This is my 2nd year on the PTO. We have the same problem. The teachers only come when they want us to purchase something. We are starting a comittee to try and get new members. I have sent a letter asking a couple teachers to volunteer to set on this comittee. We will have to wait and see. Our principal has talked to them about attending and he gets no response. He even told them that he was going to change the name to Parent Principal Organization. This is the last year for our current principal and they have hired another principal. Hopefully the rumor about the new principal is true. He tells his teachers how many PTO meetings they have to attend in a school year.
I find this topic so depressing. While it's comforting to know others understand what you're going through, it's sad to think that this sort of problem is so prevelant. Especially since participation is a win-win all around--you'd think people would put forth just a little efort. My group isn't the "recognized" PTO/PTA group in our school, so at least I don't have the pain of handing out money AND not getting any sort of response. That would make me mental!
It saddens me to see that other PTO groups have the same problems as ours. We all, (haha, the few of us who participate) feel taken for granted and unappreciated. I thought this was a result of our small town, but now realize that many PTO organizations feel the same way we do. To all of you hard working volunteers, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
We also have the same problems with staff. We have 1 teacher that comes
to most meetings and a couple that volunteer for most events. We hear every excuse imaginable. Last week I sent a letter to all staff members letting them know we needed their help and input or we would not have money at the end of the year to donate like we have in the past. It explained without their support we can't raise funds. We asked them to include our fundraisers and meeting nights in thier notes they send home weekly with their students. so far we have received a few replies and the teacher that regularly attends sent a ver nice note urging parent participation in our fundraisers.
TO: Staff
From: PTO Board
Date: January 29, 2005
RE: Mid-year update and staff request revision
The Parent Teacher Organization has coordinated many events for the year thus far;
BOARD MEETINGS/WORKSHOPS
(dates listed here)
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
(dates listed here)
FOR THE PARENTS
First Day Parent Welcome
PTO Information Packet Distribution
Holiday Bazaar
Dessert for Read and Feed
FOR THE STUDENTS
Holiday Bazaar
Slidewaters Fifth Avenue Theater
Children’s Gingerbread Shop
Missoula Children's Theater Play
Children's Art Sho (in progress)
ORGANIZED FUNDRAISIERS
Martin's Market 1% program
Food Pavilion Points
Verizon Long Distance
Cartridges for Kids - ink cartridge recycling
Rest Area donations
Masterpiece Cookie Dough Sale
Pizza Coupon Sales
FOR THE STAFF
Yearly staff grants
Monthly Staff appreciation
Staff Request Program
The Parent Teacher Organization is very proud of all that has been accomplished.
The PTO has received comments from concerned parents regarding the lack of visible support from our school staff and whether staff is invited to attend PTO sponsored events and meetings. Our answer is a resounding YES! In recent years the PTO has worked hard to increase the support of staff, through yearly grants and monthly gifts as well as considering staff and school needs for assemblies and events. We had hoped these gestures would encourage staff members to increase involvement with the PTO. It is your participation and encouragement of your class parents we need most. After a thorough evaluation, we have come to realize our efforts have not been successful.
During a recent PTO workshop, the Board reached a consensus to improve staff, parent and student participation by changing our meeting structure and updating the policy regarding staff requests.
Meeting Structure Change - The Parent Teacher Organization has conducted its three general membership meetings this year as required by the bylaws. This accomplished, May 11th will be the last regularly scheduled meeting of the 2005 school year. In lieu of additional membership meetings, the PTO will hold monthly Family Events to support the bond between parents and students. The PTO welcomes staff to each and every event to create and strengthen the bond between staff ~ students and parents. The PTO appreciates those teachers who have attended our recent meetings and events. We hope this change in meeting structure will create an atmosphere of community for the PTO.
Staff Request Policy Change - Staff requests will be considered at the May 11th meeting. Staff members wishing to acquire funds must complete the staff request form (see revised form attached), return it to the PTO box – NO LATER THAN APRIL 27th and attend the PTO membership meeting in May to present your request. If the request is approved by the membership, you will be required to report on the effect those funds had on students at the September 2005 PTO membership meeting.
** Please note – staff grants awarded in September 2004, are not affected by this change **
Thank you for your cooperation, both present and future.
I'm loving all the response here! I am thinking of a couple of good ideas I've heard so far - make teachers report on where approved money was spent. But that would only get a few teachers and no other staff members. Another idea - we have budgeted $5,000/year for staff requests, we could take the remainder of the money and leave it all up to the principal to distribute those funds.
Our treasurer doesn't like that idea because he says it is just giving the principal too much power and not accomplishing the goal of getting the staff members to attend. I feel a relief every time I think of it. However, I am aware it is the easy way out.
What about drafing a letter stating that the policy is changed and if you want you funds you have to give a report to the membership on how those funds will be spent and speak about the program they support.IN PERSON) no matter how large or small the amount as well as come back AFTER the event (if it is an event) and report on the progress.
It seems as if it would work but we're still not changing their ideas about what it means to be a p"T"o! They still wouldn't be coming because they want to be there . . . but then again I don't know that we CAN change that attitude!
