I am the first to admit, I am new to this whole "parent of a student" thing. Gone are the days of knowing everything my son is doing at any given moment of any given day. Now is the time of behaviors unseen, words unheard, and friends unmet and, believe me, I realize these times are here to stay. My son is only 3 years old and I have already lost most of what little control I had over the boy and all his shenanigans.
But I digress. Returning to my original thought, I attended my first PTO meeting the other day. Now, as it was my first, perhaps what I experienced was not the norm. Perhaps I came on a bad night for, let's see, EVERY other parent of a child in the school! Even the teachers couldn't be troubled to show up. (Although I was informed that the teachers are usually the only ones who show) The meeting consisted of the PTO President, Vice President, and myself (who sat on the floor the entire time as we met in the entrance to the school).
Ok, I have to pause here to say: "WHAT?!?"
Again, I know I'm new to this whole scene and some of those not so green in shade are probably not in the least bit surprised at the second paragraph but, again, I'M NEW! :-) Is this the norm in schools these days? I know it's not earth shattering topics being covered in these meetings but come on! I learned that these meetings are to plan fun things for the kids and acts of gratitude by means of free food and small gifts for the teachers. If you ask me, doing things to show our appreciation for all the teachers do (and put up with, quite frankly) is very important. With times as they are these days, teachers all over the state are overworked, underpaid, and some even fear for their jobs on a daily basis. Anyone in that type of working environment deserves a little "pick me up" from time to time. If we (the parents) won't do it, who will? Think about it, mom and dad. These people take care of our children for 3 to 7 hours a day; teaching them, leading them, protecting them and we can't be troubled to buy them some bagels and cream cheese once a month? Please!
Maybe it's because I married a teacher that I take such offense to this meeting's dismal turnout. Not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord above that he works for a private school. (Not that they are problem free, but that's another day, another rant.) However, I don't think it takes the eyes of a teacher's wife to see that something is wrong with this picture. Teachers have sacrificed much for the future of the human race since their inception; don't you think they deserve a few tokens of our gratitude?
Parents, teachers, please tell me this is not the story district after district. PTO and PTA Presidents, mend my viewpoint and tell me the above is unique to my school group. Certainly this isn't the case around the country; right?
Sadly Jessica, this is not unusual in my world. I am the PTA president and each meeting is attended by the officers, usually the principal, maybe one or two of the six teachers(it's a preschool) and none of the other parents who have become PTA members. We are now struggling with our "End of the Year Picnic" as we are not getting the outside donations that usually come in and a very real lack of volunteers.
ReplyDeleteI hear that meetings are "better" attended at my daughter's school(I do our son's school, my wife does our daughter's), but it really seems to be the same folks all the time, no matter what school you go to. I wish more parents would get involved in their children's education.
Wow. Sounds like we could be talking about the same school! Tragic. Thanks for your input, matrok!
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not have any experience with any schools (as I do not have kids yet) I find this to be a very large problem for anything based on volunteerism.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I volunteered for a non-profit organization for just over 2 years, and it was always the same thing. Same people at meetings, participating in fundraisers, spreading the word, et cetera, et cetera. The same thing happens when they need volunteers through my work for community outreach programs.
It is so frustrating!
At Leah's school, I feel like the standard, or what is expected from their child's educators, is low and so that I am the odd ball having to make comments, ask questions, keep accountability, etc. A couple days ago, the class watched Bolt, which is PG, without notifying the parents prior. And the teacher seemed confused as to why I would care - my preschooler watching a movie that I did not approve - what a shocker :/ I feel like I'm "that parent" trying to stay involved in her education without seeming crazy. I am soooo hoping that Leah's next school (either Keller or Norup) will have a high percentage of parent involvement. I think it is a great partnership for the schools to have! That reminds me, I wanted to call the school districts to ask that very question. Thanks for the unintended reminder!
ReplyDeleteWow, the teachers didn't even show up? That's weird. As far as the parental attendance, I wonder if Jeremiah's school has a high percentage of dual income families? They might already feel like their burning the wick at both ends. Not that it's an excuse, just a consideration.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to check out the PTA at wherever Leah goes next year - which reminds me, I have to call and ask what their PTA memberships look like.
That's right! Not even the teachers made it to that meeting. Hopefully they will show up to the next one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting!