I would have to agree with the others. Your job is to work with the prinicpal in any case. I would go back to his office ask him where he thinks the needs are first. Offer having a drug safety assembly most police department do these, having an informational night for the parents, letting them know what is going on what can be done, how to prevent, how to talk to their kids, etc.
There are many ways a PTO can help in these types of situations. Its your job to faciliate and work with the parents and the school board.

All your intentions are there you just probably were thinking as a parent first and when your in the PTO you unforunately can't always think that way.
I think many of us have had to change how we think for the same reasons.


Good Luck

While I think you are right to be very concerned, I also think the Principal was right in suggesting that you overstepped your bounds. I agree with others who said he may have been offended that you " went around" him and emailed parents regarding a school district policy issue.

You can certainly help implement change. But working WITH your Principal as a team member would have been a better choice. The right course would have been to go to him and say " I am concerned, how can the PTA help you facilitate the change? What other programs can we sponsor ?" etc...

My advice would be to apologize to him, and let him know you overstepped your bounds, and then ask him what you CAN do to help.. 'cause in the end.. you both want the same thing.! good luck!

I wrote another segment kind of along the same lines as this called PTO or academic booster club. Our PTO is a " Foo Foo Group " (The presidents own words!) and does not want to do anything that might invade the space of the principle. A couple of the issues that I want to take on is security and tutoring for NCLB students. But the ideas were shot down immediately.
Keep being persistant in what you care about, though. Get the attention of likeminded parents and write the school board. You don't have to have a club on your side to get things done. Also remember there are sometimes different outlets to go through. I don't know what your booster club's by-laws are but ours does not exclude doing issues like this. Someone also mentioned getting together with the school board and having a parent teacher advisory committee. Don't give up and don't let strife in your life. God doesn't want your children to be in harms way he'll provide a way.

have to back the principal on this one, granted probably everyone in your group agrees with you but there is always a chance that they may not all agree 110% with everything that is being said. I have seen things like this divide parent groups, my recommendation is fine your school shared decision making team, usually they are the ones to help the principal change rules, make presentations for the school board etc.
You can state your concerns but be careful representing your group...good luck!

if your school board policy doesnt have a drug free school policy with clear snactions for violations, you need to attend the school board meeting and talk to them about this. they need to have one. go as a parent, not a pta rep. i cant imagine your school board doenst have a drug policy in their manual.

but if in fact the problem is that their IS a policy for drug and sanctions, and the principal is not enforcing it, then you need to talk to his boss, the superintendent.

drugs at elementary school should not be tolerated by any principal, super, school board member, or parent or staff. period. my 02.

around here prinicpals LOVE IT when concerned parents speak up about dangerous situations. they love involved, dedicated parents. principals should not take things personally when they get suggestions, that is the sign of weak leadership. their job is to protect the welfare of the kids and focus on the kids and do whatever necessary to get that job done

good luck

It's right to be involved, concerned and dedicated to your child's safety. So, good for you for being that kind of parent!

The kinds of programs you mention your group funding are important and well within the parent group realm. Character programs are especially beneficial since so many students no longer receive these very basic lessons at home

I can't imagine your fear and frustration to know that drugs and all that comes with them are going on at your child's school. As a parent, you absolutely should be involved in the process that helps turn things around.

However...... I believe that the principal is right about the role of parent groups and his anger over those resources being used to spread your message. You showed a lack of respect for him and the administration by going around him and rallying parents against him. That may not have been your intention but it's certainly how it was perceived. A better approach may be to meet with him and ask what you, other parents and members of the community can do to help him do his job.

Parent groups bring in character programs, D.A.R.E., parent/community education speakers and programs. These are all wonderful programs that can add to and greatly enhance the efforts of the administration. See if you can start over with the principal and work together, under his leadership, to help your kids and your school.