Classroom parent $$

[java]

I was "volunteered" to be class mom for my daughter's 7th grade class. There are only 10 kids in the class. I asked for $15 for the 3 parties that they will have - or you could volunteer to donate stuff instead- Any extra $$ would go towards a year end present for the teacher.

I heard from and got $ from 1 parent. ONE!
Resent request.

Still nothing.

So now I have $30 (mine and the other parents money) to plan 3 parties with.
First party is next week- holiday brunch. I am so ticked that I will be buying stuff for this party for kids whose families can't be bothered to send in $$.
Now really I know times are hard for some people- and then just send me a note offering to help at the party- or donate a dozen donuts- or make some hot chocolate?

UGH!
What do you do when you get such little response. I feel like saying Parties cancelled due to lack of interest- but that just punishes the kids.

 

[brymolmom]

Well I certainly would call and/or ask again!

Other than that - use all $30 toward the first party - send home update saying if nothing else is sent in --there won't be any other parties.

 

[Mkaz]

Were you requesting $15.00 for each party, or for all three combined? One other thought would be that the people with hardships aren't willing to disclose that information.

Honestly, I would have just gone the donation route. That's what my son's school does. It was the same when my daughter was in elementary school. Not once have they been asked to donate money for a school party. It has always worked out well for the teachers and students.

 

[msmayor]

Anytime you 'tell' people they have to pay money for things that should be voluntary, you're going to get poor response.

Any time my kids had parties when they were younger, a note came home asking for specific item donations. Chips, napkins, drinks, etc....not money. There was always more than enough for a nice party.

People don't always want to give money for fear it won't all be spent on the intended things; they'd rather give the stuff they KNOW will be used for the party. Extras such as napkins/plates/cups/unopened food items can be kept for the next party, reducing the need for more donated items.

 

[PinballFamily]

First - hugs - sounds like you are very frustrated - you've made a great effort to reach these folks.

But, these kids are 7th grade. IMHO, most of the classroom holiday parties my kids have had have been in the very low elementary grades. Others may have different experiences, but I would suggest that perhaps 12 year olds really don't need a classroom party.

And who, exactly, decided that there would be parties? And three of them? And that this one would be a "holiday brunch?" Clearly, not the person collecting the $$$ for it! And even if you did (way back when you thought others would help pay), it seems like you have some options now:

1. Keep your money and give the other mom back hers. Send your "plans have changed and there will not be a holiday brunch party or any classroom parties this year" notes out. This honestly doesn't punish the kids, IMHO. At this age, they have enough other stuff going on in their lives. If these kids were five or six, I might feel differently, but not at 12.

2. Use the $15 (or $30) you have and get a dozen store-bought decorated cupcakes and a bottle of fruit juice or soda (or a package of juice boxes) for each of the three parties you think someone scheduled. Easy peasy - less than $5 for each party, and absolutely less than $10. Don't spend what you don't have. Pair this up with showing a short video or movie you or the teacher already own and those are the parties.

3. Supplement the whole party scheme (and the teacher gift) with extra money you provide. I guarantee this will go unappreciated and unrecognized by everyone involved and will insure that you will have bad feelings toward them all. You'll eventually hear every excuse in the book from some parents, other ones will just avoid you, and some will just be oblivious to the whole matter.

Good luck - I hope you manage to work this out! Spend your energy (and money!) on those who appreciate it - doesn't really sound like this bunch does!!!

 

[momx2]

We don't do parties here after 6th grade, which is when our elementary years end. It's nice and all, but I don't think they need it. One idea is to just let them bring in a drink and their own snack and let them watch a Christmas movie. Both of my girls have do this one day at the end of the year.

 

[java]

Yes I am leaning on maybe doing a video= some short holiday one maybe spongebob? *not so classic I suppose but a hit in my family- lalalalalalaaaalalalala

The 3 parties are determined by the "PTA". So all classes are doing the same thing.

It's going to be low key I guess. Maybe if they have a party go home and talk about it- then I'll get a response.

What really pulled at my heart and why I will do the best I can - is one boy reached into his own lunch money wallet and was taking out $10 to donate! My daughter wouldn't take that. And I agree with her! But I thought that was sweet of him. The rest of them - not so much.

 

[SandrA9810]

When I was in 7th grade, each month we donated 5$ for a class party. Pizza, movies, the whole day of nothing. We were also at the back of the building, so some kids would hang out outside, generally the ones with game boys, and the kids with game gears would hang out inside the room because the lights were off for the movies.

I would send home a suggestion list to parents of supplies needed for the up coming class party. Like drinks, cups, plates, cake. Generally if you create a sign up sheet at the classroom, kids are more likely to talk their parent into doing it, rather than trying to get the parent to do it.

Like create a bake off list, put up a recipe card for about 7-10 easy to make things. Then on the remaining cards, put things that you'll need, like paper plates, cups, drinks. And use the 30$ for back up supplies or pizza. (most places have good deals if you buy 3 pizzas or little ceasars) Have each child write their name on the sheet and which card they took.

When the next party comes around, you'll have some left over supplies.

 

[irish_trip_mom]

How about a friendly re-reminder again? Just a "I know you are very busy at this time of the year, but we want all of our children to enjoy the festivities, and we need your help to make this happen." Or let me ask this....are you familiar enough with the parents to call up 4 and tell them to bring the donuts, drinks and paper goods for party #1. Just start assigning. People have a hard time saying no when it's delegated.

I realize it's a difficult time to be asking for donations, either monetarily or items, but you cannot fund these parties on your own. BTDT.

 

[PinballFamily]

It's going to be low key I guess. Maybe if they have a party go home and talk about it- then I'll get a response.

What really pulled at my heart and why I will do the best I can - is one boy reached into his own lunch money wallet and was taking out $10 to donate! My daughter wouldn't take that. And I agree with her! But I thought that was sweet of him. The rest of them - not so much.

Sure - if they have a party, some will go home and talk about it and the parent(s) will think "Whew - someone else kicked in the $$$$, so I'm off the hook." There may be some exceptions, but few...

What a terrific boy! If you do manage to pull off a "low key" inexpensive party I would *make sure* this kid got the nicest (and biggest!) cupcake, donut, or cookie! There are some gems out there, but I find most people to be rather more gravel-like!

And quit chasing these other parents - constant "re-reminders" just enable them further. I'm sure at this crazy-busy time of year, you've got LOTS better things to do with your time!!!!! Good luck!

 

[Hannathy]

I would send home 1 more notice because kids this age are notorious for leaving notes in the backpack and never getting them into the hands of parents- can you email the parents directly? even better.

Second I think $15 is a lot of money. Why do you need $50 a party? that is a lot. I would lower the amount to $5 or $10 and see if you get a better response.

I would also turn it back onto the kids. At this age they should be doing a large part of the planning, what do they want? If they want pizza or something that costs then it is up to them to get the money in.

Another thing why not offer a choice money or food/paper products and be specific, give them a check list of exactly what you want. When money was tight I could bake things from my food budget before I had extra cash laying around.

It is frustrating when dealing with this type of thing but with older kids I'd go in and be honest and tell the class if you want a party we need contributions so how do you propose we solve this?

 

[rubato]

I feel for you. We've had the same thing. We had our first party, which was on Halloween. We asked for a $5 donation and got $10 total. We had 20 kids to buy for. Well, I ended up donating about $15 worth of stuff. Now, for the winter party, we're asking for donations of stuff. We made a list of needed items, about 12 different things. I have gotten 2 things donated and the party is Thursday. I'm already paying for pizza for 20 kids out of pocket, and am starting to resent the other parents. I'm not even the room parent, I just wanted to help. We live in an area where people are not hurting financially. They all work (I don't, so don't understand why I am willing to pay for these parties and they're not). I have a feeling the kids will be sitting around reading books or playing board games for the spring party!

I don't see any reason to resend the email. It's obvious no one is interested in helping with $. Unless you want to ask for specific items, which might work out. I agree that you take the $30 and plan a great party. If you get nothing else, you can deal with that when the time comes! Good Luck!

 

[mjkacmom]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'm a class mom (along with another mom), and we pay for all parties OOP. We're supposed to have another class mom, since it's 6th grade with more going on, but she won't respond to calls or emails (why the heck did you sign up? Other moms were turned down). We "can" ask for money, but no one does. However, it's not elaborate - cupcakes, cookies, water, plates, napkins, and a little gift for 20 kids.

We do collect $5 for holiday and end of year gifts, and almost all contribute.

 

[Momof2princess]

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I would send home a suggestion list to parents of supplies needed for the up coming class party. Like drinks, cups, plates, cake. Generally if you create a sign up sheet at the classroom, kids are more likely to talk their parent into doing it, rather than trying to get the parent to do it.
.

I was going to suggest this also. For both of my DD's for all of there party's I get a note sent home asking if I would please send in a specific item. It is just a simple note and the teacher just hand writes in the item she is asking for be it chips, drinks,paltes, cupcakes ect....She also has on there that other items would be welcomed if we would like to send them. I simply check yes or no and send it back in.

I might would try this and see if you get a better response than just asking for money.

 

[delmar411]

Maybe send a final note home and enlist the teacher to help that each parent needs to sign off on the note and return it. That way it's more official?

 

[ceecee]

Get a few of the $5.00 pizzas (Dominos and Pizza Hut usually have specials) and a few cases of pop and chips....party! Tell the kids that since you didn't hear from some of the parents there didn't seem to be an interest in any more parties this year!

 

[Maddie2]

I would go with a movie and treats. Get the kids involved by asking what movies they have at home and then vote. You could also check your local library. Have the student bring the movie in a few days ahead of time, to be sure it is ready to go. No $$ spent!

For treats, could you get a giant bag of popcorn from your local movie theater? Ours gives it to us when they have "leftover" at the end of the night ... and it's fine the next day. Then, ask each child to bring their own drink from home.

Serve the popcorn in large solo cups and have extras on hand for the students that either forget or are unable to bring in a drink - they can get water from the drinking fountain.

The only expense you would have is the solo cups ... and possibly popcorn.

For future parties, I would just go with board games and treats, if you still have $$ left. Otherwise, ask each child to bring in their own snack/drink.

Good luck!

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

Well unfortunatley you can make anyone give you $15.00. I think the thought of asking for money is not going to get a good response, as you have now learned. There is no way that I would give $15.00 for 3 parties when I know I can buy a box of brownie mix for $1.00 and send it in.
I think $30.00 is enough money for all 3 parties. How much do kids need in 7th grade? Make some cupcakes, buy juice boxes and plates and rent a movie. There you go. If kids complain to their parents, maybe they will step up with some kind of donaton whether it be monetary, perishable or volunteering.

 

[aprilgail2]

Second I think $15 is a lot of money. Why do you need $50 a party? that is a lot. I would lower the amount to $5 or $10 and see if you get a better response.

We get 240.00 so its 80.00 per party that we get to spend- its not just food at the party though, we have to bring in a craft to do and each kid gets a goodie bag or toys of some kind so sometimes its closer to 100.00 we spend for the party but the class moms just pay the rest out of their own pockets. Our partys stop at 5th grade though- certainly don't have class parties or even class moms once they get to Jr. High in 6th grade.

 

[disykat]

Have an inexpensive party. Afterwards, if needed, you can send home a note "Thanks to the two parents (don't name them) that donated for the Christmas party. We are now out of funds, so any further parties will be on hold pending further donations. If you are interested donating towards the Valentine's or end of the year party, please email xx at xx."

You may actually be surprised and kids will show up with things. Any party my kids had at that age was "word of mouth" and my kids just told me what they wanted to take and carried it in their backpacks.