OK, I'm still way ticked off at the school. However, I hear rumors that the director may be on the way out (of her own accord).

I have roped in other parents into getting together in Jan. to write by-laws. I've done a lot of research on this site & others and have samples pulled down like you wouldn't believe. Also, each parent I've pegged has worked on well run, established PTA/Os.

I'm thinking I'm going to talk to the church pastor and head of school board in private (no written communication either ) to let them know what my problems are. Any other ideas and things do go to the board in writing--a written report and then the minutes (which I usually write, btw).

I vented to a friend of mine, who informed me that most of the teachers and the secretary know what a lying, two-faced person the director is, along with quite a few of the parents. THAT is why no one will help me. :eek: She told me not to take it personally, everyone knows that she isn't giving good information to me and that she is probably putting things in their best light for her at that moment.

We do have evalutions and volunteer sheets in addition to my many pleas, they just don't go anywhere because of the above paragraph.

I will survive. I will be a stronger person. I will not harm anyone. Especially myself. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Just make sure you aren't letting them run you...ragged. ---yes, I've been there and done that.....and survived!

SEE spelling IS everything!!!!!

Okay, let's talk by-laws.

This is a great play to do a search on by-laws from other PTA/Os!! Click on the PTO ARCHIVES and search away! This has been so helpful to me, we recently changed how our money was handled and this was a great resource!

Now, legally you probably can't bake the Boards brownies (wink wink) or just tie them up and MAKE THEM LISTEN to you for hours on end! no But what could work, a peace pipe shoved.....oh sorry, started thinking about my school board!
As of December, you are looking at 6-7 months left. You really need a plan and stick to it. December I'm doing this, January I have this planned, etc. If you have this great! Submit this plan to the Board, copies for everyone and the Director (the director's secretary too!) and stick to it. Can the teachers help with the writing of the by-laws? Look at it as asking for a favor... are you sure they haven't been asked by one of their students' parents about volunteering? Just because they don't attend the meetings doesn't mean they don't want to volunteer.

Just make sure you are letting them run you...ragged. ---yes, I've been there and done that.....and survived!

Wow A&C for a minute there I thought you were talking about Kma's school until I read it was a private school!

If you can't get parents to help out, can you get some teachers to help out? Or can you get a teacher to talk to the director about at least trying 1 family night? If that works out maybe then the director will let you have more.

The thing that seems to get to me the most is the one fundraiser a month. My opinion is it's way too much! I'd just tell the director that it's not going to happen anymore. You can't possibly be expected to run all those fundraisers by yourself and without the help you're cutting back on fundraisers.

As far as family events, can't you turn some of them into fundraisers?

Oh A&C Mom, my heart really goes out to you. Being a one woman band is never an easy thing, made even harder by the carping of others who have no clue of what you're trying to do. Here's my two cents worth, bearing in mind that I'm a co-president of a small Christian school myself.

1. I'll join you on my knees in praying for others to rise up to help you. God grace is sufficient for you! He'll provide help if this is really what He wants you to do.

2. Any chance you can press some of your friends into service?

3. Is there a Moms in Touch chapter at your school? If so, maybe you could ask them to pray for you and for help for you.

4. Does your school ask parents to complete an info sheet or volunteer sheet? If so, there may be some opportunities there to see what people want to help with or are gifted to help with.

Keep your eyes on Him, A&C. He loves you! He will honor your servant's heart.

Wow! Isn't it amazing how you try to these things for the kids and it just keeps getting knocked down? Our school has had some of the same problems although not to the same extent! I feel your frustration and anger! Hopefully someday the "administrators" will understand what we mean when we say kids need to be kids and have some fun sometimes! Not everything needs to be educational ALL the time - that is what the school day is for! Hang in there!