In our county in GA it would be appropriate to contact the principal first then if he/she is unsure, go to the district not the Board & check with the superintendant of Schools you could even send an email. I would first make sure the district put up funds for 6-12 & ask if there are funds for technology for k-5 in the budget. We have found in our county there is a certain chain of command to follow beginning with the principal. We are also learning how to teach old rednecks new tricks
Who told you you were overstepping your bounds?
The PTO's in our county get together with people from the district office when there is support needed at a board meeting. We are very instrumental in getting the word out to the community about important issues.
Our PTO Pres. would say agree with whoever said you were overstepping. Too bad for her she's a sour puss! Out of 7 board members 4 agree it is our job to get the CORRECT info. to the parents act as advocates for whatever our kids need in the schools & stop rumors.
Thank You for your responses!!! My main concern was our need for technology, not advocating for our teachers. We have been asked to help fund technology but are not getting any cooperation in finding out why there is no help from the district. I think if we are being asked for funds we should be able to ask why the district has given funds to 6-12 and not any to k-5. To me it is being responsable with money people have trusted us to use wisely. That is where I was told we were over-stepping our bounds. would appreciate more responses.
Parents need information, and the PTO is a great resource. Use email to send out information (meeting dates, key persons to ask questions, etc.). But, the PTO is not in a position to support a specific issue, candidate, etc.
As a PTO, we ARE supporting our teachers by providing funds, volunteers, etc. As a parent, we have the right and opportunity to stay involved in our community's issues, but "never the two shall meet." In other words, these are apples and oranges.
As far as state testing on the computer, give TESA a chance. Our schools have been pleasantly surprised how well the kids adjusted to this new type of testing. But, you can use the TESA mandate to rally the troops for a computer lab. It makes the lab more necessary! How else are you going to take the tests?
When there are issues at our school regarding teachers or district changes or anything political, an e-mail is sent out to the entire school community and told where and when the school board meeting will be and what issues will be addressed and how it will affect our children. Then as parents whoever wants to can go and support the cause. Some of our politically involved parents will give details of school board members and what their stance on certain issues are. I believe that if someone goes as an interested parent not representing PTO than that is ok. You can't be expected to fight certain battles. I would suggest you educate your parents about upcoming issues and then let them decide to take a stand or not. I would fight to the end for my teachers but not because of PTO because I am a very interested parent. Also when in doubt, talk to your principal. They can usually feel out events and tell you if it is even worth your time showing up.
It's one thing to advocate for technology for your school because that is an expense that may fall on your group, but I do not see how getting involved in teachers' contracts has anything to do with your group but you should refer to your bylaws to tell you what the purpose of your group is. I will tell you that several groups have made news lately by taking political stances, which teacher contracts essentially are, and ended up getting their group shut down, so be careful where you step.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
I am looking for any info on pto involvement.
We are wanting to advocate for technology for our school, in which the hs & middle schools both have computer labs. We also want to show support at a school board meeting for our teachers in thier up coming contract nego. I was told we are over stepping our bounds! also was told our job is to be told what the schools needs are and provide it..... I thought advocating the needs for our kids and teachers was what we are there for. Our kids are going to online state testing(tesa) and most of them have had little to no computer time let alone be familar with online testing.(think their scores will go down????)any help is appeciated.
