I don't think anyone can say I am not Pro-PTO, but I also know that whereas a school is an absolute necessity, a PTO/PTA is not. It is a luxury for the school.

I've got to go with LauriB on this. I have been in the same boat, where I didn't think it was a big deal to have my 8 year old with me in the back, after hours, while I was working on PTO stuff. Thing is, if my child gets to be in the back, why can't all the kids come in the back? One, it is school policy not to have children in the back. Two, it is, after all, the teacher's lounge - a private domain...lol and Three, there is someone in the front office who will keep an eye on my child while I finish up. If this is a real problem for you, then you need to either go home and do the work, or get more help earlier in the day so that the work is done before the final bell. I know it seems harsh, but I don't think the principal is being unreasonable. It would be wonderful if we all had principals like oneoldmom's, but hers is more the exception than the norm. Remember that the school is the principal's domain and you are just (ewwwww, I hate this sentence) there to help. You have to go along with the rules they set up. They are not there to cater to your needs, you are there to help theirs.

I sympathize and empathize, but the principal has the final say on this issue! If you and the principal can come to an agreement, great! Otherwise, you just have to go with the flow (and the principal...lol) on this one.

Good Luck!

My school has the same rule, no kids in the back. The office has set up a small work space for kids to sit and color or do their homework while moms are busy in the back working. My kindergartener love to sit and work here. There is always someone in the office with him and they give him crayons, sissors, anything he wants or needs to stay busy. They usually even slip him candy when I am not looking. Anyway, try not to get too upset, just think about what it would be like if every parent brought their kids in the back, no one would get anything done. And if they let you bring your child, then why can't Mrs. whoever bring hers? It is just setting a good example.

[ 09-24-2002: Message edited by: laurib ]</p>

I would be very put out, too. However, keeping a good relationship with the Principal is very important. When we got a new Principal her rules were very rigid, until she found out what was a problem, and who she could trust. It has taken over two years for the current Principal to get to the point where she just trusts my judgement on how to handle things.

Also, I have found Principals deal with a lot of 'stuff' that no one else is aware of. At our school, teachers' kids can't stay in the classroom with their Mom before or after school. They have to go to before/after school care. While it shouldn't be a problem for most teacher/parents to have their kids with them, there is one threesome of kids who run rampant throughout the school, checking out state of the art equipment when they are waiting for their mother. So, the rule has to apply to everyone.

I am PTO Pres and my daughter goes to before school care when she arrives early. She loves it. The Principal doesn't charge me and the kids have formed a real bond and learn new games.

I think I would advise you to be patient with your Principal and respect her rules. You may not fully comprehend why they are in place (our rule comes from her Supervisor in the District offices). In time, she may loosen up when she finds out what is not really an issue. In the meantime, stop your work and mention to her you'll have to finish it at another time when the kids are in class. She'll get the picture, and you may earn her respect for honoring her need to set a good example for all volunteers.

Venzmana - nail on the head! A good relationship between PTO and principal/administration is crucial. Is it possible that the principal does not know what the PTO brings to the table? Does she not understand what the fundraising money is earmarked for? How about asking when the two of you can get together for a cup of coffee. Take in your calendar of events and be sure that they are cross referenced on the school calendar. While they may have been agreed upon in the past, with a new principal, communication is key. Better yet - how about an inexpensive calendar that the PTO buys for the principal with all your dates already filled in. Explain how your discretionary funds (if any) are spent and if possible, offer the principal a way to "apply" or request some of those funds for something in the school not provided for in the school or district budget. Communication, communication, communication.

Now for the human/mom factor - it would tick me off to no end if that happened to me! I am just trying to be proactive rather than reactive.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

I think you need to have a nice, calm talk with the principal. An important item you pointed out was that she was new, maybe she doesn't really know what you do or how much time you devote to the school. Because she is new, she is also laying down the law (so to speak) in order to set boundaries in the first months of school. By talking to her you can find out what's going on and then work out a solution. Please remember there are always two sides to a situation and a good working relationship with the administration goes a long way! :cool:

[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: venzmama ]</p>

I don't balme you for being mad! Volunteers work hard, at our school sometimes harder than paid staff!!! You deserve some slack. And I would not want to leave my 2nd grader alone in the lobby.

Tell the principal this is bothering you! HE/She needs to understand that you are a volunteer, not a paid employee, so as long as you are there you son will be too!

I also put in long PTO hours & I drag my 2 year old with me, and it sometimes can be a thankless job !! Good luck! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: chic*mom ]</p>