We have a school planning meeting that is open to all. This is where most parents get the best info first hand at our school. Our admin is really good about sending out new rules or restrictions as soon as they are put into place. Communication is key and a lot of schools have trouble making it happen within their staff, let alone with parents, it's something that has to always be in the back of your mind.
As for having parents check in, our policy is similar to yours, but we only have one door that can be accessed from the outside and it leads directly to our office. There is no getting around those ladies, you sign in or you stay out.
We try not to keep parents from being involved, especially on special days. If they got too chaotic, we would probably be required to change how the events are handled. I can understand being asked not to bring my younger child to school. Lot of schools have similar policies. I think it's all in the way the idea (or change) is presented to parents.
I believe the old saying goes "Time heals all wounds." And that may be all you can do about the current situation.
One other suggestion, our principal sends out a letter reminding all families about procedures for events prior to the event and reminding them to follow these for their children's saftey and to ensure that these events will continue to take place. You may need to do this a few times to make sure parents get the hang of the new rules.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Last year the administration enacted a school policy to allow only students, teachers and room coordinators attend the 2 parties. In the past the RC were allowed to bring their younger children, but because of space constraints, and problems with those other children this policy was put into place. Unfortunately the information was first presented by the PTO RC chairpersons at the RC meeting and PTO took the heat for this. The administration sent out a letter accepting responsibility for this, but again this year it is still an issue. The main problem has been lack of communication between the administration, teachers and parents. We are currently working to resolve this problem once and for all. The school also has a policy where every visitor needs to check in and receive a visitors sticker, but on halloween it is so chaotic that they can't keep track of everybody. We also have a halloween parade and parents are coming into the school helping kids get ready which presents even more problems. I'm looking for feedback as to how your school handles this type of situation. It seems our parents have a difficult time accepting change and we are looking for ways to better enforce this policy. I realize this is an administrative decision, but because PTO is in charge of the RC, they have asked us for our input. We are a K-8 school with over 800 students in 38 classes and 2 RC per class. So you can see we are dealing with a large group. Any help would be appreciated.
