours that people want to give, I’d also remind folks that advocacy work and events planning and preparation doesn’t get done by magic.