Classroom parent $$

[PrincessAtta]

Seems odd that by the 7th grade parents wouldn't have figured out that they'll be expected to send this money in and just ignore the request, unless some have been ignoring it for years and not getting called on it. It also seems odd to me that a PTA would mandate these kind of regulations for a classroom volunteer. Doesn't seem like their role. Sometimes rules are handed down as rules because someone somewhere set them and then subsequent parties never took the time to say "Why do we do it this way?" or "Do we really have to do it this way?" I'd talk to the PTA and let them know the hand you've been dealt.

And I would follow the advice of the PP that said cancel the thing and do what you can with what you were going to contribute. You might send out an email giving the parents a heads up to let them know that is your intent and some well meaning folks may chip in and save the moment.

FWIW as a room mother I ask parents to chip in treats or supplies for parties once a year (one item for one of three parties), give them a list of things to sign up for which includes items they can buy for as little as two bucks. It's not mandated by the PTA but coordinated between the room mother and teacher. Room mothers, as volunteers, coordinate each classroom as they deem fit.

I do collect money for teacher gifts, but it is because parents who prefer to chip in for a gift have asked me to and because I believe the teachers make out better with a large monetary gift rather than a bunch of small gift items. When I send out that email, I make sure people know it is voluntary and only to help out those who prefer this metheod. I feel badly even doing that because I don't like to add pressure or imply an expectation to those who don't give teacher gifts for whatever reason.

Good luck.

 

[purpletiger]

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.

I don't know if you have decided what to do yet, but my DS 2nd grade class has a list of items needed for the party and on that list the item was checked for me to bring and I had to sign and send it back if I could donate said item.

My DD 5th grade had a note sent home about a party stating each child to bring their "own" snack and/or drink. That way if the parent wants their child to have a snack during the party they will have to supply it themself.

Two options. Hope this helps.

 

[PaulaSue]

I would plan only 1 party and send a note home stating why.

 

[momxx5]

SKW444 - Well, I consider you lucky to be able to work full time and have the flexiblity to volunteer.

Many, many jobs do not allow for this type of flexibility. It is sad but true. I don't think one should be made to feel bad if they cannot do something.

I was a stay at home mom and happily did all I could. Now I am the only one working in my family.....job is not flex right now so sadly I am missing field trips, etc. I am grateful for the yrs I had.

 

[NYCDiane]

I work full time too and I'm class mom plus find time to volunteer in the media center 3 times a month. It can be done if you want to.

Lucky you that you have a job that allows you to take off 3 days a month plus whatever "class" days you have to take off for.

FYI, most people who work full time can't do that.

 

[mum4jenn]

Heck the years Dd was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades she was at MY school and I rarely had the chance to go to her room to do anything. I took part of a personal day one year to go on a train ride field trip with her class but other than that, I needed to be getting ready for breakfast and lunch for the other 700 kids!!

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

SKW444 - Well, I consider you lucky to be able to work full time and have the flexiblity to volunteer.

Many, many jobs do not allow for this type of flexibility. It is sad but true. I don't think one should be made to feel bad if they cannot do something.

I was a stay at home mom and happily did all I could. Now I am the only one working in my family.....job is not flex right now so sadly I am missing field trips, etc. I am grateful for the yrs I had.

Ditto lol. I used to be a SAHM and volunteer all the time, but now I work FT Mon-Fri from 8am-4pm and just don't have the time with other things going on. My boss is wonderful, but if I don't work it REALLY puts them behind for the day (only 4 ppl including the Dr work there lol). I only take time off for important things like OB appts. I had to swear that I would work right up to my maternity leave even lol..my csection is scheduled for 1/25 and I work right up until 1/22. Plus even though the Dr will be out of town starting Sat until Jan 5 on vacation, I work all next week until Cmas Eve then back to work the following Monday until Jan 4th to field patient calls and do paperwork (blech). I miss being a SAHM sometimes and being able to do more school activities, but we need the money more.

My 6th grader hasn't brought home any holiday party requests (thankfully since she has six classes a day), but I just got one today from my Kindergarterner...for a party on Thurs (more notice would have been nice lol). It lists items needed and you have to check off what you are sending, sign and return by tomorrow. Luckily I just got paid and can pick something up after work to send.

 

[okeydokey]

Isn't it funny how so many people cannot look beyond their own noses? I just love the assumption that just because something works for you, it can work for everybody. Not everybody has the same circumstances, do they?

 

[MrsPooh]

Finances are rough around here right now but even back in the day when we were ok money-wise I would be bothered by a note that told me how much I was expected to donate. If you just ask for a donation I'd be likely to send in more than was needed but I really dislike being told an amount I have to send in.

That being said, our school did parties through 8th grade but the older kids really just had a snack/drink and listened to music or watched a movie. Younger kids parties were more involved.

When our roommothers sent home a note it asked for a donation and also had a place to indicate which holidays you'd like to help send in items for and what you'd like to send in. I'd usually send in a small cash donation and then send in a drink or paper products for one or two events. Our kids always seemed to have plenty and I never heard any complaints from the moms.

The years I signed up to be a room mom I just expected to cover many of the expenses myself and was thrilled with any assistance I received. I thought room mothers were responsible for activities and just lucky if they received help. Guess I was wrong on that one.

 

[lovintennessee]

Here in TN it is against school board policy to ask for money or take cash from parents for parties. We ask for food and drink donations.

 

[momx2]

Well, I was specifically referring to her post that she couldn't be class parent because she worked full time. She didn't state that she had any other responsiblities keeping her from being a class parent except working full time.

Many moms that work can't take that kind of day off. Many don't even get sick days. I am fortunate that I could take off sometimes, but I can't be depended on because when I'm needed, I'm needed....I would have to be at work at those times. I'm glad you can take off to do this, but many can't without risking their jobs.

 

[MrsPete]

Did the parents have any input into whether they WANTED all these class parties? Kids have LOADS of opportunities to celebrate this, that, and the other thing -- beyond the family, there are events in the community, church, scouts, with friends. At some point it becomes overload.

Why not just let school be school and save celebrations and parties for social circles?

 

[Crystal0608]

I think the money for the 3 parties is a good deal (my kids love parties), but for some families the $$ may be tight especially with multiple kids or the kids may forget. I know my dd asked me for $2 today for a class pizza party this week and I bought a $5 gift for her class secret santa, so to me thats afforable but maybe not to another parent.

In our district, the classes can have two parties per year, only prepackaged foods, and even getting one supply per child is difficult since our school is mostly low income (i.e. 1 pack juice boxes, 1 bag chips, or 1 pack plates) so I've funded quite a few parties almost entirely so my kids and their classmates would enjoy it. I assisted last year for dd's end of year party and asked $1 per kid for a teacher gift. I had add $17 of the $$ to get to the $20 plus bought ice cream for the class while 2 other moms bought pizza and juice. I really like the hot chocolate and movie party, thats super afforable and may be borrowed in the future .

 

[aprilgail2]

ince our school is mostly low income (i.e. 1 pack juice boxes, 1 bag chips, or 1 pack plates) so I've funded quite a few parties almost entirely so my kids and their classmates would enjoy it. I assisted last year for dd's end of year party and asked $1 per kid for a teacher gift. I had add $17 of the $$ to get to the $20 plus bought ice cream for the class while 2 other moms bought pizza and juice. I really like the hot chocolate and movie party, thats super afforable and may be borrowed in the future .

My daughters class this year is having a grab bag for Christmas- $7.00 is the amount to spend on the gift- I have bought an extra 3 boy and 3 girl gifts just in case some parent doesn't send something in with their child so they won't be left out-if they are not needed I will just donate them to the toy drive but they will be there in case some parent doesn't send something in- I can't see the poor kid sitting there not getting a gift just because their parents can't be bothered.

 

[momejay]

I haven't read all the posts, but I do need to say something. My friend is a middle school Special Ed teacher. In the beginning of the year she sent home a note asking all 7 of her parents to be class parent. Noone responded.
She then asked for a monthly cooking fee of $2. This allows her to bake/cook an item once a week with the students. Noone has sent in any cash yet. She provides all the materials for the cooking class. They have a fun day every Friday after lunch with an educational movie, art project or a story, & the item they cooked in cooking class.
She asked for donations of baking goods, (paper products, cookie, cake mix, brownies etc...) claiming that what they baked would go to a basket for a needy family. One person donated a box of cake mix & the cardboard was wet on the bottom. Another cleaned out her cabinet & donated sprinkles & sugary decorations that were no longer sprinkles but a cemented brick all glued together. The parent of a child that can't participate in most cooking activities due to allergy gave her $5.
She asked that each parent send in something for their own child to eat for the holiday baking party due to lack of interest. Everyone jumped all over her & reported her to the principal. They ganged up against her claimed money & goods had been sent in. She went to a meeting with principal & showed him what had been donated. The end result...she was given $20 by the prinicpal. (out of his pocket)
As a teacher or class parent you are in between a rock & a hard place. It is written into the student's program to learn cooking, yet when a teacher has to teach cooking they have to pay for it themselves? Look at all the skills the child would be learning...measuring, math, following directions, cooperation/teamwork, ocupational therapy skills (stirring, rolling dough, etc..), sensory stimulation (tasting, smelling flavors, etc...), all important life skills. Is $2 a month too much to ask to have your special child learn to make their own soup?
I am not sure what the answer is unless it is to not have cooking class or parties. What is wrong with today's parents?

 

[happygirl]

I haven't read all the posts, but I do need to say something. My friend is a middle school Special Ed teacher. In the beginning of the year she sent home a note asking all 7 of her parents to be class parent. Noone responded.
She then asked for a monthly cooking fee of $2. This allows her to bake/cook an item once a week with the students. Noone has sent in any cash yet. She provides all the materials for the cooking class. They have a fun day every Friday after lunch with an educational movie, art project or a story, & the item they cooked in cooking class.
She asked for donations of baking goods, (paper products, cookie, cake mix, brownies etc...) claiming that what they baked would go to a basket for a needy family. One person donated a box of cake mix & the cardboard was wet on the bottom. Another cleaned out her cabinet & donated sprinkles & sugary decorations that were no longer sprinkles but a cemented brick all glued together. The parent of a child that can't participate in most cooking activities due to allergy gave her $5.
She asked that each parent send in something for their own child to eat for the holiday baking party due to lack of interest. Everyone jumped all over her & reported her to the principal. They ganged up against her claimed money & goods had been sent in. She went to a meeting with principal & showed him what had been donated. The end result...she was given $20 by the prinicpal. (out of his pocket)
As a teacher or class parent you are in between a rock & a hard place. It is written into the student's program to learn cooking, yet when a teacher has to teach cooking they have to pay for it themselves? Look at all the skills the child would be learning...measuring, math, following directions, cooperation/teamwork, ocupational therapy skills (stirring, rolling dough, etc..), sensory stimulation (tasting, smelling flavors, etc...), all important life skills. Is $2 a month too much to ask to have your special child learn to make their own soup?
I am not sure what the answer is unless it is to not have cooking class or parties. What is wrong with today's parents?

What if the parents can't afford stuff. Okay lets see I can try to make my car payment or I can send money so little Johnny can have a party.

 

[hipchickie]

It is written into the student's program to learn cooking, yet when a teacher has to teach cooking they have to pay for it themselves?

If it in the curriculum, then the SCHOOL should pay for it.
What next? "Your child has to learn math, but you are going to send in X for the books, X for the cost of printing worksheets", , etc etc


Everything is "only" a couple dollars - until you get hit from every angle and everyone wants "only a couple dollars"....it adds up quickly.

 

[mjkacmom]

Reading this thread, I'm surprised at how much freedom class moms have. Here, we have a class mom chairperson, who tells the class moms what to do (ie - send out the $5 gift request, or tell us to discuss the party with the teacher, and what they want). We don't have the option NOT to send out the letter - it's our job. So, between the PTO and the teachers, we really don't have that much say.

Our holiday party will have pizza paid for by the PTO, and the treats and drinks will be supplied by the class moms themselves. When you sign up to be class mom, you know it's going to cost you.

 

[mnasf]

That is really sad. When I was teaching I spent so much money on my class - not even counting parties or gifts for them. Parents have no idea. I realize to some $2 is too much, but if someone had told me that a cake mix was all they could do right now I'd appreciate the effort. Or if I was told a donation wasn't possible right now, but could they help me at their home in some other way. Maybe cutting lamination, etc. It's the effort to help in any way that would matter to me. So sorry for your friend. While people do make less than teachers, for a degreed job with ongoing certification responsibilities paid by you, it's hardly lucrative.

I haven't read all the posts, but I do need to say something. My friend is a middle school Special Ed teacher. In the beginning of the year she sent home a note asking all 7 of her parents to be class parent. Noone responded.
She then asked for a monthly cooking fee of $2. This allows her to bake/cook an item once a week with the students. Noone has sent in any cash yet. She provides all the materials for the cooking class. They have a fun day every Friday after lunch with an educational movie, art project or a story, & the item they cooked in cooking class.
She asked for donations of baking goods, (paper products, cookie, cake mix, brownies etc...) claiming that what they baked would go to a basket for a needy family. One person donated a box of cake mix & the cardboard was wet on the bottom. Another cleaned out her cabinet & donated sprinkles & sugary decorations that were no longer sprinkles but a cemented brick all glued together. The parent of a child that can't participate in most cooking activities due to allergy gave her $5.
She asked that each parent send in something for their own child to eat for the holiday baking party due to lack of interest. Everyone jumped all over her & reported her to the principal. They ganged up against her claimed money & goods had been sent in. She went to a meeting with principal & showed him what had been donated. The end result...she was given $20 by the prinicpal. (out of his pocket)
As a teacher or class parent you are in between a rock & a hard place. It is written into the student's program to learn cooking, yet when a teacher has to teach cooking they have to pay for it themselves? Look at all the skills the child would be learning...measuring, math, following directions, cooperation/teamwork, ocupational therapy skills (stirring, rolling dough, etc..), sensory stimulation (tasting, smelling flavors, etc...), all important life skills. Is $2 a month too much to ask to have your special child learn to make their own soup?
I am not sure what the answer is unless it is to not have cooking class or parties. What is wrong with today's parents?

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I just wish we could have a party at all at our elementary. I would pay for it myself if I could just have the darn thing!