PTO is also toxic in large doses.

Our group would find a way to run a full catalog fund raiser if we could not come up with an alternative. We just could not use the school. I think we could pull it off -- hold a kickoff 'carnival' (free) and then a collection event outside of school. We could do a phone tree to get the word out that we have the sale going on.

The reason we like ours is that it makes a lot of money early in the year so we can charge less for our other things. We'll make over $20K on the catalog sale. Our other events might make $15K total.

I know that our principal would rather have the extra $10K donated to the school than put up with a policy that makes little sense.

google search: your state + wellness policy and you may find a letter to the superintendents of your state. i found some for many states, most are dated in 2005. why didnt admins inform parents sooner than the start of this school yr, when the law took effect june 1 2006? ask them!
parents were supposed to be among the invited to be on the committee writing up the policy.

beignets&coffee: if you find the link I'd love to see it. Thanks so much!

I do agree that some parents would much rather give a donation than have to buy something. I've tried very hard to find companies that I feel will fit with the lifestyles of the parents in our school or fulfill a need they have (wrapping paper for the holidays). I've been on the receiving end of unhappy parents. Just last year a mom sent a really nasty note full of curse words on the Entertainment Book envelope that pretty much told me where I could stick my book in about 100 words.

I wish that when all of the changes were beginning someone had told the PTO what was going on. I'd be much better prepared this year and not scrambling like I am. I signed contracts with the Entertainment group last Nov. for this fall. That is the only reason that I can use them as a fund raiser this year. Aaahhhhhhh!

BOO! how bout this: with OK from your principal, you write up your case, attach the wellness policy, send it out to parents, with the end thought: hey moms and dads, since our fundraisers are being pinched by this new rule at our school, we would like to suggest all parents donate $$$ to make up for lost fundraiser revenue this year. and see what ya get. sort of a mini-opt out.

what better way to raise awareness of ALL parents to the new policy,at same time make them aware how much harder your job at raising $$$ for the kids has become and you might just get (either enough donations to cover lost revenue and then your fundraising problem is solved OR) at very least tons more support from parents -
admin probably wont listen to one voice, they might listen to a larger group of parents - you can go to BOE meetings this year and emphasize the fundraising matter if you think you have a case to argue, and get the policy amended for next yr -- note the govt did NOT impose the fundraising rule, your BOE did.

I said the rhetoric was in line with not that you were.... all thought with no backup or proof... If you thought that I am trully sorry... I know lots that agree with you but cross the line have no proof to back up their claims or go even further by trashing hummers, putting their inflatable raft in front of Navy warships, shoot Dr that perform abortions, burn genetically engineered crops, ... my whole point was -- Show us some proof of your rheteric and beliefs... Pun on Jerry Maguire Show me the info or proof I cut and pasted what I beleive and have learned, moderation... --why type and waste time if I can cut and paste you have shown us nothing... to make us even contemplate your point of view (in 2006 and education -- no thought is original -- its all a reinvention or rehash -- why reinvent the wheel)

my point was there is a law that covers school hours --before and after is a parents responsibility not anyone elses -- Mine, yours or the governemnts -- if there is a law parents have right to be info before, duing and after the process ... and from what I've read very few have... "Here ya go new LAW and policy" Fat content is a proven scientific fact IT CAN cause obesity... but in moderation it is healthy for normal growth --there is no law against all toxins because there IS NO proven scientific fact only suggestion, conjecture and it might... yes in large doses fat and toxins can kill you but their IS scientific fact that in moderation fat, carbs, chloesteral, so called 'comfort foods' and 'toxins'- ie Sodium Nitrite, Beer, Whiskey, even Dope (although I dont quite agree with that for every med purpose and dont smoke (cigarettes yes- but thats my choice- no one elses) make for a healthy body and even have medicinal purposes.

The points are what do we do when the 'Food- Getsapo' Lawmakers overstep their bounds?

What do we do when it effects how we raise $$$ (and no PTA/PTO member profits -- from so called crap food fundraising or any fundrasing for that matter-- its illegal)

How do we comply with the law and make sure it doesnt infringe on our freedom of choice?

Communication goes both ways and so far its only going up to Admin from Parents not down from Admin to Parent like it should

Most of us beleive toxins (pesticides need 2 be regulated) but I also beleive lots not all increase plant production and harvest (Its also scientifically proven and proven since my family owns farms and dairy's in Indy) with little harm if used IN moderation

As a CA resident I to am glad Gov Swartnegger has not gon eto the extreme but some schools have (ie No donuts and Dad, Muffins wth Mom unless they finish a half hour before school or start half hour after school) -- in 30 min they're going to be (ie pun on Lucky charms) and become Magically Healthylicious??? So one or two donuts is gonna cut 30 yrs off my childs life?

Remember in America Majority rules but recently the minority has ruled and Democracy is not being adhered too. Our unaleinable right are the pusuit of life, liberty and happines -- ie. freedom to practice religion not from religion, freedom to eat a healthy diet the way we choose not how someone else choses for us, freedom to raise our children the way we see fit not the way someone else see fit.

Moderation is the key
Unknown Dr.

[ 09-03-2006, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Hello all -

The original question and topic are important for parent group leaders. Let's keep it on topic.

Thanks,

Tim