There Needs to Be Enforced Equity Among PTA's

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get an IEP that shows your child needs speech therapy, and assuming there are enough speech therapists, your child will have speech therapy. I suspect, like special ed teachers, the speech therapists have had it with the school system (expecting too much for too many students to for too little money), and there may not be any. Whe your child gets to HS, they too can participate in Bocci Ball.

You are funny. We had an iep. They gave my child 30 minutes weekly, which did not happen weekly, of group speech with 7 kids all with unrelated needs. They did not work on what my child needed but catered to the lowest functioning kids. We would have had to fire an attorney and fight it and that takes time and money that is better spent on therapies. This is how mcps gets away with it as parents like me give up and do it privately. With a child with severe needs time is not on your side.

The skyrocketing number of kids getting private diagnoses these days in the UMC areas has an impact on services. According to the NYT there's been a 300% increase and well when half the class needs these services they're stretched thin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get an IEP that shows your child needs speech therapy, and assuming there are enough speech therapists, your child will have speech therapy. I suspect, like special ed teachers, the speech therapists have had it with the school system (expecting too much for too many students to for too little money), and there may not be any. Whe your child gets to HS, they too can participate in Bocci Ball.

You are funny. We had an iep. They gave my child 30 minutes weekly, which did not happen weekly, of group speech with 7 kids all with unrelated needs. They did not work on what my child needed but catered to the lowest functioning kids. We would have had to fire an attorney and fight it and that takes time and money that is better spent on therapies. This is how mcps gets away with it as parents like me give up and do it privately. With a child with severe needs time is not on your side.

The skyrocketing number of kids getting private diagnoses these days in the UMC areas has an impact on services. According to the NYT there's been a 300% increase and well when half the class needs these services they're stretched thin.

A child struggling to speak is not a fake diagnosis. You realize some of our kids actually need help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any truth that some of the PTA/boosters are set up as corporations and have millions in the bank?

Millions no, but some have 50-100k or more a year in spending.

I have seen a fun run bring in 15k. One school was getting so much money they didn't support smaller fundraisers that other parents proposed.

That’s peanuts. Our ES PTA’s silent auction night usually takes in around $40k annually.

This, we are lucky if we bring in $2K. No big deal. We make it work with what we have.

Neat! I’m also a teacher in the same county who went from 300 from pta to zero from pta. Also, I never had to worry about anything. Fast forward to (being a choice) there are no funds. Asking for tissues is a huge ask. I’d never switch working conditions- the crazy people in this thread are the same parents upset their money might go to someone else. We don’t want your 500 Christmas gifts… we want parents who actually care.

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then who's fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any truth that some of the PTA/boosters are set up as corporations and have millions in the bank?

Millions no, but some have 50-100k or more a year in spending.

I have seen a fun run bring in 15k. One school was getting so much money they didn't support smaller fundraisers that other parents proposed.

That’s peanuts. Our ES PTA’s silent auction night usually takes in around $40k annually.

This, we are lucky if we bring in $2K. No big deal. We make it work with what we have.

Neat! I’m also a teacher in the same county who went from 300 from pta to zero from pta. Also, I never had to worry about anything. Fast forward to (being a choice) there are no funds. Asking for tissues is a huge ask. I’d never switch working conditions- the crazy people in this thread are the same parents upset their money might go to someone else. We don’t want your 500 Christmas gifts… we want parents who actually care.

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then who's fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

Aww you, sweet summer child...that was the entire point. I'm sorry you can't read, but try harder. "hun"--are you an MLM shun? So embarrassing and misogynistic. I hope you get well soon

[Anonymous]

I have a child at a title 1 school where the teachers don't ask. I do send in supplies and send in extra money to cover others for field trips.. But many of the other families there do not have the money to just send in supplies. They don't have the money to join the PTA. There is pretty much zero PTA because most families don't attend the meetings as they have other obligations that come first, like work. The teachers fund everything out of pocket. Like incentives that they give to kids, food for parties if no one contributes, wipes and good quality paper towels, etc. Is it inequitable. Yes. But I don't see anything changing any time soon.

Anonymous wrote:[

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then who's fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a child at a title 1 school where the teachers don't ask. I do send in supplies and send in extra money to cover others for field trips.. But many of the other families there do not have the money to just send in supplies. They don't have the money to join the PTA. There is pretty much zero PTA because most families don't attend the meetings as they have other obligations that come first, like work. The teachers fund everything out of pocket. Like incentives that they give to kids, food for parties if no one contributes, wipes and good quality paper towels, etc. Is it inequitable. Yes. But I don't see anything changing any time soon.

Anonymous wrote:[

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then whose fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

As a room parent at one of these schools, I can tell you some principals don't allow teachers to ask. We were at one of those schools. You can do parties really cheaply with mini waters, costco cake and some other treats/fruit or pizza. I spent generally around $50 , sometimes I'd get help, sometimes not but it was always surprising parents who had money didn't contribute or they just knew I'd do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any truth that some of the PTA/boosters are set up as corporations and have millions in the bank?

Millions no, but some have 50-100k or more a year in spending.

I have seen a fun run bring in 15k. One school was getting so much money they didn't support smaller fundraisers that other parents proposed.

That’s peanuts. Our ES PTA’s silent auction night usually takes in around $40k annually.

This, we are lucky if we bring in $2K. No big deal. We make it work with what we have.

Neat! I’m also a teacher in the same county who went from 300 from pta to zero from pta. Also, I never had to worry about anything. Fast forward to (being a choice) there are no funds. Asking for tissues is a huge ask. I’d never switch working conditions- the crazy people in this thread are the same parents upset their money might go to someone else. We don’t want your 500 Christmas gifts… we want parents who actually care.

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then who's fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

Aww you, sweet summer child...that was the entire point. I'm sorry you can't read, but try harder. "hun"--are you an MLM shun? So embarrassing and misogynistic. I hope you get well soon

Aww you, sweet summer child...that was the entire point. I'm sorry you're stupid, but now you know why many parents think everyone in the MCPS Central Office needs to be fired. Because of responses like this one. You can either spend your budget wisely, or you should be replaced.

A pack of 48 pencils is about a buck in bulk. That's less than 5K to supply all students plus all staff a pencil a year, so if I need, say 12 pencils that's 60K. Pens, paper, well, if you were smart enough to do math, I'd say "do the math". That means 1.6M goes a long way in covering basic school supplies.

Can't say MCPS doesn't have the money to cover it when MCPS spends 1.6M on "Leader in Me". So one of three things is true. Either the poster is lying that MCPS teachers don't have supplies, or the MCPS Central Office is incompetent at managing money, or someone is embezzling the money?

Which is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child at a title 1 school where the teachers don't ask. I do send in supplies and send in extra money to cover others for field trips.. But many of the other families there do not have the money to just send in supplies. They don't have the money to join the PTA. There is pretty much zero PTA because most families don't attend the meetings as they have other obligations that come first, like work. The teachers fund everything out of pocket. Like incentives that they give to kids, food for parties if no one contributes, wipes and good quality paper towels, etc. Is it inequitable. Yes. But I don't see anything changing any time soon.

Anonymous wrote:[

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then whose fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

As a room parent at one of these schools, I can tell you some principals don't allow teachers to ask. We were at one of those schools. You can do parties really cheaply with mini waters, costco cake and some other treats/fruit or pizza. I spent generally around $50 , sometimes I'd get help, sometimes not but it was always surprising parents who had money didn't contribute or they just knew I'd do it.

Not sure what that has to do with this thread. Are you saying you want "enforced equity" so that classrooms can throw pizza parties using PTA money? I'm talking about the teachers complaining they don't have office supplies from MCPS, that MCPS should be providing. If you tell me you only want PTA money to throw parties, I'm going to stop sending money to them and just donate money directly to the teacher. If my kid's teacher wants to have a party, that's fine, but don't use PTA money for that.

I think y'all have lost sight of what the PTA was supposed to be. The primary purpose of the PTA is to advocate for and voice parents concerns, with the focus on "what students need to be successful in their learning, including nutrition, health, school safety, physical fitness and general well-being".

It's not a cash cow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child at a title 1 school where the teachers don't ask. I do send in supplies and send in extra money to cover others for field trips.. But many of the other families there do not have the money to just send in supplies. They don't have the money to join the PTA. There is pretty much zero PTA because most families don't attend the meetings as they have other obligations that come first, like work. The teachers fund everything out of pocket. Like incentives that they give to kids, food for parties if no one contributes, wipes and good quality paper towels, etc. Is it inequitable. Yes. But I don't see anything changing any time soon.

Anonymous wrote:[

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then whose fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

As a room parent at one of these schools, I can tell you some principals don't allow teachers to ask. We were at one of those schools. You can do parties really cheaply with mini waters, costco cake and some other treats/fruit or pizza. I spent generally around $50 , sometimes I'd get help, sometimes not but it was always surprising parents who had money didn't contribute or they just knew I'd do it.

+1. My kids have been in focus schools in Einstein cluster for years and there are strange dynamics that go on. Schools may lack supplies and curricular materials but principals don't want to look like they are not managing their budgets properly so they do not want teachers to ask parents for things.

As far as I could tell our ES school principals felt that PTA fundraising existed to fund field trips for students who couldn't afford them. Annoyingly there is no transparency for school level budgets, so we (the PTA board) would ask the principal how much money they were given for field trips so we could make up the shortfall, but principal would never share these numbers with us. We were always just told they would take however much we wanted to give (no maximum # of course).

[Anonymous]

You are thinking about this the wrong way. Rich and/or invested parents will always find a way to do more than the MCPS minimum. It would be better for everyone to raise the minimum. MCPS should provide more $ for supplies, end of year bonuses for teachers, and fund teachers' aides. My first grader's class is 28 kids and it is absurd that we have no aid and the PTA couldn't fund one if it wanted to. MCPS should fund aides once class sizes do more. In sum, MCPS must do more for all schools. Once you achieve a base level of funding and resources it matters less what individual rich schools do.

[Anonymous]

My kids were in Title 1 school. I volunteered in the classroom and I basically asked teachers what supplies they needed. I was able to buy in bulk and supply it to teachers. No questions asked. The teachers did not even have to request it via PTA. I have always given huge amounts of classroom supplies to teachers after every semester, so twice a year.

I don't think it is hard to fund PTA. However, when parents are not willing to donate even $10 to the PTA they have no face to ask for an enforced equity. The parents who do not prioritize the education of their low achieving kids will grasp at any straw to justify why their kids are falling behind. And it has nothing to do with poor parenting, of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids were in Title 1 school. I volunteered in the classroom and I basically asked teachers what supplies they needed. I was able to buy in bulk and supply it to teachers. No questions asked. The teachers did not even have to request it via PTA. I have always given huge amounts of classroom supplies to teachers after every semester, so twice a year.

I don't think it is hard to fund PTA. However, when parents are not willing to donate even $10 to the PTA they have no face to ask for an enforced equity. The parents who do not prioritize the education of their low achieving kids will grasp at any straw to justify why their kids are falling behind. And it has nothing to do with poor parenting, of course.

Again (so amazing how everyone has missed the point)… if all ptas don’t have the ability to fund teachers, no pta should. That should be MCPS priority. Why you’re refusing to understand this is the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any truth that some of the PTA/boosters are set up as corporations and have millions in the bank?

Millions no, but some have 50-100k or more a year in spending.

I have seen a fun run bring in 15k. One school was getting so much money they didn't support smaller fundraisers that other parents proposed.

That’s peanuts. Our ES PTA’s silent auction night usually takes in around $40k annually.

This, we are lucky if we bring in $2K. No big deal. We make it work with what we have.

Neat! I’m also a teacher in the same county who went from 300 from pta to zero from pta. Also, I never had to worry about anything. Fast forward to (being a choice) there are no funds. Asking for tissues is a huge ask. I’d never switch working conditions- the crazy people in this thread are the same parents upset their money might go to someone else. We don’t want your 500 Christmas gifts… we want parents who actually care.

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then who's fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

Aww you, sweet summer child...that was the entire point. I'm sorry you can't read, but try harder. "hun"--are you an MLM shun? So embarrassing and misogynistic. I hope you get well soon

Aww you, sweet summer child...that was the entire point. I'm sorry you're stupid, but now you know why many parents think everyone in the MCPS Central Office needs to be fired. Because of responses like this one. You can either spend your budget wisely, or you should be replaced.

A pack of 48 pencils is about a buck in bulk. That's less than 5K to supply all students plus all staff a pencil a year, so if I need, say 12 pencils that's 60K. Pens, paper, well, if you were smart enough to do math, I'd say "do the math". That means 1.6M goes a long way in covering basic school supplies.

Can't say MCPS doesn't have the money to cover it when MCPS spends 1.6M on "Leader in Me". So one of three things is true. Either the poster is lying that MCPS teachers don't have supplies, or the MCPS Central Office is incompetent at managing money, or someone is embezzling the money?

Which is it?

You never made a point. No one ever said MCPS can’t cover it. That’s sort of the entire point here. We want MCPS to pay not the PTA… I’m sorry but the only stupid person here is obviously you.

[Anonymous]

Why are parents so overly defensive? It’s incredibly telling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child at a title 1 school where the teachers don't ask. I do send in supplies and send in extra money to cover others for field trips.. But many of the other families there do not have the money to just send in supplies. They don't have the money to join the PTA. There is pretty much zero PTA because most families don't attend the meetings as they have other obligations that come first, like work. The teachers fund everything out of pocket. Like incentives that they give to kids, food for parties if no one contributes, wipes and good quality paper towels, etc. Is it inequitable. Yes. But I don't see anything changing any time soon.

Anonymous wrote:[

I'm a parent who does care. I recommend that if you need supplies, you should ask your class parents, versus whine about how unfair it is you don't have supplies from MCPS. If the teacher asked for something, as other teachers did in the past, I'd just send it in - no questions asked. If it's a problem that you're not permitted to ask for supplies, go talk to the Union. During covid, that was another story. At one of the schools my child attended, the rumor was the teachers were told not to beg parents for covid resources (the rumor was it made MCPS leadership look bad since they were supposed to spend their ESSER money on covid supplies?), but we still managed to figure out what cleaning and medical supplies the classroom needed that wasn't available (wink).

However, if some other school has a parent looking to put money into their own kid's PTA, that's fine. It's really one of my business and couldn't care less. If, as a teacher, you feel that isn't fair, then go work at whatever school you think that is (I've never heard of a school PTA having $40K but whatever, good for them).

Now, if you feel that your school doesn't have basic office (non-covid) supplies from MCPS Central Office, I really don't know what to say to that. It's not possible that can happen. Now, you may be telling the truth. Maybe you really are a teacher and maybe your school doesn't have supplies, but maybe you're also lying, because it's not possible that a 3 billion dollar budget doesn't have school supplies on-hand. If that were happening, it would probably be featured in Bethesda Beat or on the evening news. And if it's not, then whose fault is that? The PTA? Nope. Sorry hun. You need to point the finger at your Central Office.

As a room parent at one of these schools, I can tell you some principals don't allow teachers to ask. We were at one of those schools. You can do parties really cheaply with mini waters, costco cake and some other treats/fruit or pizza. I spent generally around $50 , sometimes I'd get help, sometimes not but it was always surprising parents who had money didn't contribute or they just knew I'd do it.

Not sure what that has to do with this thread. Are you saying you want "enforced equity" so that classrooms can throw pizza parties using PTA money? I'm talking about the teachers complaining they don't have office supplies from MCPS, that MCPS should be providing. If you tell me you only want PTA money to throw parties, I'm going to stop sending money to them and just donate money directly to the teacher. If my kid's teacher wants to have a party, that's fine, but don't use PTA money for that.

I think y'all have lost sight of what the PTA was supposed to be. The primary purpose of the PTA is to advocate for and voice parents concerns, with the focus on "what students need to be successful in their learning, including nutrition, health, school safety, physical fitness and general well-being".

It's not a cash cow.

I could not care less what the PTA did. I have yet to know what they actually do either. Instead of donating to them, I used that money I would have to do a few nice parties a year for the kids in my child's class. How hard is that to understand? I think a PTA could donate $20-40 for each classroom party. But, hey, it's ok if you don't want to do anything. I'm happy to do it for the kids. Kids will have a party with our without your support.