There have been many responses to this very interesting debate but I would like to add one more. Our school made the decision to become a PTO 2 years ago and it has been the best thing that we have ever done especially after dealing with the PTA. They tried to scare us with the government, threaten to come and take things away from the children and when that failed they tried to force us to stay in their organization. It has been a truly enlightening experience. Has anyone asked themselves WHY so many schools are changing to PTO,PA, Home Schools or whatever? It's really simple, with all the major budget cuts our children deserve more. Our hard earned money should stay in our school not go to Washington. While it's true that some things do deserve to be addressed in Washington about the children - it should be done on your own time.Meanwhile, our children are doing without so many basic things. The membership money now stays in our building and is put to good use. I personally know that withdrawing from the PTA WAS THE BEST THING we have ever done!
I have read this topic about three times. I must say, alot of energy has been put into the replies here. I am the president of our schools' parent/teacher group. All the PTO knocking is deplorable. I am almost ashamed right now, and a little sad.
Whenthe PTA, a non political, non profit organization elects to enter the campain of the democratic presidential candidate I believe they have lost the right to say they speak for all children. Before you all decide to paint all PTO's with the same broad brush I believe you need to clean your own closet.
[This message has been edited by gifford (edited 09-06-2000).]
[This message has been edited by gifford (edited 09-06-2000).]
I can't believe I just sat here and wasted 20 minutes of my time reading "we're better than you are - nah, nah, na, nah, nah" posts. I'm the President of a parent/teacher group - I'm not saying whether it's PTO or PTA. Aren't we just all here to help the children have a positive educational experience? For crying out loud, give it up and spend a little time on what's important - the kids!
I am a PTO officer. I agree with Kaylee who states that we are not in competition with PTA's! It seems, based on the prior posts, that PTA's believe they are competing with PTO's for some reason. Why does one have to be better than the other? We are all working hard for the benefit of children. I think it is up to the organization to decide whether they want to be a PTO or a PTA and where they want their focus to be: local, national, or both. I want to say also that I am subscriber to PTOToday and I love it! Thanks for all of the great articles that are so applicable to what is going on today in our PTO!
