If you're a non-contributer parent to "school extras"

[Anonymous]

I contribute to activities that I think are reasonable - not to feed the egos of PTA moms in their turf wars. Too many of them are trying too hard to make themselves look important and complicating everyone's lives.

[Anonymous]

Auctions seem to be an excuse for people with limited social lives to have an"exciting" night out. So much time and funds are wasted in order to "raise" the proceeds, which is actually a shakedown. I'm happier writing a direct check, instead of having to fork over money to rent out your beach house in a place I never planned to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never would have thought I'd be active in the PTA but our school is Title I and it NEEDS the additional funds and materials they get from our fundraising and events. We try to be as welcoming and open as possible, very clear about where the money goes (and most of it goes to things the Principal has requested funds for ) and we try to create community events with free-components (like a free movie) so all can feel included and have fun.
Please do not paint all PTAs with the same brush. I think many of you are actually the ones being snobby by writing off all PTA stuff as being beneath you.

+1

[Anonymous]

^ yeah, but your aren't the OP. We are answering the OP's question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never would have thought I'd be active in the PTA but our school is Title I and it NEEDS the additional funds and materials they get from our fundraising and events. We try to be as welcoming and open as possible, very clear about where the money goes (and most of it goes to things the Principal has requested funds for ) and we try to create community events with free-components (like a free movie) so all can feel included and have fun.
Please do not paint all PTAs with the same brush. I think many of you are actually the ones being snobby by writing off all PTA stuff as being beneath you.

I think it's clear people are posting about the PTA they have experience with at their own schools, not PTAs in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care about classroom parties , field trips, assemblies, the intervention teacher, or reading medals. I spends a boatload of money on my kids education AT HOME. I buy Singapore Math, writing programs, science activities, etc. I have paid for my kid to go to Kumon. My kid is a well -behaved kid who is easy to educate because he already has met grade level standards. The PTA president at my school pushed funding an intervention teacher. Perhaps it is a coincidence but her kids all need to go to intervention, and she surely could pay privately for tutoring. My kids attend a school with a really low FARM rate no kid in the school doesn't have opportunities. Why should I send in money for the PTA for a field trip to a pumpkin patch or farm? All the kids have parents who take them. Why do classroom parties? I wish there were more rigorous academics, but since it is public school I don't complain but I am not sending in money.

But your kids get to participate in these parties and in these field trips that you don't help out with though, right?

+1
These parents are modeling to their kids to be takers.

Mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care about classroom parties , field trips, assemblies, the intervention teacher, or reading medals. I spends a boatload of money on my kids education AT HOME. I buy Singapore Math, writing programs, science activities, etc. I have paid for my kid to go to Kumon. My kid is a well -behaved kid who is easy to educate because he already has met grade level standards. The PTA president at my school pushed funding an intervention teacher. Perhaps it is a coincidence but her kids all need to go to intervention, and she surely could pay privately for tutoring. My kids attend a school with a really low FARM rate no kid in the school doesn't have opportunities. Why should I send in money for the PTA for a field trip to a pumpkin patch or farm? All the kids have parents who take them. Why do classroom parties? I wish there were more rigorous academics, but since it is public school I don't complain but I am not sending in money.

But your kids get to participate in these parties and in these field trips that you don't help out with though, right?

+1
These parents are modeling to their kids to be takers.

Mean.

but true

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care about classroom parties , field trips, assemblies, the intervention teacher, or reading medals. I spends a boatload of money on my kids education AT HOME. I buy Singapore Math, writing programs, science activities, etc. I have paid for my kid to go to Kumon. My kid is a well -behaved kid who is easy to educate because he already has met grade level standards. The PTA president at my school pushed funding an intervention teacher. Perhaps it is a coincidence but her kids all need to go to intervention, and she surely could pay privately for tutoring. My kids attend a school with a really low FARM rate no kid in the school doesn't have opportunities. Why should I send in money for the PTA for a field trip to a pumpkin patch or farm? All the kids have parents who take them. Why do classroom parties? I wish there were more rigorous academics, but since it is public school I don't complain but I am not sending in money.

But your kids get to participate in these parties and in these field trips that you don't help out with though, right?

+1
These parents are modeling to their kids to be takers.

Mean.

but true

I disagree -- it's just plain mean. I volunteer for parties whenever I can because I enjoy being in the classroom with my kids but I would never call parents who don't "takers." You are just plain mean.

[Anonymous]

I think schools should do away with PTA. Up to $5 of every membership goes to the state and national PTA organization. In poorer schools this is not beneficial at all.

All parents should pay $10 or $20 at the beginning of the school year. There should be a committee of parents who decide on some activities that all kids would benefit from - taking the input of the teachers. So, the art teacher sponsors an art exhibition of the best works of ALL students. Music teacher can have a musical concert where all students participate. Science and Math teachers can sponsor a Science Fair. English, Language teachers and media specialists sponsor "Reading Night". All this can be funded by the $10 -$20 you collect from each parent at the beginning of the school year.

The only acceptable and beneficial fundraiser is the book fairs in my opinion. Year books and portraits costs also add up for parents - and frankly, if I am paying for all that then I have participated adequately.

Parents are more willing to help out if they feel that they are directly helping their kids. I am more willing to read to my kids class once every couple of months, rather than photocopy stuff. I used to help out in the Math G/T classes and I felt that my help was needed. I do not think that classroom teachers know how to use the parents help effectively.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't care about classroom parties , field trips, assemblies, the intervention teacher, or reading medals. I spends a boatload of money on my kids education AT HOME. I buy Singapore Math, writing programs, science activities, etc. I have paid for my kid to go to Kumon. My kid is a well -behaved kid who is easy to educate because he already has met grade level standards. The PTA president at my school pushed funding an intervention teacher. Perhaps it is a coincidence but her kids all need to go to intervention, and she surely could pay privately for tutoring. My kids attend a school with a really low FARM rate no kid in the school doesn't have opportunities. Why should I send in money for the PTA for a field trip to a pumpkin patch or farm? All the kids have parents who take them. Why do classroom parties? I wish there were more rigorous academics, but since it is public school I don't complain but I am not sending in money.

But your kids get to participate in these parties and in these field trips that you don't help out with though, right?

+1
These parents are modeling to their kids to be takers.

Mean.

but true

I disagree -- it's just plain mean. I volunteer for parties whenever I can because I enjoy being in the classroom with my kids but I would never call parents who don't "takers." You are just plain mean.

I agree. Many parents work full time and don't have the time or money to volunteer for field trips or pay for every little thing we are asked to fund. I don't consider them takers.
In my school, there's always enough volunteers for field trips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should do away with PTA. Up to $5 of every membership goes to the state and national PTA organization. In poorer schools this is not beneficial at all.

All parents should pay $10 or $20 at the beginning of the school year. There should be a committee of parents who decide on some activities that all kids would benefit from - taking the input of the teachers. So, the art teacher sponsors an art exhibition of the best works of ALL students. Music teacher can have a musical concert where all students participate. Science and Math teachers can sponsor a Science Fair. English, Language teachers and media specialists sponsor "Reading Night". All this can be funded by the $10 -$20 you collect from each parent at the beginning of the school year.

The only acceptable and beneficial fundraiser is the book fairs in my opinion. Year books and portraits costs also add up for parents - and frankly, if I am paying for all that then I have participated adequately.

Parents are more willing to help out if they feel that they are directly helping their kids. I am more willing to read to my kids class once every couple of months, rather than photocopy stuff. I used to help out in the Math G/T classes and I felt that my help was needed. I do not think that classroom teachers know how to use the parents help effectively.

It's great to think of a way for this to work, but even if you do this, there will be parents who don't contribute. We put on a staff luncheon (each month a class does it, I think it is common at many preschools) so that the staff and teachers can stay and eat during their meeting. Our class put it on and we collected a grand total of $35 and someone brought a 6-pack of coke. Is it my idea to do a luncheon? No. But we do it, so there it is. I actually think it's nice to do for teachers. About 3 parents ended up doing it all and paying for it all (just sandwiches and fruit and drinks). It had nothing to do with the PTA or cliques or looking good. So yes, I think that the people who don't help are takers. Maybe they can't right now, but it doesn't change that they are taking and not contributing. And I know they don't volunteer in other ways. They could have come to set up or clean up too. Or just volunteer to make calls and collect money from other parents!

[Anonymous]

Whether it is PTA, field trips, volunteering in the classroom, working with your child at home, etc...., it is all part of being involved in your child's education. It appears there is a mixed bag of people ranging from one extreme to another. The main gist is to just do what you can because ultimately, only good things can come by showing your support and involvement in your child's education. As one PP wrote, your child and other children like seeing you there and knowing you are taking an interest. Most of us work on this forum, but taking time out using your vacation time is so worth it. I truly feel this way, especially in the early elemetary years. Just my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's great to think of a way for this to work, but even if you do this, there will be parents who don't contribute. We put on a staff luncheon (each month a class does it, I think it is common at many preschools) so that the staff and teachers can stay and eat during their meeting. Our class put it on and we collected a grand total of $35 and someone brought a 6-pack of coke. Is it my idea to do a luncheon? No. But we do it, so there it is. I actually think it's nice to do for teachers. About 3 parents ended up doing it all and paying for it all (just sandwiches and fruit and drinks). It had nothing to do with the PTA or cliques or looking good. So yes, I think that the people who don't help are takers. Maybe they can't right now, but it doesn't change that they are taking and not contributing. And I know they don't volunteer in other ways. They could have come to set up or clean up too. Or just volunteer to make calls and collect money from other parents!

How do you know this? How do you know what other parents can and can't do? How is what other parents can and can't do any of your business?

[Anonymous]

For God's Sake.

This whole thing is ridiculous:

You PTA-supporters on this thread: just because a family doesn't choose to value exactly what you value in exactly the same way does not mean the family is "raising their children to be takers", doesn't love their children, or anything at all. It most certainly does NOT mean the family doesn't volunteer in other ways - perhaps some you support. Do what is best for your kids and leave it at that.

You PTA-Bashers: I have more sympathy for you since this thread started with a judgmental post that could be rephrased "how come you aren't more like me, since the way I am is the only way to be"? But the debate is getting old. Do what you think is best for your kids and leave it at that.

I am EXTREMELY insulted by the supposition that because I don't do PTA things, I don't care about my community, the children in it, or anything at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should do away with PTA. Up to $5 of every membership goes to the state and national PTA organization. In poorer schools this is not beneficial at all.

All parents should pay $10 or $20 at the beginning of the school year. There should be a committee of parents who decide on some activities that all kids would benefit from - taking the input of the teachers. So, the art teacher sponsors an art exhibition of the best works of ALL students. Music teacher can have a musical concert where all students participate. Science and Math teachers can sponsor a Science Fair. English, Language teachers and media specialists sponsor "Reading Night". All this can be funded by the $10 -$20 you collect from each parent at the beginning of the school year.

The only acceptable and beneficial fundraiser is the book fairs in my opinion. Year books and portraits costs also add up for parents - and frankly, if I am paying for all that then I have participated adequately.

Parents are more willing to help out if they feel that they are directly helping their kids. I am more willing to read to my kids class once every couple of months, rather than photocopy stuff. I used to help out in the Math G/T classes and I felt that my help was needed. I do not think that classroom teachers know how to use the parents help effectively.

It's great to think of a way for this to work, but even if you do this, there will be parents who don't contribute. We put on a staff luncheon (each month a class does it, I think it is common at many preschools) so that the staff and teachers can stay and eat during their meeting. Our class put it on and we collected a grand total of $35 and someone brought a 6-pack of coke. Is it my idea to do a luncheon? No. But we do it, so there it is. I actually think it's nice to do for teachers. About 3 parents ended up doing it all and paying for it all (just sandwiches and fruit and drinks). It had nothing to do with the PTA or cliques or looking good. So yes, I think that the people who don't help are takers. Maybe they can't right now, but it doesn't change that they are taking and not contributing. And I know they don't volunteer in other ways. They could have come to set up or clean up too. Or just volunteer to make calls and collect money from other parents!

There will be parents who don't contribute??? If only 3 parents participated in this luncheon, then clearly no one thinks it's a good idea but the people putting it on.