Thank you JHB for reminding me. it can be so frustrating when you get caught up in things you can't do anything about. As stressful as the carnival was, it was well worth it to see all of the kids having a great time, the teacher hanging out with the families and the principal being face painted. No one left unhappy and that was what it was about. We gave a lot of families a day together, having fun, without paying an arm and a leg, while at the same time, helping raise money for the school that will benefit those very same families.
I had a similar experience. I am PTO President at my 7 year old son's school so I am always at the school running around and helping out. In May 2006, the PTO treated all of the children who participated in our fundraiser to 6 ft. hoagies, chips and drinks. I set up everything and had small rewards for the children as well. I chatted with the children and they asked questions about the PTO. Several weeks later one of the older children saw me in the hall and said, "Hello, Ms. Donna." It was so cool that he remembered my name. My son's friends love me and they tell me all the time that they wish their moms could help out at the school like I do. It is so rewarding when I hear comments like that from the children.
Share with parents the "fact" that they don't have to spend hours at the school to make a difference or make their children feel like they care. Bake a cake for Teacher Appreciation Week, send a jug of punch for a classroom party, clip boxtops, etc.
Tip - treasure the special moments - even the "small" ones.
When I was pres, the kids saw me as a familiar figure around the school. The little ones didn't really understand what a PTO was, but they knew we did things for the school. One time we had collected desserts for something, probably teacher's appreciation.
A kindergartner stopped me in the hall and proudly exclaimed: " My mom joined the PTO. She filled out the form AND she made a cake! She's helping the school - just like you!" His face was beaming with pride and he couldn't have been more excited.
I have years of PTO memories both good and bad, but that little scene sticks in my mind as a sentimental favorite.
Peeve: Setting up an easy family night fundraiser then having someone tell you that you should have done "this other one" too. You're familiar with the other one and it requires volunteers, you explain that was the reason you chose the one you did. The person tells you that you can do it with one person just staying the whole night. They don't volunteer to be that person, they just think YOU can do it.
PEEVE: room parents who call at 10:00 when the carnival starts at 11 and say they aren't coming, they have no volunteers and don't have the supplies to run the booth. Especially after they have told you for 2 weeks they are doing this totally awesome booth and are SOOOO excited.
