Class fund non-participants: where do you think the party food comes from??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, if people aren’t contributing for parties it’s because they don’t prioritize them. Just because you want them doesn’t mean everyone else has to subsidize your desires.

+100

We had to pony up for the class dues at the beginning of the year, which I actually don't mind paying. But today we got asked to pay $80 for an end of the year party -- just because some of you decide to do stuff like that, why should everyone else be on the hook?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: But the basic issue is that even if you have moral objections to donations that pay for: pizza/treats/class parties/teacher gifts, most of the other parents are donating on your behalf. If you're fine with being free rider, carry on.

I don't know why I keep arguing on this thread, since I am someone who donates for everything. I just find your mentality really weird. I give the teachers gift cards for Xmas and end of year. Some people don't. I don't view my gift card as somehow donating on the behalf of people who don't give one. Likewise, for parties, I always sign up on signup genius to send in something. I'm sure there are parents who don't ever sign up. At my school, some of those parents can't afford it. Some don't speak English and don't even know what is requested. Some are just really busy. I couldn't care less that their kids are eating the grapes or drinking the juice I provided. It's really not a big deal. It's all voluntary, which means that I have the right to contribute or not as I see fit. Just because I choose to contribute doesn't give me any rights to decide what other people should contribute.

we're not talking about individual gift cards for teachers that are signed with your family's name. we're talking about "class gifts" which are gift cards for holiday or end of the year that are given on behalf of "the class". and when some people donate who can well afford to (no one is talking about the people who truly can't afford it), yes that is the definition of free riding.

If you're the one deciding that personal gifts are inadequate and that there must be a class gift, then people who choose to get their own gifts are not free riding. Instead, you're the one trying to boss other people around. There's no need for class gifts. If you decide that you simply must give a class gift, then feel free not to sign my kid's name on it. It's still not my problem that you're deciding how other people must gift the teacher, and they're not conforming to your desires.

Room parents don't unilaterally "decide" that there must be a class gift. It's customary at our Maryland public school to do so, and when you become a room parent, the room parent coordinator will tell you that typically parents use the funds for two teacher gifts and the class parties. All the people who hate group gifts can become room parents and upend this tradition if you hate it so much. (At my school, it's typically two fairly small gift cards from the class since our requested donation is small.)

+1 Every school my kids have been at (from private preschool to public elementary) has had some sort of monetary class group gift for the teacher. This isn't some bizarre invention by rogue room parents. Some parents also contribute in their own name.

This. But those who have never done it or asked about it just assume the room parent is electing to spend money on an unnecessary party or gift. It is not only expected at our school, we get a form email to send out at the beg. of the year that tells parents we are collecting for three gifts and two parties. The Fcps policy allows for two class parties per year. It’s beyond me why so many of you don’t get this. The only thing I can think of is that you’re either new to the elementary school scene or have not involved yourself in how it works at all. This is how it is done at lots of schools, every class, every year.

We are only allowed two parties. There is no reason to do a group gift and in some jurisdictions there are individual and group limits so if we did a group gift it would probably violate limits. Each family can do what they want. You can use sign up genius. Room parent does decorations as usually they do it for a few years/save a lot of it. Ask for very specific things - I have always gotten 1-3 generous parents and we always have pizza, cupcakes, water, fruit and veggies. When I have ended up fixing other room parents screw ups I can get pizza, cake and other stuff for $50-60. Done. Its not as complex as people make it sound but it takes good organization and a few reminders. No money exchanged, as a room parent you sometimes contribute more, sometimes less and be done with it. If you cannot swing $50-60 then don't be a room parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, if people aren’t contributing for parties it’s because they don’t prioritize them. Just because you want them doesn’t mean everyone else has to subsidize your desires.

+100

We had to pony up for the class dues at the beginning of the year, which I actually don't mind paying. But today we got asked to pay $80 for an end of the year party -- just because some of you decide to do stuff like that, why should everyone else be on the hook?

I wouldn't pay more if they ask for money upfront and then demand more. $80 is good for a party but for that I'd expect pizza, water/juice, fruit and a cake, not a basic cupcake and juice party. But, I wouldn't pay if I paid at the beginning of the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: But the basic issue is that even if you have moral objections to donations that pay for: pizza/treats/class parties/teacher gifts, most of the other parents are donating on your behalf. If you're fine with being free rider, carry on.

I don't know why I keep arguing on this thread, since I am someone who donates for everything. I just find your mentality really weird. I give the teachers gift cards for Xmas and end of year. Some people don't. I don't view my gift card as somehow donating on the behalf of people who don't give one. Likewise, for parties, I always sign up on signup genius to send in something. I'm sure there are parents who don't ever sign up. At my school, some of those parents can't afford it. Some don't speak English and don't even know what is requested. Some are just really busy. I couldn't care less that their kids are eating the grapes or drinking the juice I provided. It's really not a big deal. It's all voluntary, which means that I have the right to contribute or not as I see fit. Just because I choose to contribute doesn't give me any rights to decide what other people should contribute.

we're not talking about individual gift cards for teachers that are signed with your family's name. we're talking about "class gifts" which are gift cards for holiday or end of the year that are given on behalf of "the class". and when some people donate who can well afford to (no one is talking about the people who truly can't afford it), yes that is the definition of free riding.

If you're the one deciding that personal gifts are inadequate and that there must be a class gift, then people who choose to get their own gifts are not free riding. Instead, you're the one trying to boss other people around. There's no need for class gifts. If you decide that you simply must give a class gift, then feel free not to sign my kid's name on it. It's still not my problem that you're deciding how other people must gift the teacher, and they're not conforming to your desires.

Room parents don't unilaterally "decide" that there must be a class gift. It's customary at our Maryland public school to do so, and when you become a room parent, the room parent coordinator will tell you that typically parents use the funds for two teacher gifts and the class parties. All the people who hate group gifts can become room parents and upend this tradition if you hate it so much. (At my school, it's typically two fairly small gift cards from the class since our requested donation is small.)

+1 Every school my kids have been at (from private preschool to public elementary) has had some sort of monetary class group gift for the teacher. This isn't some bizarre invention by rogue room parents. Some parents also contribute in their own name.

This. But those who have never done it or asked about it just assume the room parent is electing to spend money on an unnecessary party or gift. It is not only expected at our school, we get a form email to send out at the beg. of the year that tells parents we are collecting for three gifts and two parties. The Fcps policy allows for two class parties per year. It’s beyond me why so many of you don’t get this. The only thing I can think of is that you’re either new to the elementary school scene or have not involved yourself in how it works at all. This is how it is done at lots of schools, every class, every year.

What you don't understand is that there is no fee, tuition, payment, collection, dues, or whatever you want to call it that is required to attend a public school. You can't require anything.

Of course no fee is required. Tips for restaurants or cabs aren’t required. Do you skip out on those? It’s a generally accepted practice at a restaurant or in a cab and in our school. No one is making you contribute. But when you don’t, then just like failing to tip a waiter who gave okay service, you’re kinda scummy for not chipping in. Don’t like group gifts: email the room parent and say you are getting your own gift. But to give nothing when you financially can just because you don’t want to or have a completely false sense of the system (wrongly believing the room parent is pocketing the money or bribing the teacher or believing you should only contribute if your kid directly gets a benefit - so no teachers gift and no class party and no funds because there was no craft at the oarty) is effed up and selfish.

Unlike waiters, teachers are paid a living wage. Tipping a waiter is his payment. The teacher is paid a salary and does not need a tip.

It may be true in the wealthier districts, but there's plenty of news articles about teachers who are receiving public assistance. But think whatever you need to justify being cheap and letting others appreciate the teachers in your name with their money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, if people aren’t contributing for parties it’s because they don’t prioritize them. Just because you want them doesn’t mean everyone else has to subsidize your desires.

+100

We had to pony up for the class dues at the beginning of the year, which I actually don't mind paying. But today we got asked to pay $80 for an end of the year party -- just because some of you decide to do stuff like that, why should everyone else be on the hook?

That's crazy--unless I guess you're at private school. I'm at a pretty rich public school and we spent 60$ for the whole class on a keepsake craft with their school picture in it, game prizes and popsicles for the end of the year party.

[Anonymous]

Do you guys give your nanny, cleaning lady, mailman, paper delivery guy, tutor, etc a holiday present? What a bunch of tightwads. I esp love those that are saying don’t judge me by my car, vacations, clothes, jewelry, bc I don’t have to give to you. When you see pics in the yearbook of your kid with a huge smile on his face from the 1-2 class parties - yeah, you’re welcome.

And those that are yapping about pizza- how much were the last 4 birthday parties you threw? What did you serve to eat? Mini cupcake in a napkin?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you guys give your nanny, cleaning lady, mailman, paper delivery guy, tutor, etc a holiday present? What a bunch of tightwads. I esp love those that are saying don’t judge me by my car, vacations, clothes, jewelry, bc I don’t have to give to you. When you see pics in the yearbook of your kid with a huge smile on his face from the 1-2 class parties - yeah, you’re welcome.

And those that are yapping about pizza- how much were the last 4 birthday parties you threw? What did you serve to eat? Mini cupcake in a napkin?

+1 People who plead poverty but have big homes and fancy clothes are rarely poor (although they occasionally declare bankruptcy and then we pay for their lifestyle). People are poor are usually ashamed to highlight the fact.

[Anonymous]

Go online to Dominos.com and see how much it costs for delivery of 7 pizzas - that is enough for 25-30 kids. It's more than you think with delivery charges added etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: But the basic issue is that even if you have moral objections to donations that pay for: pizza/treats/class parties/teacher gifts, most of the other parents are donating on your behalf. If you're fine with being free rider, carry on.

I don't know why I keep arguing on this thread, since I am someone who donates for everything. I just find your mentality really weird. I give the teachers gift cards for Xmas and end of year. Some people don't. I don't view my gift card as somehow donating on the behalf of people who don't give one. Likewise, for parties, I always sign up on signup genius to send in something. I'm sure there are parents who don't ever sign up. At my school, some of those parents can't afford it. Some don't speak English and don't even know what is requested. Some are just really busy. I couldn't care less that their kids are eating the grapes or drinking the juice I provided. It's really not a big deal. It's all voluntary, which means that I have the right to contribute or not as I see fit. Just because I choose to contribute doesn't give me any rights to decide what other people should contribute.

we're not talking about individual gift cards for teachers that are signed with your family's name. we're talking about "class gifts" which are gift cards for holiday or end of the year that are given on behalf of "the class". and when some people donate who can well afford to (no one is talking about the people who truly can't afford it), yes that is the definition of free riding.

If you're the one deciding that personal gifts are inadequate and that there must be a class gift, then people who choose to get their own gifts are not free riding. Instead, you're the one trying to boss other people around. There's no need for class gifts. If you decide that you simply must give a class gift, then feel free not to sign my kid's name on it. It's still not my problem that you're deciding how other people must gift the teacher, and they're not conforming to your desires.

Room parents don't unilaterally "decide" that there must be a class gift. It's customary at our Maryland public school to do so, and when you become a room parent, the room parent coordinator will tell you that typically parents use the funds for two teacher gifts and the class parties. All the people who hate group gifts can become room parents and upend this tradition if you hate it so much. (At my school, it's typically two fairly small gift cards from the class since our requested donation is small.)

+1 Every school my kids have been at (from private preschool to public elementary) has had some sort of monetary class group gift for the teacher. This isn't some bizarre invention by rogue room parents. Some parents also contribute in their own name.

This. But those who have never done it or asked about it just assume the room parent is electing to spend money on an unnecessary party or gift. It is not only expected at our school, we get a form email to send out at the beg. of the year that tells parents we are collecting for three gifts and two parties. The Fcps policy allows for two class parties per year. It’s beyond me why so many of you don’t get this. The only thing I can think of is that you’re either new to the elementary school scene or have not involved yourself in how it works at all. This is how it is done at lots of schools, every class, every year.

What you don't understand is that there is no fee, tuition, payment, collection, dues, or whatever you want to call it that is required to attend a public school. You can't require anything.

Of course no fee is required. Tips for restaurants or cabs aren’t required. Do you skip out on those? It’s a generally accepted practice at a restaurant or in a cab and in our school. No one is making you contribute. But when you don’t, then just like failing to tip a waiter who gave okay service, you’re kinda scummy for not chipping in. Don’t like group gifts: email the room parent and say you are getting your own gift. But to give nothing when you financially can just because you don’t want to or have a completely false sense of the system (wrongly believing the room parent is pocketing the money or bribing the teacher or believing you should only contribute if your kid directly gets a benefit - so no teachers gift and no class party and no funds because there was no craft at the oarty) is effed up and selfish.

Unlike waiters, teachers are paid a living wage. Tipping a waiter is his payment. The teacher is paid a salary and does not need a tip.

It may be true in the wealthier districts, but there's plenty of news articles about teachers who are receiving public assistance. But think whatever you need to justify being cheap and letting others appreciate the teachers in your name with their money.

Actually, you giant presumptuous ass, the teacher makes more than I do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go online to Dominos.com and see how much it costs for delivery of 7 pizzas - that is enough for 25-30 kids. It's more than you think with delivery charges added etc.

$7.99 special x 7 = 55.93 x .08 = 4.47 55.93 + 4.47=59.40
You pick up. Add $5.00 for gas and you are still at 64
40.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, if people aren’t contributing for parties it’s because they don’t prioritize them. Just because you want them doesn’t mean everyone else has to subsidize your desires.

+100

We had to pony up for the class dues at the beginning of the year, which I actually don't mind paying. But today we got asked to pay $80 for an end of the year party -- just because some of you decide to do stuff like that, why should everyone else be on the hook?

I wouldn't pay more if they ask for money upfront and then demand more. $80 is good for a party but for that I'd expect pizza, water/juice, fruit and a cake, not a basic cupcake and juice party. But, I wouldn't pay if I paid at the beginning of the year.

$80 per kid?

[Anonymous]

There are medium pizzas for 5.99 if you buy at least 2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go online to Dominos.com and see how much it costs for delivery of 7 pizzas - that is enough for 25-30 kids. It's more than you think with delivery charges added etc.

$7.99 special x 7 = 55.93 x .08 = 4.47 55.93 + 4.47=59.40
You pick up. Add $5.00 for gas and you are still at 64
40.

"You" who? The room parent? Oh the double standards!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, if people aren’t contributing for parties it’s because they don’t prioritize them. Just because you want them doesn’t mean everyone else has to subsidize your desires.

+100

We had to pony up for the class dues at the beginning of the year, which I actually don't mind paying. But today we got asked to pay $80 for an end of the year party -- just because some of you decide to do stuff like that, why should everyone else be on the hook?

I wouldn't pay more if they ask for money upfront and then demand more. $80 is good for a party but for that I'd expect pizza, water/juice, fruit and a cake, not a basic cupcake and juice party. But, I wouldn't pay if I paid at the beginning of the year.

$80 per kid?

Yeah, are you talking $80 for the entire party or $80 per kid? For $80 per kid I'd expect Ruth's Chris catering, not a lame pizza.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go online to Dominos.com and see how much it costs for delivery of 7 pizzas - that is enough for 25-30 kids. It's more than you think with delivery charges added etc.

$7.99 special x 7 = 55.93 x .08 = 4.47 55.93 + 4.47=59.40
You pick up. Add $5.00 for gas and you are still at 64
40.

"You" who? The room parent? Oh the double standards!

You who decided to buy pizza