Would like opinions on school issue..

[ICF]

My kids school (K-4), held their spring fundraiser a month or so ago. They had many items up for silent auction. One of the prizes were 6 reserved front row center seats to the 4th grade graduation this year.

I think they went for roughly $125.

I dont have a problem with that (or the OPs question) as it is a easy way for the school PTA (in our case) to raise funds.

 

[dislaney]

This doesn't bother me in the least. The graduation itself would probably bother me more.

 

[taximomfor4]

If the auditorium seating is as great all over as you say, seems kind of silly to do the fundraiser that way. But any parents/grandparents who haven't been to an elementary graduation there before might participate. Easy fundraiser, although I wouldn't buy a raffle ticket.

 

[mjkacmom]

What a great idea for an easy fundraiser - I'm going to bring it to our PTO! Our auditorium is SO small, and people start saving seats 45 minutes in advance for kindy and 6th grade graduation, not to mention musicals! Thanks for the idea.

 

[disykat]

I am more appalled by the idea of elementary school graduations.

I agree. I do think it's weird that the NEXT class is benefitting from this, but it won't seem weird after a few years if it becomes a tradition.

I don't mind this fundraiser. Our high school band does it at concerts. If you win, you get front row seats, a reserved parking spot, and sparkling cider and chocolate dipped strawberries served to you in your spot. Since it's a group of parents who see each other at each concert, it's all in good fun.

I don't think it would be appropriate at an actual graduation, but at more casual events it seems fine to me.

 

[MiniGirl]

Shoot. Why not? Parents are crazy and some would probably camp out if they could to get a good seat. I can see winning the raffle and being able to walk down and sit in the front row after everyone has been waiting for forever as a big status symbol. Personally, I think it is silly and wouldn't buy a ticket, but I bet there are people willing to spend lots of money for a chance to be down front.

 

[bookgirl]

Actually I find both the fund raiser for front row seats AND the concept of Elementary and MS 'graduation' appalling.

 

[wdwfan16]

Eh. I would not buy any tickets but to some parents front and center is all that.

 

[My sister's princess]

My opinion is that graduations for grades earlier than high school graduations are ridiculous, and raffles for front-row seats for said graduations are ridonkluous.

Wait, do you hear that sound??!!!! Its the helicopter parents pulling out their wallets!!

 

[simpilotswife]

Wouldn't bother me either. At least it's a way to get front row seats without having to show up really early.

 

[AustinTink]

Our school does the same thing. Auctions for front row seats, parking spots, principal for a day. The list goes on and on. I find it all very tacky.

 

[allison443]

LOL. In our district, they are now "Recognition Ceremonies". They're still a pain in the neck AFAIC. When they got rid of the cap and gown ceremony for 8th grade graduation, some parents were up in arms. Give me a break, it's not as if it's 1935 and half the class is skipping high school and getting a job.

Honestly, though, is high school graduation really a great achievement either these days?

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Our elementary school doesn't do a graduation ceremony, but they do auction off front row seats for band and choir concerts at the annual silent auction fundraiser, as well as monthly reserved parking spots. Why not? It's an way to make money for the school or PTA.

We don't have an auditorium, we have folding chairs on the gym floor and a stage that's only about 3 feet higher, so you can only see well from the front row (or the back row, if you stand up.) Some parents arrive for these kinds of things an hour early to get good seats. I would rather see the school receive a donation from those who think they need the front row so badly.

 

[declansdad]

No big deal. Our Home and School does it as a fundraiser for the Christmas concert. It's not like were talking about $100 raffle tickets.

I also think being appalled by a elementary graduation is a pretty strong feeling. A ceremony for each grade might be silly but a ceremony when students are moving from elementary to middle school is fine, as long as it is a simple recognition ceremony.

 

[castleview]

Honestly, though, is high school graduation really a great achievement either these days?

Sadly, no. I think about how brilliant and well read my grandparents were without having attended college and it's disturbing. What really stinks is that college isn't for everyone and everyone doesn't need college...especially given the price.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't see any problems, schools right now are hurting financially and they need every penny they can get. The money goes to help the students, why are you appalled? I'd rather buy a raffle ticket then spend $8 on a butterfly thermometer to stick on my window

 

[taximomfor4]

Honestly, though, is high school graduation really a great achievement either these days?

in some families/areas, probably is a huge deal. But around here, and in my family, not so much. Which is exactly why dd16 is skipping her commencement ceremony. She said it's like going from 3rd grade to 4th, to her.

 

[karibritt01]

I would imagine that this has been implemented to supplement the funding for this type of event. With budget cuts that all schools are facing, supplementary activities like graduations, and the refreshments afterwards, will be cut first. By having a dedicated fund-raiser to cover the cost of the graduation, they insure that they will have the money for it next year. And the class benefiting from it is being asked to raise the money. No harm, no foul. If it bothers you so badly, then don't buy a ticket, show up when you want, and take a different seat. If no seats in the house are bad, then what does it matter?

 

[krcit]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'm in the minority although I have gotten a bunch of emails from other moms who agree with me. I just hate the money issue being brought into it. I find it tacky and inappropriate. I think it should be first come first served like always. Thanks again for all the opinions

 

[C.Ann]

I wouldn't be purchasing a ticket - however, I would hope that when the flier comes home they at least inform the parents exactly what the funds collected will be used for..