PTA sponsored breakfast events

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But the original question is not answered... whats the point of these events? Spending so much money and effort to supply mom/dad with muffins and donuts?

NP here - So that you get a chance to be in the classroom, meet the teacher. Show your kid that you're interested in what he/she does all day. If you think they're pointless, then don't attend!

I WOH, but have participated in these events. The school isn't spending the money, usually it's parents donating the muffins or whatever. It's not mandatory. Some parents enjoy them, some parents don't. It's a free country. Just skip it.

[Anonymous]

One of the missions of the PTA is to build community involvement.

I know our PTA president works really hard trying to find interesting speakers for our PTA meetings (which are held at night) and are accessible for WOH parents. The turn out is usually poor. I get that people are tired when they get home and don't want to come back out, but even with offers of serving dinner and childcare, turn out is low.

I only saw muffins and donuts at our K-2 school but the turnout was usually very large, and it appeared to be lots of parents were able to go into work a little later.

So, my original question, what is the point of these events? Because now it seems like a shortened Open House with food...have fun sahm/d! Can you throw my kid a wave and a smile while you are there?

I am a SAHM and I've thrown your kid a wave and a smile all through the school years. Like when I help organize, setup and clean up the carnival. Or when I've given your kid a ride to or from sports programs or after school classes when you are between babysitters. Or stayed up late ordered, sorting and hauling spiritwear into the school. Or when I've had them help me load the donations into the my car from the coat drive so I could drop them off. Or when I rang them out at the bookfair after helping set up and break it down. Or when I've spent my time, money and effort to organize the class party so your child could have a nice time.

There are LOTS of WOH parents who also volunteer and do an ENORMOUS amount of volunteering. My own kids and benefitted from WOH parents who have thrown them smiles and waves. I don't understand why the snark towards SAHM or dads is necessary.

I am very impressed at how much WOH parents are able to accomplish but really looking down on people who volunteer and make your school more of a community and your kids lives a little better? It's just not cool.

[Anonymous]

If you want to see what is going on in the classroom, attend Open House. I really don't understand why the PTA is holding a social event while the kids are supposed to be learning. Seems over the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the missions of the PTA is to build community involvement.

I know our PTA president works really hard trying to find interesting speakers for our PTA meetings (which are held at night) and are accessible for WOH parents. The turn out is usually poor. I get that people are tired when they get home and don't want to come back out, but even with offers of serving dinner and childcare, turn out is low.

I only saw muffins and donuts at our K-2 school but the turnout was usually very large, and it appeared to be lots of parents were able to go into work a little later.

So, my original question, what is the point of these events? Because now it seems like a shortened Open House with food...have fun sahm/d! Can you throw my kid a wave and a smile while you are there?

I am a SAHM and I've thrown your kid a wave and a smile all through the school years. Like when I help organize, setup and clean up the carnival. Or when I've given your kid a ride to or from sports programs or after school classes when you are between babysitters. Or stayed up late ordered, sorting and hauling spiritwear into the school. Or when I've had them help me load the donations into the my car from the coat drive so I could drop them off. Or when I rang them out at the bookfair after helping set up and break it down. Or when I've spent my time, money and effort to organize the class party so your child could have a nice time.

There are LOTS of WOH parents who also volunteer and do an ENORMOUS amount of volunteering. My own kids and benefitted from WOH parents who have thrown them smiles and waves. I don't understand why the snark towards SAHM or dads is necessary.

I am very impressed at how much WOH parents are able to accomplish but really looking down on people who volunteer and make your school more of a community and your kids lives a little better? It's just not cool.

I'm a WOHM and I agree with what you've written. Thanks for looking out for everyone's kid and thanks for the time and energy you take out of your own day to help out at the school...

Don't listen to the bitter posters on the thread. They have their own issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the missions of the PTA is to build community involvement.

I know our PTA president works really hard trying to find interesting speakers for our PTA meetings (which are held at night) and are accessible for WOH parents. The turn out is usually poor. I get that people are tired when they get home and don't want to come back out, but even with offers of serving dinner and childcare, turn out is low.

I only saw muffins and donuts at our K-2 school but the turnout was usually very large, and it appeared to be lots of parents were able to go into work a little later.

So, my original question, what is the point of these events? Because now it seems like a shortened Open House with food...have fun sahm/d! Can you throw my kid a wave and a smile while you are there?

I am a SAHM and I've thrown your kid a wave and a smile all through the school years. Like when I help organize, setup and clean up the carnival. Or when I've given your kid a ride to or from sports programs or after school classes when you are between babysitters. Or stayed up late ordered, sorting and hauling spiritwear into the school. Or when I've had them help me load the donations into the my car from the coat drive so I could drop them off. Or when I rang them out at the bookfair after helping set up and break it down. Or when I've spent my time, money and effort to organize the class party so your child could have a nice time.

There are LOTS of WOH parents who also volunteer and do an ENORMOUS amount of volunteering. My own kids and benefitted from WOH parents who have thrown them smiles and waves. I don't understand why the snark towards SAHM or dads is necessary.

I am very impressed at how much WOH parents are able to accomplish but really looking down on people who volunteer and make your school more of a community and your kids lives a little better? It's just not cool.

I don't think anyone is questioning the benefits of PTA or the great work that PTA does. I am a parent volunteer, volunteering at book fair, carnivals etc and am a room parent organizing parties. I am also a full time working parent with 2 kids. I try not to miss any event and adjust my work schedule around it. Having said all that, I still don't get the idea of these two events in particular (muffins for moms and donuts for dads), they are usually before school, very limited time, too crowded and time is spent in line waiting to get the muffin/donut. Most of the parents are there so their kid doesn't feel left alone while other kids have their parents with them. I think these events do not add any value and PTA money/effort could be spent on much more meaningful things instead of supplying food for parents! I am fortunate that my company lets me have a flexible schedule but that is not a possibility for many parents who work and these kinds of events just make the parent feel guilty if they cannot attend and will make them look bad in their kids eyes. IT is much better to have events in the evening so all parents can be involved and its easier for SAH parents with little kids too as one of the parent can attend the event while the other is watching the kids.

[Anonymous]

We have a Dads for Donuts and it is mainly to involve Dads (moms are at most events) and we have our principal and vice principal there for questions and meet n greet. It is also the week of our book fair and Dads and kids get to shop if they want. Dads wallets are usually a little looser than mom's It is always before school so it is no different than dropping your child off at the bus stop or school. Just stop in. The kids LOVE having their Dads there and Dads meeting other Dads helps strengthen the community.

If you have a problem with it go to the next meeting and start a conversation about it. Offer a different scenario and a way you can help instead of just going to bash the idea. I don't think many people realize the hours a week, month, year the board and volunteers put in. So if you are going to bitch about something a volunteer spent time on, at least do it nicely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of the missions of the PTA is to build community involvement.

I know our PTA president works really hard trying to find interesting speakers for our PTA meetings (which are held at night) and are accessible for WOH parents. The turn out is usually poor. I get that people are tired when they get home and don't want to come back out, but even with offers of serving dinner and childcare, turn out is low.

I only saw muffins and donuts at our K-2 school but the turnout was usually very large, and it appeared to be lots of parents were able to go into work a little later.

So, my original question, what is the point of these events? Because now it seems like a shortened Open House with food...have fun sahm/d! Can you throw my kid a wave and a smile while you are there?

I am a SAHM and I've thrown your kid a wave and a smile all through the school years. Like when I help organize, setup and clean up the carnival. Or when I've given your kid a ride to or from sports programs or after school classes when you are between babysitters. Or stayed up late ordered, sorting and hauling spiritwear into the school. Or when I've had them help me load the donations into the my car from the coat drive so I could drop them off. Or when I rang them out at the bookfair after helping set up and break it down. Or when I've spent my time, money and effort to organize the class party so your child could have a nice time.

There are LOTS of WOH parents who also volunteer and do an ENORMOUS amount of volunteering. My own kids and benefitted from WOH parents who have thrown them smiles and waves. I don't understand why the snark towards SAHM or dads is necessary.

I am very impressed at how much WOH parents are able to accomplish but really looking down on people who volunteer and make your school more of a community and your kids lives a little better? It's just not cool.

I don't think anyone is questioning the benefits of PTA or the great work that PTA does. I am a parent volunteer, volunteering at book fair, carnivals etc and am a room parent organizing parties. I am also a full time working parent with 2 kids. I try not to miss any event and adjust my work schedule around it. Having said all that, I still don't get the idea of these two events in particular (muffins for moms and donuts for dads), they are usually before school, very limited time, too crowded and time is spent in line waiting to get the muffin/donut. Most of the parents are there so their kid doesn't feel left alone while other kids have their parents with them. I think these events do not add any value and PTA money/effort could be spent on much more meaningful things instead of supplying food for parents! I am fortunate that my company lets me have a flexible schedule but that is not a possibility for many parents who work and these kinds of events just make the parent feel guilty if they cannot attend and will make them look bad in their kids eyes. IT is much better to have events in the evening so all parents can be involved and its easier for SAH parents with little kids too as one of the parent can attend the event while the other is watching the kids.

not everyone agrees with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to see what is going on in the classroom, attend Open House. I really don't understand why the PTA is holding a social event while the kids are supposed to be learning. Seems over the top.

There's only so much time kids can spend sitting down and "learning" during a given school day. You do realize that a big part of the reason that they are away at school for so many hours is for babysitting, don't you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One of the missions of the PTA is to build community involvement.

I know our PTA president works really hard trying to find interesting speakers for our PTA meetings (which are held at night) and are accessible for WOH parents. The turn out is usually poor. I get that people are tired when they get home and don't want to come back out, but even with offers of serving dinner and childcare, turn out is low.

I only saw muffins and donuts at our K-2 school but the turnout was usually very large, and it appeared to be lots of parents were able to go into work a little later.

So, my original question, what is the point of these events? Because now it seems like a shortened Open House with food...have fun sahm/d! Can you throw my kid a wave and a smile while you are there?

I am a SAHM and I've thrown your kid a wave and a smile all through the school years. Like when I help organize, setup and clean up the carnival. Or when I've given your kid a ride to or from sports programs or after school classes when you are between babysitters. Or stayed up late ordered, sorting and hauling spiritwear into the school. Or when I've had them help me load the donations into the my car from the coat drive so I could drop them off. Or when I rang them out at the bookfair after helping set up and break it down. Or when I've spent my time, money and effort to organize the class party so your child could have a nice time.

There are LOTS of WOH parents who also volunteer and do an ENORMOUS amount of volunteering. My own kids and benefitted from WOH parents who have thrown them smiles and waves. I don't understand why the snark towards SAHM or dads is necessary.

I am very impressed at how much WOH parents are able to accomplish but really looking down on people who volunteer and make your school more of a community and your kids lives a little better? It's just not cool.

I don't think anyone is questioning the benefits of PTA or the great work that PTA does. I am a parent volunteer, volunteering at book fair, carnivals etc and am a room parent organizing parties. I am also a full time working parent with 2 kids. I try not to miss any event and adjust my work schedule around it. Having said all that, I still don't get the idea of these two events in particular (muffins for moms and donuts for dads), they are usually before school, very limited time, too crowded and time is spent in line waiting to get the muffin/donut. Most of the parents are there so their kid doesn't feel left alone while other kids have their parents with them. I think these events do not add any value and PTA money/effort could be spent on much more meaningful things instead of supplying food for parents! I am fortunate that my company lets me have a flexible schedule but that is not a possibility for many parents who work and these kinds of events just make the parent feel guilty if they cannot attend and will make them look bad in their kids eyes. IT is much better to have events in the evening so all parents can be involved and its easier for SAH parents with little kids too as one of the parent can attend the event while the other is watching the kids.

Former PTA Treasurer here. The amount of $ spent on parents by the PTA is intentionally small as it does not fit the PTA's mission. You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. I recommend that you study the budget and see what percentage is not spent on the students and you will see. Also, if you don't like the way these events are structured, don't attend them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a Dads for Donuts and it is mainly to involve Dads (moms are at most events) and we have our principal and vice principal there for questions and meet n greet. It is also the week of our book fair and Dads and kids get to shop if they want. Dads wallets are usually a little looser than mom's It is always before school so it is no different than dropping your child off at the bus stop or school. Just stop in. The kids LOVE having their Dads there and Dads meeting other Dads helps strengthen the community.

If you have a problem with it go to the next meeting and start a conversation about it. Offer a different scenario and a way you can help instead of just going to bash the idea. I don't think many people realize the hours a week, month, year the board and volunteers put in. So if you are going to bitch about something a volunteer spent time on, at least do it nicely.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think anyone is questioning the benefits of PTA or the great work that PTA does. I am a parent volunteer, volunteering at book fair, carnivals etc and am a room parent organizing parties. I am also a full time working parent with 2 kids. I try not to miss any event and adjust my work schedule around it. Having said all that, I still don't get the idea of these two events in particular (muffins for moms and donuts for dads), they are usually before school, very limited time, too crowded and time is spent in line waiting to get the muffin/donut. Most of the parents are there so their kid doesn't feel left alone while other kids have their parents with them. I think these events do not add any value and PTA money/effort could be spent on much more meaningful things instead of supplying food for parents! I am fortunate that my company lets me have a flexible schedule but that is not a possibility for many parents who work and these kinds of events just make the parent feel guilty if they cannot attend and will make them look bad in their kids eyes. IT is much better to have events in the evening so all parents can be involved and its easier for SAH parents with little kids too as one of the parent can attend the event while the other is watching the kids.

No, it is much better FOR YOU if these events are in the evening. That is not the case for everyone. I work 12-7 and can't ever make any evening events, so I'm always happy when there's something like a breakfast coffee thing, or Muffins with Moms event. I do volunteer in the mornings for whatever I can also. I do not expect that the PTA caters to my schedule and only holds events in the mornings. Not all parents work 9-5.

I also agree with the other posters, that if you think they're a waste of time, join the PTA and let them know you want to make a change.

IME, the PTA doesn't spend much of it's own money to run these events. Usually we have a Sign Up Genius for parents to bring in muffins or whatever. Our PTA tends to use it's funds for things for the kids/teachers/school related activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But the original question is not answered... whats the point of these events? Spending so much money and effort to supply mom/dad with muffins and donuts?

The point is to get parents comfortable with becoming part of the school community. In the US we take this for granted, but in Latin America, parents are not al all involved in their kids schools, so they need to understand that they are welcome and can play an important role in their child's education by becoming involved in the school. These are ice-breakers.

[Anonymous]

Our school does these events and they are before school. I agree with your point that it's less noticeable if a parent isn't able to attend, because it's in another place in the school. So kids whose parents aren't attending go straight to class, and if you're going to the event you come a little earlier and go to the muffin/donut event. It's a nice way to get to know other parents and kids, since it's not confined to a classroom - I've always been able to chat with other parents in a way that I can't at other events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not every parent is involved in school activities. You do have the choice not to go to these events, so I do not understand the point of your question.

Exactly. And furthermore, I've noticed that parents who get worked up about things like this, the ones who complain about having to take time off of work, are the parents with professional jobs and probably paid leave. The parents who have to get a shift covered and lose wages don't complain about the world not revolving around them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think anyone is questioning the benefits of PTA or the great work that PTA does. I am a parent volunteer, volunteering at book fair, carnivals etc and am a room parent organizing parties. I am also a full time working parent with 2 kids. I try not to miss any event and adjust my work schedule around it. Having said all that, I still don't get the idea of these two events in particular (muffins for moms and donuts for dads), they are usually before school, very limited time, too crowded and time is spent in line waiting to get the muffin/donut. Most of the parents are there so their kid doesn't feel left alone while other kids have their parents with them. I think these events do not add any value and PTA money/effort could be spent on much more meaningful things instead of supplying food for parents! I am fortunate that my company lets me have a flexible schedule but that is not a possibility for many parents who work and these kinds of events just make the parent feel guilty if they cannot attend and will make them look bad in their kids eyes. IT is much better to have events in the evening so all parents can be involved and its easier for SAH parents with little kids too as one of the parent can attend the event while the other is watching the kids.

No, it is much better FOR YOU if these events are in the evening. That is not the case for everyone. I work 12-7 and can't ever make any evening events, so I'm always happy when there's something like a breakfast coffee thing, or Muffins with Moms event. I do volunteer in the mornings for whatever I can also. I do not expect that the PTA caters to my schedule and only holds events in the mornings. Not all parents work 9-5.

I also agree with the other posters, that if you think they're a waste of time, join the PTA and let them know you want to make a change.

IME, the PTA doesn't spend much of it's own money to run these events. Usually we have a Sign Up Genius for parents to bring in muffins or whatever. Our PTA tends to use it's funds for things for the kids/teachers/school related activities.

At our school the staff supplies the food for these types of events.