Timing of PTA/PTO meetings

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Evenings are really best, just figure out a way to provide childcare, and maybe pizzas for dinner for all.

+1 and do not have a break in time between aftercare ending and the meeting starting. Mix it up with an occasional coffee hour during before care. And start the meeting on time!

[Anonymous]

OK, thanks everyone.

I won't actually get involved in suggested time frames for our PTA/PTO meetings ultimately, but I want to share this:
Sometimes compromises, or better still "win win" solutions require "out of the box" thinking and unusual propositions, which can appear ridiculous to some.
It seems impossible to have a large quorum of both groups of parents at any one timeframe, and the mornings and evenings seem to draw different groups that will hardly overlap. The near unanimous "evenings are best!" response is going to be hard to apply here, in a school where the parents group has been meeting in the morning for years. You also haven't quite convinced me with calling the compromise "ridiculous." The fact that the lunch time frame is inconvenient for some SAHPs and some working parents is.... only a different way of saying that it would be convenient for some SAHPs and some working parents. Which is where we're trying to go, drawing members of both communities. Also to consider is that many newcomer families chosing to send their kids to their in-bound DCPS value short commuting time, and it's very possible that they have a higher proportion than you'd think of shorter commutes and periodic telework.

Sorry if I sound a bit didactic and patronizing. I'm probably just on the defensive for having my suggestion shot down!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, thanks everyone.

I won't actually get involved in suggested time frames for our PTA/PTO meetings ultimately, but I want to share this:
Sometimes compromises, or better still "win win" solutions require "out of the box" thinking and unusual propositions, which can appear ridiculous to some.
It seems impossible to have a large quorum of both groups of parents at any one timeframe, and the mornings and evenings seem to draw different groups that will hardly overlap. The near unanimous "evenings are best!" response is going to be hard to apply here, in a school where the parents group has been meeting in the morning for years. You also haven't quite convinced me with calling the compromise "ridiculous." The fact that the lunch time frame is inconvenient for some SAHPs and some working parents is.... only a different way of saying that it would be convenient for some SAHPs and some working parents. Which is where we're trying to go, drawing members of both communities. Also to consider is that many newcomer families chosing to send their kids to their in-bound DCPS value short commuting time, and it's very possible that they have a higher proportion than you'd think of shorter commutes and periodic telework.

Sorry if I sound a bit didactic and patronizing. I'm probably just on the defensive for having my suggestion shot down!

Self-awareness does not give you license to be didactic or patronizing, in fact it should allow you to take a moment not to tread there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, thanks everyone.

I won't actually get involved in suggested time frames for our PTA/PTO meetings ultimately, but I want to share this:
Sometimes compromises, or better still "win win" solutions require "out of the box" thinking and unusual propositions, which can appear ridiculous to some.
It seems impossible to have a large quorum of both groups of parents at any one timeframe, and the mornings and evenings seem to draw different groups that will hardly overlap. The near unanimous "evenings are best!" response is going to be hard to apply here, in a school where the parents group has been meeting in the morning for years. You also haven't quite convinced me with calling the compromise "ridiculous." The fact that the lunch time frame is inconvenient for some SAHPs and some working parents is.... only a different way of saying that it would be convenient for some SAHPs and some working parents. Which is where we're trying to go, drawing members of both communities. Also to consider is that many newcomer families chosing to send their kids to their in-bound DCPS value short commuting time, and it's very possible that they have a higher proportion than you'd think of shorter commutes and periodic telework.

Sorry if I sound a bit didactic and patronizing. I'm probably just on the defensive for having my suggestion shot down!

The good news for you OP is that there IS an active parents group that has regular meetings. I'd think about asking them to experiment with starting meetings 30 minutes early (830 vs 900) which would get working parents into their offices a little earlier. Advise you to build on what is working and there are ways to be involved even without attending the official monthly meetings (e.g. chair a committee on XYZ and schedule meetings when it works for you and the other committee members -- perhaps even conference calls).

[Anonymous]

Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, thanks everyone.

I won't actually get involved in suggested time frames for our PTA/PTO meetings ultimately, but I want to share this:
Sometimes compromises, or better still "win win" solutions require "out of the box" thinking and unusual propositions, which can appear ridiculous to some.
It seems impossible to have a large quorum of both groups of parents at any one timeframe, and the mornings and evenings seem to draw different groups that will hardly overlap. The near unanimous "evenings are best!" response is going to be hard to apply here, in a school where the parents group has been meeting in the morning for years. You also haven't quite convinced me with calling the compromise "ridiculous." The fact that the lunch time frame is inconvenient for some SAHPs and some working parents is.... only a different way of saying that it would be convenient for some SAHPs and some working parents. Which is where we're trying to go, drawing members of both communities. Also to consider is that many newcomer families chosing to send their kids to their in-bound DCPS value short commuting time, and it's very possible that they have a higher proportion than you'd think of shorter commutes and periodic telework.

Sorry if I sound a bit didactic and patronizing. I'm probably just on the defensive for having my suggestion shot down!

You asked a question. Those of us with experience weighed in, you just don't like that the answer is that your solution is unlikely to work. But, from my experience it won't. Most people don't work right next to the school and are able to meet at noon. No matter whether they work or don't. But, go ahead, give it a shot. You don't have to listen to us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

Let them eat cake!

[Anonymous]

Another vote for evening. 7p., offer babysitting.

Starting the meeting earlier in the morning is a possibility, though people will still need babysitting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

Let them eat cake!

I see. So you think the poor will have no problem being late for work, but are unable to find someone to babysit at 7 pm. Cause that makes sense.

[Anonymous]

It is not true that families who choose their local DCPS value a short commute etc. We are enrolled in our local DCPS, however, neither parent works anywhere close. One in Moco. Based on our work schedules we would never be able to attend any meetings besides evening ones. I know other families at local schools that are in the same situation and commuting to Va or Maryland. You would lose a whole demographic of parents this way. Can you do a combination of some lunch/mornings and some evenings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

Let them eat cake!

What's furstrating is the never ending sales pitch to get gentrifiers to put their kids in the local school but then it's very clear that we aren't allowed to have any opinions or advocate for change. Morning PTA meetings send a very clear message, send your kid here so we can get the numbers up but don't think we want your gentrifying opinion or input.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

Let them eat cake!

What's furstrating is the never ending sales pitch to get gentrifiers to put their kids in the local school but then it's very clear that we aren't allowed to have any opinions or advocate for change. Morning PTA meetings send a very clear message, send your kid here so we can get the numbers up but don't think we want your gentrifying opinion or input.

Wow, self-centered much? The "pitch" is to get local kids into the local schools, regardless of whether they are kids of gentrifiers. The neighborhood DCPS swould like to have steady populations who are invested in the community and are likely to stick around for the long haul. I think DCPS Central - as opposed to the schools themselves - would prefer to see fewer wholly gentrified schools a la JKLMM, Ross or Brent, etc. They would like to see a mix of kids, hence their focus at-risk set-asides. The DCUM echo chamber is not a good place to gauge DCPS strategy to increase enrollments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Besides those parents that work during the evenings, how are evenings ever such a problem? All parents face the same child care issues at home -- which is why PTAs provide child care. And even if they do not, get a sitter the same way you handle other evening events you enjoy. It seems to me you aren't looking to make the meetings more accessible to everyone, you are trying to make them easier for you and your own schedule.

Evenings are the most flexible part of the day for the vast majority of people, though of course it takes some juggling.

If the PTA doesn't have the funds for childcare and the community includes a lot of low income folks or single parents, this problem is not so simple to solve. I'm not the OP, but you are writing from an extremely privileged perspective here.

OP, I like the idea to start early - maybe even 8 or 8:15 - and see if someone can do playground or gym supervision for kids in the time before school.

Let them eat cake!

What's furstrating is the never ending sales pitch to get gentrifiers to put their kids in the local school but then it's very clear that we aren't allowed to have any opinions or advocate for change. Morning PTA meetings send a very clear message, send your kid here so we can get the numbers up but don't think we want your gentrifying opinion or input.

Wow, self-centered much? The "pitch" is to get local kids into the local schools, regardless of whether they are kids of gentrifiers. The neighborhood DCPS swould like to have steady populations who are invested in the community and are likely to stick around for the long haul. I think DCPS Central - as opposed to the schools themselves - would prefer to see fewer wholly gentrified schools a la JKLMM, Ross or Brent, etc. They would like to see a mix of kids, hence their focus at-risk set-asides. The DCUM echo chamber is not a good place to gauge DCPS strategy to increase enrollments.

How is this self centered? You must not live IB for a school "on the cusp"--the selling is almost non stop. And almost everyone wants to commit but then its clear that certain opinions or people are not truly welcome at the table or in a decision making process. A lot of parents take a huge leap of faith to enroll in their IB and more than willing to bring time, organizational skills, fundraising skills and their own money (often a lot of their own money) only to show and be told stay on the sidelines because they are still the "outsiders". The fact of the matter is that the best schools in DC have diversity (economic and race), so there needs to be a way to keep those families and make them feel included.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I think there is a good amount of fear and miscommunication hindering what could be a fruitful collaboration between newcomers families and long-time families in schools that are "on the cusp."

Add to that potential mess the occasional self-serving "ambitious" parent to stoke the fire. At our DCPS, the only player actively telling newcomers to "stay on the sidelines" because they are "still outsiders" is.... a newcomer, who thinks they are the only newcomer reasonable enough to engage with the long-time families, and advocate for mutually beneficial changes. Don't let someone like that discourage you from your DCPS and from getting involved!