Teacher Snack Bar

[Anonymous]

The PTA at my DC's school is asking for donations for a "teacher snack bar" for this Monday and Tuesday, which are teacher workdays in Fairfax County. I'm curious why PTAs do things like this. I already am finding alternate care for my kids on those days, which is absolutely my responsibility, but I'm also expected to provide snacks for grown adults who are being paid to go to work those days? They aren't volunteering their time, they are just showing up to work on a paid work day. I already think that it should be teacher appreciation day, not week, why in the world would the PTA think this is a good idea?

[Anonymous]

Our ES does this for all TWDs and the SUG for it fills up fast so obviously many people are happy to contribute. Don’t contribute if you don’t want to. No they are not volunteering, yes they are paid to be there, but teaching is a pretty difficult job for pretty crap to mediocre pay. And I for one appreciate my kids’ teachers quite a bit and am happy to show it on any way suggested by the PTA.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if this is our school. I don’t mind it on occasion, but to do it for back to school, November work days, teacher app week, Xmas, etc - is a little excessive.

[Anonymous]

No.

I've talked to teachers who don't want this sort of thing. For various reasons. I wouldn't contribute.

You want to show appreciation? Send your kid ready for the day. Back up the teacher. Don't bitch about how easy their job is and how much "time off" they have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The PTA at my DC's school is asking for donations for a "teacher snack bar" for this Monday and Tuesday, which are teacher workdays in Fairfax County. I'm curious why PTAs do things like this. I already am finding alternate care for my kids on those days, which is absolutely my responsibility, but I'm also expected to provide snacks for grown adults who are being paid to go to work those days? They aren't volunteering their time, they are just showing up to work on a paid work day. I already think that it should be teacher appreciation day, not week, why in the world would the PTA think this is a good idea?

There is nothing compulsory about this, so I’m wondering why you’re taking such offense if some other parents want to show their appreciation this way. Just ignore the solicitation. The teachers know which parents are supportive of their work and it never comes down to one thing.

But you are giving off a pretty negative vibe here, and teachers do pick up on which parents view teachers as the hired help rather than partners in their kids’ education.

[Anonymous]

I’m a teacher and out school does not do anything like this. It’s fine. Don’t contribute.

At my children’s school, the PTA provides monthly lunches, snacks and raffles for gift cards to the teachers. Parents sign up electronically if they want to pitch in and the spots go instantly. Also fine.

I don’t mind donating a couple of times each year to my children’s school and I don’t wish they did this at my school. It’s a lot of effort for whoever coordinates the events. Do whatever you want, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The PTA at my DC's school is asking for donations for a "teacher snack bar" for this Monday and Tuesday, which are teacher workdays in Fairfax County. I'm curious why PTAs do things like this. I already am finding alternate care for my kids on those days, which is absolutely my responsibility, but I'm also expected to provide snacks for grown adults who are being paid to go to work those days? They aren't volunteering their time, they are just showing up to work on a paid work day. I already think that it should be teacher appreciation day, not week, why in the world would the PTA think this is a good idea?

So the PTA says everyone hasto contribute, or did they just put it out there?

Take your issue to the PTA.... the teachers aren't telling everyone to send food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if this is our school. I don’t mind it on occasion, but to do it for back to school, November work days, teacher app week, Xmas, etc - is a little excessive.

+1

[Anonymous]

Ours does it - and I think it's nice to do something for the teachers.

If you don't want to do it, you don't have to contribute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The PTA at my DC's school is asking for donations for a "teacher snack bar" for this Monday and Tuesday, which are teacher workdays in Fairfax County. I'm curious why PTAs do things like this. I already am finding alternate care for my kids on those days, which is absolutely my responsibility, but I'm also expected to provide snacks for grown adults who are being paid to go to work those days? They aren't volunteering their time, they are just showing up to work on a paid work day. I already think that it should be teacher appreciation day, not week, why in the world would the PTA think this is a good idea?

There is nothing compulsory about this, so I’m wondering why you’re taking such offense if some other parents want to show their appreciation this way. Just ignore the solicitation. The teachers know which parents are supportive of their work and it never comes down to one thing.

But you are giving off a pretty negative vibe here, and teachers do pick up on which parents view teachers as the hired help rather than partners in their kids’ education.

I actually don't view teachers as the hired help, I view them as paid professionals. I'd happily contribute to snacks for "the hired help," who usually are not paid well for the jobs they do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our ES does this for all TWDs and the SUG for it fills up fast so obviously many people are happy to contribute. Don’t contribute if you don’t want to. No they are not volunteering, yes they are paid to be there, but teaching is a pretty difficult job for pretty crap to mediocre pay. And I for one appreciate my kids’ teachers quite a bit and am happy to show it on any way suggested by the PTA.

I'd be happy with the crap $60K + pay and three months off in the summer as well as most other federal holidays and winter breaks -- even without a snack bar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our ES does this for all TWDs and the SUG for it fills up fast so obviously many people are happy to contribute. Don’t contribute if you don’t want to. No they are not volunteering, yes they are paid to be there, but teaching is a pretty difficult job for pretty crap to mediocre pay. And I for one appreciate my kids’ teachers quite a bit and am happy to show it on any way suggested by the PTA.

I'd be happy with the crap $60K + pay and three months off in the summer as well as most other federal holidays and winter breaks -- even without a snack bar.

From a DP who is not a teacher but my mom is:

So do something, PP, to change your circumstances. Whining about how teachers have it better than you won't make anything about you and your life better. Exert some effort to be the change you want to see in your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You want to show appreciation? Send your kid ready for the day. Back up the teacher. Don't bitch about how easy their job is and how much "time off" they have.

THIS.

Signed, LCPS elementary teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The PTA at my DC's school is asking for donations for a "teacher snack bar" for this Monday and Tuesday, which are teacher workdays in Fairfax County. I'm curious why PTAs do things like this. I already am finding alternate care for my kids on those days, which is absolutely my responsibility, but I'm also expected to provide snacks for grown adults who are being paid to go to work those days? They aren't volunteering their time, they are just showing up to work on a paid work day. I already think that it should be teacher appreciation day, not week, why in the world would the PTA think this is a good idea?

Be the truly supportive parent and send in a bottle of wine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our ES does this for all TWDs and the SUG for it fills up fast so obviously many people are happy to contribute. Don’t contribute if you don’t want to. No they are not volunteering, yes they are paid to be there, but teaching is a pretty difficult job for pretty crap to mediocre pay. And I for one appreciate my kids’ teachers quite a bit and am happy to show it on any way suggested by the PTA.

I'd be happy with the crap $60K + pay and three months off in the summer as well as most other federal holidays and winter breaks -- even without a snack bar.

Are you still willing to do it for 2 months off in the summer, which is what teachers actually get? If so join us! There are teacher shortages all over the country