Are you involved with your school's PTA or PTO?

Question

Our school has a PTO (parent teacher organization). In the past I have gone to the meetings and volunteered to chair or help with many events. I stopped going to the meetings and stuff because it seemed like I was always getting roped into doing everything. I sometimes feel guilty because I don't go to the meetings and stuff anymore and I was thinking about starting to go again this year but I know not many people go and I'll end up doing a ton of stuff.

Are you involved and do a lot of other parents help? I volunteer a lot in the classroom and go on field trips and stuff but the whole PTO thing gets to be a bit much for me and I'm not sure if I will go to the first meeting of this year tomorrow night. How about you?

Answer 1

I don't because I get those fake pitty smiles because I'm "poor divorced mother" when I visit the school. And when I go to meetings or x-mas programs people stare at me because i'm there alone. I sit by myself and they look at me like I'm some diseased woman. wtf???

Answer 2

I do not help with the PTA. In my community I am usually shunned by many moms. I have heard nasty comments about my income, my ADHD child and my child with epilepsy. Which is fairly funny because Im ALWAYS called when they need donations for event rewards or Christmas baskets and toys for the kids in need. So instead of the PTA I volunteer time within the classroom with the kids or at home copying and cutting for the teachers. This year i donated backpacks and supplies for 10 families to return to school. I think as long as you have an active role in your school community it doesn't matter if its by money, chaperoning, helping a teacher or being president of the PTA. When your child is 40 are you going to be proud of being on the PTA more than the time you contributed to the classroom? I wont be.

Answer 3

I tried that too, I realized then that I was an employee without a salary. In my personal opinion, you don't have to be a PTA mom to be a great mom.

I would rather be at home waiting for my kids to have a warm meal on the table. Children act differently when they find the house clean and mommy waiting for them.

Answer 4

I am very involved, for the same reasons you were - I wanted to be involved, for my children to have memories of my involvement -and- so that I could be a part of their lives once they moved on to school - but, had to/have to be over-involved because there aren't enough people willing to help.  And, I'm sure, most of them are afraid to help - think they can't do it, or they see us 'regulars' & think we either do way too much (and they know they don't have time for that) -or- think that we've got it covered -or- are shy to join in, thinking that we're a closed set of some kind.  

Join in again - help relieve some of the strain on the people who are there doing it for all of the kids every day - but, put a limit on it - say 'one committee & that's all'.  We would be so very happy to have a parent come in & take just one event off of our hands.  

If everyone drops out, then there will be no one doing anything for the kids at all.  

Answer 5

I think it is important to be involved.  But just prepared to say NO if you can't take anything else on.  Maybe talk to your children's teachers and see if you can volunteer in their classrooms.

Answer 6

I am very active in our school's PTO.  You have to learn to say NO.  Its true and sad but just a handful of parents, usually the same ones all the time, participate.   I love being able to contribute to making our school a better place for my child, the students, the teachers.  I have watched the PTO president though....Man does she have to put up with alot.  Some people wont help but they sure want to tell you how to do everything...some complain no matter what you do.....I just think you should drop notes and praise to your PTO pres she needs it.  She hears about what is going wrong....but often doesnt hear all the positives.  

What if all parents felt like you just described?  That is what I tell myself when I feel overwhelmed.  Some women are hard to get along with...but it pays off....you get to know the teachers and whats going on in your school.   You will know what teacher is best for your student and if you are at the school helping the teachers are going to work hard to help your child.  

The pluses far out way the minuses.  

Just say no to what you cant do....or ask for helpers.  If your in charge you dont have to take orders!  you can be creative!  

Good luck, and I think you will have a great year in the PTO.   It really helps your student!  Our schools are very political places!