PTO Today

that you enjoy doing PTO so much, but your just hitting a brick wall.

Last year was my first and I absolutely loved it we had some slight problems here and there. Nothing big.

This year its been holy heck. We had huge problems with our Cookie Dough fundraiser from Sally Foster. HUGE Mess that they screwed up on. The parents are getting so nasty with us. None of it was our fault. The company messed up.

And the parents this year are just griping about every little thing but don't want to help. But they want everything under the sun. Which our school does quite a bit not sure what else we could do. I actually think they have it too good sometimes.

I want to get back on track but right now I am in such a FUNK about it all. That I just don't know what to about me or the PTO.

Cindy

[ 01-05-2007, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: my3strongtikes ]

welcome to the world of PTO, every now and then you just need to readjust, and take a few breaths. It helps for awhile, then you may get another funk, find the project you like the most and maybe that will refresh you outlook!

__________________
"When you stop learning you stop growing."

Yep, it's the dark side of leadership rearing it's ugly head! The first year seems so exciting because everything is brand new, you're full of fantastic ideas, everything's [i]great[/i]. Then it's year two and the honeymoon is over. Or I should say reality sets in. It's a lot of hard work and it takes more energy to get excited all over again.

It doesn't help that the parents are turning against you as well. They should be a helpful part of the team, not on the 'receiving' end with their hands out. Your work is for the school and the students. I'll bet that you have a folder full of sincere thank you notes, cards, hand drawn pictues, etc from the people who love you and appreciate your work!

Get that folder out, bask in the glory, and then share it with your fellow officers. They're sure to be feeling the slump too and could probably use a pick-me-up!

__________________
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

OKay folks....it's the eighth or ninth year when you realize it's time to NOT run for office anymore and just be a member when people go into a panic and realize your name is NOT PTO President ( really ask my Mom and Dad!! Nice folks, picked out a pretty name for me a long time ago!).

We are finally becoming the PTO group taht many of you have been for years. What I mean by that is a volunteer is running fundraisers versus a paid staff member; other goofy things I can't think of because it's late.

My "deal" is my oldest is fifteen going on sixteen (on the 22nd) and my baby is 4! I don't want to be a career PTO Mom but it looks like I'm there! Right now though I have the respect and friendship of the school staff and have a great time working with them (they love to ask when I'm going home and call to see if I'm coming in!) more so than when I had a real paying job!

This is the job you wonder how you got yourself into but sure miss it when it's done!

hey crew...I love the hugs and "HEY I know you!" from kids with their parents while getting a gallon of milk. Or the big waves and HI (insert kid's name here) MOM! as they are walking somewhere. Shoot they all know our youngest! She'll have more friends her first day of school in August then most kids have 13 years of school!

THAT is what makes it all worth it.

We've been hitting a lot of brick walls, but we just smile and keep pushing. And we have a few drinks on occasion too!

I think it's all about the kids I can't find cooperation, so I'm forging forward. I got a little knocked down with our first ever movie night (I'm also planning Science Night, Game Night and Reading Night). The principal wasn't on board and the financial burden is falling on my shoulders. BUT, I found new parents - asked for help and got it!!

Now everyone wants to take part and it's all planned. I hope the kids all have a great night and clamor for more!

My friend said she would have given up by now, but I found you just need to know WHY you are doing this and become a little engine that could.

Thanks so much ladies for the pick me up. I know I would miss it if I left and I can oh so relate to the name. Hey PTO LADY!!! and my youngest who is 2 who comes to the school so often with me. The principal swears she will never be afraid to come to the principals office because she has spent her first two years of life in there. LOL

I feel a lot better today I just needed a readjustment.

Cindy

So glad your feeling better. I think we all have those days when we wonder why do we do this--and then you get the "hey PTO lady" and you feel better!!
My 3 year old(who was attended his first PTO meeting when he was 1 week old LOL) is an expert on elementary school already and he has 3 years till he can go to kindergarten(he has that October birthday when cut off is August 1st LOL-so he has to wait and extra year) Anyways he absolutely loves to go to the office--my only bad thing is I let him call the secretary by her first name and I am like I better start making him call her Mrs so and so like all the other kids LOL!