What a laugh! We just completed our Christmas shop. I always ask myself why I do this...mainly because it ends up being ME and a very small, small handful of the old reliables.

This year, two stay at home moms bailed, and one who promised "if we ever need anything" and one stay at home mom who worked one of the FOUR days she volunteered for. So I called in one stay at home mom who helped every day, a working GRANDMA who took VACATION time in the a.m. for three days and her daughter who works second shift came in two days.

On the other hand, I had MANY teachers who appreciated the time spent, the librian who commented that I was SOOO good with the kids, and had a BALL helping the kids shop for their parents! So, I remember why I do this!

yeah...like in that crazy Walgreens commercial....

I think this is just one of those years you'll have to ride throught the storm and resolve that things can only get better.

Remember, it's not hard to regroup and rebuild as it is to fight an issue out. In fighting someone has to comeout right and here we just want to "be okay as one".

Well I had a cool post typed out and them my 2yr old unplugged the laptop POOF all gone!!!!


Its not an easy balancing act

Just look at some of the Boards that are full of egos, disfunction, corruption, etc (and they get PAID, have advisors, lawyers, and are so- called experts in their fields- ie Enron, Blue Cross/Shield, Disney, HP, our Congress (similar setup))

For being an all volunteer organization (be it PTA, PTO or Booster type) with (usually) no formal training, experience, knowledge, materials- Its an uphill battle from day one
to find ways to get everyone invovled (chilcare, projects people interested in, will support, want)

The ultimate objective is set mission, vision goals (measurable and dreams) then figure out the parents wnat/ needs, etc to better and futher your and their childrens education

Communicate and Listen (not sell PTA/PTO) are the 2 best ways to figure that out IMHO


NOW go out and WIN ONE for the GIPPER!!!!!!!!

[ 12-07-2006, 05:37 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

Sometimes folks get polarized on an issue and the need to "win" overrides the obligation to do the right thing. Sometimes the wrong thing is said and instead of an apology being extended, a person may resolutely stick to their guns, only to make matters worse.

Perhaps it is over the top to drag in the principal or superintendent at this time but some sort of third party mediator may help folks on all sides of this issue work toward a positive resolution. And based on riverdancer's original post, the principal is already involved if he's posting announcements in the school's newsletter:

The problems have escalated to the point that the principal had to put a note in the newsletter that everyone should get along and do their part. How embarrassing! Any advice on how to bridge the divide between the stay-at-home moms and the working moms, before an all-out war erupts?

In light of the original post, what can be done to bridge the divide? It's a common issue for many parent groups, be it SAH vs Working Moms, Moms vs Dads, Parents vs Teachers, etc.

Perhaps a Volunteer Involvement committee can be established with subcommittees assigned to each segment. These subcommittees would be charged with the responsibility of finding out why their particular subset isn't involved and work on creating volunteer opportunites for them.

Precisely the point, that WOULD be over the top -- I wasnt implieing district involvemtn at all (thats NOT their thing, education IS) but rather sometimes an 'outside authority figure' such as the principals, who happens to also run the school and allow the group to work there (therby the 'authority' and hopefully well respected and inputs respected) who sits down to talk down to earth, with the people haveing issues they cant resolve among themselves, who need to get together and learn to work togehter, is all it takes, you konw, a nice friendly coffee and chat about , how can we (you all) all work together?

of course, thats only if all else fails, and hopefully adults can work out ther matters without haveing to aks for outside intervention but it sounds like if they are talking 'avoiding a war' then it might be good to get the head person to help them bridge the divide, for the good of the school community spirit.

Originally posted by <yes>:
it is not neccessarily true that " the Principal can't help you out".... the principal (or sometimes the district office) is who gives permission to the parent group to do ANYTHING on school grounds. doesnt matter if parent group is independent or not, the principal and or super have ULTIMATE power and say in what goes on , on the grounds, and do have sway in that regard.

I think that is a little too much right now. These are just ladies that need to learn to play better with others and unless there is some real trouble going on I honestly don't think the district will step in.
Experience here with this issue....lots!