Like the others, assuming it's not threatening or an on-going issue, I'd blow it off. But things like that are hard to shake.
If you are comfortable doing this and have the support, I'd encourage others in your group to send the president POSITIVE letters or cards to dilute the effect of that attack.
Either way, she's going to remember receiving that nasty correspondence. But it would be much nicer if she also has the experience of receiving a handful of supporting, complimentary missives.
Was it signed? It may just be me, but I'd read it at the next meeting along with all the Thank You notes (our secretary reads aloud all the Thank You notes each month at the meetings). But that's just me...
Were there any threats made toward her in this letter? If so, it needs to be taken to the police. If it was just an insulting, mean spirited correspondence, I would just ignore it. Why give this horrible person any credibilty by responding? Remember, this is one person(and a sick and childish one at that) who is using a cowardly means of voicing their twisted ideas and opinions. Tell her to throw it away(or have someone else save it for her if she thinks it is threatening in any way) and then move on. Make sure that you tell her how much you respect and appreciate her hard work and encourage anyone else you can to support her too.
It always amazes me how cruel some people can be. I've experienced it and it hurts terribly and makes you question everything you've done. But for every one negative person, there are usually 10 really great and supportive ones.
Give your President a hug and tell her to forget this person. They aren't worth her valuable time!
Need some feedback asap. Our PTO president recently received a poison pen letter disguised as a Christmas card. It was cruel, twisted, cowardly, insulting and very, very upsetting. It belittled her due to her physical stature.
Brief history: This woman has been nothing but fair and above board in all her dealings with parents, staff etc. She almost singlehandedly brought the PTO back from the ashes and chaired our most successful spring auction last year ($18K was netted).
Have any of you kind people ever experienced this? If so, how was it handled? Did you blow it off? or Did you take it to the next level...principal, superintendent, board of ed, other PTO presidents? Have you ever heard of a president resigning due to harrassment of this nature? Were you able to stop that from occuring?
Lots of questions...need feedback.
