PTA - WTH?!?

Pour your heart out

From Shell:

Just a brief reminder that everyone linking
is pouring their hearts out
and we should all be respectful in our comments. ;)




I used to be one of those people who steered clear of the PTA. I couldn't go to meetings when GG was in Kindergarten because I was working at the time. I also saw that as a bonus because I couldn't get sucked into volunteering for something. Once I decided to stay home with the kids, I thought it would be a good idea to actually go to a meeting or 2. I ended up being in charge of decorating 2 bulletin boards in the school, but that was it. There was no way someone was going to talk me into taking on a huge role and be in charge of something big, like Family Bingo. That event takes an army to run anyway!

After I started going to meetings on a regular basis and got to know some of the members a little better, I realized that our PTA rocks. Really, I don't think the school would run as smoothly as it does without them. I started getting more involved and helping in more areas. This year it's time for elections. All 4 of the board members have served their 2 year term. Some of them are actually leaving the school because their youngest is moving up to the middle school. I considered running for a position. I knew for a fact that I did not want to be President. The woman who does it now does a fabulous job and it's a lot to live up to. But more important, I think that you should have to serve as another member, such as Secretary, before you can run for President. Kind of like working your way up the corporate ladder. Unfortunately that's not how it works. You only have to be an active member for 12 months to be eligible to run for office.

While I was debating this over in my head, one of the members approached me and asked if I would be interested in running for Secretary of Treasurer. A friend of mine said she would throw her name out there for Secretary, so I went for Treasurer. Yesterday I got the phone call asking if I would officially accept the nomination for that position. I said yes.

Yes, I'm nervous, but I'm also excited. I love being involved in the school. Even more so now since we are getting ready to send Little Dude to Kindergarten in the fall. I know that there is one other person running for the same position so it's not a guarantee that I will be voted in. Even if I'm not, I will still go to meetings and I will still volunteer where needed.

My issue with this is others who seem to have a problem with this. If I didn't want to go for this position, then I would have declined the nomination. I know I joke about this on my blog. I do that IRL, too. But that's because I'm nervous. This is a new thing for me. So telling me that the Treasurer is the worst position and saying other things that make me feel that I'm getting in over my head do not help. I am excited over this. Regardless of personal opinions, why can't people just say good luck? You can tell me about your personal experience, but really,that doesn't always help either. Any negative comments or stories aren't very encouraging. A simple "Good luck" or nothing at all if you have nothing positive to say will suffice.

I know this has nothing to do with who I am as a person. I don't doubt myself and I don't think others do either. What is it about the PTA that people don't like?


And while I'm hear pouring my heart out, I might as well mention that Teacher Appreciation week this year absolutely sucks! We've all had that one teacher that we just didn't like. But in general, I think it takes a special person to be a teacher. Teachers need to be thanked ALL year, not just during one specific week. In this case, I am referring to my daughter's teacher. I started to feel guilty about not doing anything for her this week. I have a feeling not too many other parents are either, and that only intensifies the guilt. But then I have to remind myself of things that she has said to parents of her class. Saying things like "this class is a bunch of underachievers" does not grant you any type of appreciation. At least not in my book.


Until next time...
.

13 comments:

MommyLovesStilettos said...

That teacher sounds AWFUL!!

Good luck on the nomination! :)

Oka said...

I personally have not dedicate as much time as I'd like for our PTO. I just haven't been able to justify the money I would have to pay for a babysitter.

I do admire the members of my PTO and can only imagine how much stress they go through to do such awesome things. In the same breath, I know that a job well done in any position must feel rewarding.

Most people who make stupid comments about that stuff are people who have never really taken time to see what a PTA/PTO really can accomplish for their school. They take for granted all that has been provided for their child(ren) at school and think that those things happen all on their own. They are blind because they choose to be blind.

Brush their comments right from your mind. Remember you once were one of those people that steered clear, but you were a great enough person to take the time to allow them to change your mind.

Good luck with the nomination.

Kmama said...

I think you are doing a great thing by getting involved in the PTA. Tell the naysayers to take a hike!!

I can understand the guilt your feeling about GG's teacher, but you're right, that's a terrible thing for her to say.

Shell said...

I have to admit that I am a little scared of the PTA. Because it was very clique-y in the schools were I worked. And I know it's hard work. But, that said, when I was a teacher, I was SO appreciative of all that they did. And so, I plan on getting involved and helping. Because it's a fantastic way to support the teachers.

I think it's awesome that you are getting involved and I'm sorry that you heard comments like that.

As for her teacher- it has to be hard some years. If you are really feeling guilty, you could always send in a simple thank you card that just says "Thank you for helping to get my daughter ready for 3rd(am I right?) grade!" Even just a little gesture...and then you aren't really ging overboard or trying to pretend like she was fantastic.

Thanks for linking up.

Joy Taylor said...

I don't like people in person so I could never do the PTA. So more power to ya. I tend to only be social online. So if they had an online PTA I am all game! lol! It's your life so be happy. Who cares what others think!

Anonymous said...

good luck on your nomination...you will rock that pto ;)

Adoption of Jane said...

GOOD LUCK!!! I think what steers a lot of moms away is the whole clique thiny of the PTA. I know thats true in my neighborhorhood. It's like going back to school and not fitting in all over again. But then again I live on the border of Orange County so going grocery shopping can even require running into a clique

Kristin said...

A teacher who says that about her students, especially elementary school students, does NOT deserve any appreciation.

Good luck getting the Treasurer position.

Jenny said...

That is great that you are nominated! I can't wait tell my son is in school so that I could be a part of it as well.
I really do think that you make such a difference in the school!

One Photo said...

If you enjoy being part of the PTA then you should go for the position of Treasurer - good luck, I hope you get it. As for the nay sayers I totally agree, if it's not their back of tricks then just say nothing. I can't believe why anyone would want to say anything negative to you about what you are doing. So don't be put off, you go for it!

Tammy said...

I understand your feelings about the PTA. I am really involved in the classrooms so have opted out of the PTA. We are in an alternative program where we have meetings and spend 40+ hours a year in the classroom. I feel that is enough! Good for you running for treasurer...not sure why people say things like that either. You wouldn't run if you didn't want to! Good luck! ...and have fun!

Unknown said...

At my school our PTA is mostly ran by teachers because our parents are not involved. We have 4 parents who have been stong supporters but they are the same 4 parents who always do those things. It's hard to try to recruit parents and it seems like the staff is always asked to do things or to join, or to run the family activities. I don't have a very positive outlook on PTA in general.

Queenie Jeannie said...

I think the PTA is one of those things that if you've had a positive experience with then you love and if you haven't, you hate.

I was looking forward to being VERY involved here when we first moved here. To put it bluntly, I was told I wasn't the right color and that my help wasn't needed. No, they didn't SAY that, but the message was read loud and clear. NO ONE HERE in the PTA is white. None! And that's the way they want it.

So no, I don't support it and not one penny goes towards any of their functions or fundraisers, even if it benefits all the kids.

I can't wait to move out of this racist, racist state!!!!!

Anyway, like I said, it all depends on your experience. It sounds like you have had a wonderful experience and I'm so glad!! Bravo to you for stepping up and helping out and GOOD LUCK on your nomination! I know you will make a big impact - so you go girl!!