I paid $10 dollars to the PTA at Jude and Lily's school this year. This is my membership fee. This is our first year in "real" school, so I wanted to participate in the school for my kids (and my for my for my own information).
I went to my first PTA meeting last night. It started at 7 p.m. and I left at 9:45 p.m. (the meeting was still going strong).
Let's just say that I had NO IDEA how much the PTA does for the school. They plan fundraising, organize activities, maintain the PTA budget, they have to log hours for the National PTA (and there is another organization called the PTO). It was truly an eye opener. Thank goodness for those gung ho mom's involved in the PTA (I am not one of them).
HOWEVER, (you knew I had one of those ; )... I will not be going back to the PTA. I paid my "dues" and that is enough. The number one reason for not going back... a three hour meeting (if it ended at 10? who knows).
Picture 27 women in a room trying to conduct a productive meeting. Yeah right.
This is a huge pet peeve of mine at work (consider that the majority of the people working and running the hospital are women). At work I have NO problem telling people to move on, this should be worked on after the meeting on a subcommittee. People are being paid, and we have more important things to be doing than wasting time rambling on and on in a meeting. I can't see doing this among moms at the PTA. First of all, I am new, and second, this is where my children go to school and these are the moms of their peers.
If I piss them off, my children could be ostracized. So, I kept quiet and left early, never to return.
I went to my first PTA meeting last night. It started at 7 p.m. and I left at 9:45 p.m. (the meeting was still going strong).
Let's just say that I had NO IDEA how much the PTA does for the school. They plan fundraising, organize activities, maintain the PTA budget, they have to log hours for the National PTA (and there is another organization called the PTO). It was truly an eye opener. Thank goodness for those gung ho mom's involved in the PTA (I am not one of them).
HOWEVER, (you knew I had one of those ; )... I will not be going back to the PTA. I paid my "dues" and that is enough. The number one reason for not going back... a three hour meeting (if it ended at 10? who knows).
Picture 27 women in a room trying to conduct a productive meeting. Yeah right.
This is a huge pet peeve of mine at work (consider that the majority of the people working and running the hospital are women). At work I have NO problem telling people to move on, this should be worked on after the meeting on a subcommittee. People are being paid, and we have more important things to be doing than wasting time rambling on and on in a meeting. I can't see doing this among moms at the PTA. First of all, I am new, and second, this is where my children go to school and these are the moms of their peers.
If I piss them off, my children could be ostracized. So, I kept quiet and left early, never to return.
So my involvement will consist of volunteering once a month in the Media Center, and once a month in each classroom. This will keep me informed and my kids will see me involved.
I will pay my dues for the PTA next year, to help with funding and to get my school directory. They will just have to do without me physically.
7 comments:
They are all like that, Amie! I'm the coordinator of our PTO this year and our first meeting of the year FINALLY ended at 9:10 the other night...and I was pushing them out the door. I didn't know all we did for the schools either, until I took over the job...it's a great organization though, and one you should be proud to be a part of! And yay to you for volunteering!!!!!
LOL> I too and in the PTA, only ours is only $5. I have to say I was also really surprised by all they do. I am trying to find a place in the PTA universe, but not sure what that will be yet. I do want to help the school and give back for the boys sake, but just not sure how that will come to fruition.
Nice to know I am not alone. Are you a card carrying member yet??
I didn't get a card : )
Do they really have cards?
For real.
I am FINALLY in a school that has a GREAT PTA and I have to tell you, they raise enough money every year to give each teacher (around 100 teachers) up to $200 each year to use on various things in our classrooms! I can't tell you how EXCITED I am about that one! SO THANK YOU PARENTS OUT THERE IN THE WORLD FOR DOING YOUR PART!!! :) It doesn't matter how little or how small it ALL counts!!
BRAVO AMIE!!
We have cards....for real! Maybe their making yours now!
We got cards.....
I don't have a card... hmmmm...
I feel cheated.
: )
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