Most of my volunteer time now is spent at a middle school where I have learned that near-teenagers can be very creative in finding ways to get into school late or out early. All it requires is a note from "home". Short of handwriting analysis, there isn't much that can be done - except that there is an excellent computer tracking program so they are able to see habitual instances.

The only thing that I would address is "I'll pick up my child wherever and whenever I want." I don't think that anyone should stand between you and your child, but I do recognize the importance of having safety precautions in place. If administration knows for a fact that person is the child's mother, and there is no custody situation which precludes her being with her child at a certain time, then it is NOT fair to have the child and mother separated. If, however, the office staff has not met the parent with the child and the mother does not have identification, then they MUST protect the safety of all students by having the standards in place and following them.

If not for safety measures, then anyone could walk into any school and pick up any child who didn't scream bloody murder, right?

One more thing on this topic - if every parent who wants/needs to pick up their child during the school day simply walked into the school and down the hallways to the room and retrieved their child, don't you think this would be the least bit disruptive to the teaching going on? That is the purpose of the school, right?

Hate to sound argumentative, but I spend 10-15 hours a week in the attendance office as a volunteer. I tell adults that because their name is not on the emergency release card, that even though they are step-dad, grandmaw or aunt they cannot take the child until we receive written verification from the legal guardian. I tell people that without a valid government issued identification card they cannot retrieve a child - and these are middle school children. I have adults argue with me that they have always done it this way before - my response is that administration has set the guidelines for me as a volunteer and if they wish to speak with the assistant principal I can arrange that - when they hear it is for the safety of the child and all children in the school, most of them understand.

Qh, Mykidsmom, how I feel for you! For all of you, for all of us!!! Let's step back for a moment and ask ourselves why we, the VOLUNTEERS, have to bring gifts such as doughnuts and coffee to the PAID employees at our schools? Am I the only one that thinks that's crazy? Don't get me wrong: I will give gifts where gifts are deserved.
Let's also keep in mind that these schools have our children everyday. If we do not feel welcome there, how do you think our kids feel?
I guess what I'm saying boils down to a few rules I like to live by as someone who volunteers about 300 hours per school year:
1.I can make life just as misserable for the office staff as they can make it for me. I quietly remind them of that when necessary.
2.That is my child in the school. I will get him whenever and where ever I please. I spent 24 hours in labor with him and no one better stand between my child and myself...not even the school.
3.I am there as an unpaid volunteer, however, my time is worth ALOT and I make sure the school staff is reminded of this frequently.
4. Because our school support can be so, well, non existant, I try to praise our other volunteers whenever possible. Hearing "thank you" or "you've done a great job" truly goes a long way. Especially when you never hear it from the administration (as we don't).
Thanks for listening, sorry if it became a rant!

Just had this convo with my brother (an elementary principal) the other day. People to keep happy if you're involved in PTO, and in this order: School Secretary, Head Custodian, Principal. That was the order that he, as principal, put it in. He said he'd add cafeteria staff - but ours is outsourced and we can't use any of their stuff anyway.

My suggestion, however, from experience with this type of admin assist, is that if you think she is acting as a blockade between you and principal on an important issue, and if you think it is not policy but ego getting between you and the door to his/her office - call and ask for voice mail for the principal when you know he's not in. Leave a vague message asking to have your call returned and then discuss with him/her or make and appointment when you will have his/her undivided attention. Ask your question in some other wording so that it is not the SAME question. This way you have not stepped on toes, you have not gone "over the head" of the admin, it was something new that came up that you wanted to discuss.

YIKES - from reading some of these posts about having to fill out a form to talk to the principal, or fill out a form in order to fill out a form, almost makes me glad I don't WORK at the school (or do I?)

Finally - if your PTO has sufficient supporters that you can offer someone to work in the office an hour or two every day, to cover lunch breaks, especially busy periods, or whatever, I am pretty sure that might help pave the way to better communication between the PTO and the office staff. At our middle school of 1800 people, the PTO covers the attendance office for 2 hours a day, in the morning, helping get the tardy slips written, re-admit slips for students who have been absent, and "leaving early" slips. When we do the "what is your special talent" form at the beginning of the year, one of the options is "office help". Can't tell you how much it means to the attendance clerk, and more importantly to the others who cover her job if she is late/sick/out - that someone else knows what to do and is there to help. Gets us many favors in the bank for doing this, and well worth it.

Congratulations on a terrific Christmas!

But as for your Administrative Assistant, is this person following or making policy? Is this person talking for the Principal or what they think the Principal wants?

I actually have done that in the past but for some reason this year the Admin Asst has decided make life....impossible.

I would love to bring them muffins etc but the last time we did that for the teachers (I spent 3 days baking muffins myself!) I was told I should have had an activity form filled out...NO SURPRISES!

The new office manager is a great new addition but runs a REALLY TIGHT SHIP (millitary wife- not far from a few military bases).

I do have sometime this next week with my van in the shop (rather be stranded because of snow!) so maybe some baking can start a fresh new year off on the right foot!

P.S. we were able to help eleven (11) families this Christmas! Nine recieved full Christmas dinner with pantry and canned goods and gifts, while the other two families really just asked help with food.

I have been President now for 3 years. One thing that I learned early on was to keep the office, custodians, cafeteria staff happy. Really happy! That can make your year go a lot easier. One morning bring in some hot donuts..stickybuns..muffins...vanilla coffee etc. I did this out of my pockets. First to the office staff only!!!!!!!!! Then Custodians....only!! see where I am going. This makes these individual groups feel special........Sometimes I think they fell left out and over worked. Just my thought!