FM-tx I think you make a great point with the communication issue. In previous years our old board never listed how much things (i.e. Class trips, assemblies, etc.) cost. It was the best kept secrect in town (and I am not sure why). Other people on the board wanted it disclosed, but the Prez was against it. Now the new board is making all that information readily available.
I think it is important that people know what things cost! It solidifies your need to fundraise.
Back to the original post....I would not have classes not benefiting from the fundraiser be part of it. There not getting anything from it so there is no point is expecting their parents to sell it. However, I see nothing wrong with mentioning you are selling this or that (whatever the item is) if anyone is interested. Some people just like certain things and then an interested person can place an order.
At our school we have 2 major fundraisers and 1 small fundraiser per year. All of our fundraisers go out on one color paper and all of our programs/family nights go out on another color paper. We tell of all our fundraisers in our newsletters so that everyone knows when & why we're doing this. In every newsletter that goes out our principal thanks the PTA for whatever purchases we've made for the school, whatever field trips we've funded & whatever programs/assemblies we've provided. We have a very supportive principal & staff.
Just because you send a fundraiser out, it doesn't mean that the parents have to participate(unless you're holding a gun to their heads). That's the beauty of having a variety of different fundraisers, you pick and choose what you want to participate in!
Let's face it who doesn't enjoy going out to dinner! If it means making some money for the school, so it's a Chuck-E-Cheese night instead of Burger King. Thats a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned.
Your Principal needs to come off her high horse and face the facts, your parents want change. Hopefully she and Mr. No-personality (your vice) don't get tenure!
I have a different post open, researching out this and a few other unknown's about fundraisers. I think that yes, <strictly from a parent’s point of view> that fundraisers can become intrusive. But my research is starting to turn up some interesting things. For starters many parents are not "aware" of how these funds make a difference. They <feel like> think that their property tax should cover all, but we know it doesn't. I think perhaps generally speaking that the problem is not with the fund raising topics, but with the "marketing communications" of it. For instance, if a parent were to receive an email or a letter or a post on a website stating that the following programs require funding this year are : XYZ and that XYZ will benefit the children/school (explain how it will), that the need to fund through FUNDRAISERS will help cover that expense. By providing an ongoing but NON-Intrusive (i.e. no bleeding heart were going broke letters) communication about the progress but rather an UPBEAT and FACTUAL letter, the parents can be kept apprised of the progress. This would help parents who are bogged down in their lives, their problems, their jobs,etc.etc., to realize that these programs are important. My research is starting to turn up more interesting things such as, the same programs are brought out year after year. I mean, how many Passbooks can you really use? Please understand my statements are not meant to belittle or discourage any program, but I’m simply sharing what I’m finding out about them. I hope this helps. – Thank you. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
posted 10-17-2004 09:04 AM
I know some schools have only one or two. This is just NOT possible at our school--there are too many groups who need to raise funds.
My question deals with:
If you are a K-8 should the lower grades (K-5) be given things from the upper grades, like the 8th Grade Dance fundraising forms that go the kids in the 8th grade?
We are a K3-8th grade private school so I'll try to answer your questions, as best I can. I don't know why 8th grade dance forms need to go to kids in younger grades. We don't "divide" our grades as far as fundraisers go i.e.: lower school doesn't raise money for something that will only benefit the lower school.
We have a weekly newsletter and put reminders in it each week. Just gentle reminders i.e.: Greenery Sale ends October 31; turn your orders in today. OUr headmaster doesn't care..
We have no catalogue sales and I don't think there's anything wrong with having those restaurant nights. I tell people IT'S TOTALLY OPTIONAL!! No one is requiring you to participate!
I would stress to your principal that most of your fundraisers are optional and people may pick and choose which ones they participate in. Let me think about ours:
we do one HUGE gala auction, dance. This is our biggie. We have a Christmas Greenery Sale. We sell ice cream/popsicles every day to the children after lunch, Boxtops, occasionally a restaurant night, we sell Lunchables to kids who forget their lunch, we sell concessions at basketball games to benefit the athletic department, Cartridges for Kids, Kroger cards. We don't do magazines or catalogue sales.
I know some schools have only one or two. This is just NOT possible at our school--there are too many groups who need to raise funds.
My question deals with:
If you are a K-8 should the lower grades (K-5) be given things from the upper grades, like the 8th Grade Dance fundraising forms that go the kids in the 8th grade?
In the same vein, should the lower grades ask for help from the upper grades?
Reminder notices (especially if you're seeing participation is a little slow)--OK to send??
Let's say you have no catalogue sales, but would like to have more events like the ones at family restaurants? Can there be "too many" of these?
I'm curious to see how other schools handle the whole fundraising issue. I've talked to another parent group in our school district, and they seem to have no problems, either from their Administration and faculty and their parents, and they do more than us. Our complaints appear to be the small but vocal who seem to be overpowering our principal.
