Are you involved with the PTA at your childs school?

Question

Do you enjoy it?

Answer 1

I was a member of the PTA as soon as my daughter started school. I was also homeroom parent each year. The first 2 years, everything was great and everyone got along. The 3rd year, things went bad. I was the only parent on the PTA board. The teachers had gained control over it. They said that because they were parents, they had that right. However, it pushed many parents away because they saw them first as teachers. Teachers were automatically members of the PTA because of their job. Most of the parents and I weren't happy that they took over the board as well. Anyways, things changed and not for the better. We lost almost all participation by parents. It became about what they wanted and not what was best for the kids. I'd done my position for 2 years, which is all that was allowed. I then ran for another office and they voted a teacher in instead of me. That left us once again, with only 1 parent on the board. The one that took my original spot. From what I hear, it's not working out well at all this year so far.

I think the PTA is a great organization if it does what it's intended to do. I don't think teachers should be allowed to take over the board. It's not a tool or a social club. It's there to help kids. It's supposed to help set up events and fund raisers and things to have fun with. Because of other issues, we removed our daughter from that school and she's now in private school. They don't have a PTA, but an organization much like it. They don't seem to be as much of a clique as the PTA was. They're much more open. Everyone is a member without paying dues. I never could figure out why I had to pay to be a parent in the PTA.

Despite my ordeal with the PTA here, I recommend joining. It's a way for your voice to be heard. It's a way for you to help plan things that interest your child. Volunteer for everything you can. It's so worth it and the kids appreciate it. My daughter is always told how "cool" her mom is because she comes to school. You won't regret it. It can be a wonderful experience.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

I'm not a member of the PTA at my kid’s school but I support a number of things that they do like walk-a-thons, bake sales and box tops for education. I'd prefer to make a straight donation per project but its not an option. I pick and choose what to help with and I enjoy that but not the hard sell they expect to friends, neighbors and coworkers

I dislike some of their fundraising choices and the politics that go on. To be honest, they come across as if they want to have their hand in my wallet all year long and expect parents to become full time door to door salespeople for them. I support the end result just not how they get there.

Answer 3

yes i am. i never thought i would be - but i am! im in a few parent commitees, and secretary of our P & C (ur PTA).
do i enjoy it? i enjoy having a say in the way my daughters school is run. i enjoy knowing and having a good relationship with the principal and other executives of the school. i do find the whole school thing quite demanding of my time, but ulimately, worth it.

Answer 4

I am raising my grandaughter and I am active in everything she does. I did it for my childern. I am also going through a custody fight with her father, whom she only sees maybe 1 time a month or 1 time every 2 months (His decision). My daughter is in jail for about 1 1/2 years, I really think the father is trying to get out of paying child support (545.00). I have her enrolled in school and Dance. I am hoping she will be able to stay with me, she has been through enough and all of her grades are all "A's" and 1 "B". I am so proud of her. She is doing great for everything her parents have put this little girl through. She is also in counseling at school, in a group session to be able to talk about all the things she is going through in her life. I enjoy every aspect of school programs.

Answer 5

I am a teacher in the PTA. Parental involvement is so important in a school. Please join your PTA!

Answer 6

I am--due to work I cannot get as involved as Id like--But I try to be involved with my Children as much as possible--

Answer 7

Thanks to all the parents who support our schools. I am blessed to work at a school with great parental involvement. Our PTO does SO MUCH for us, and it's greatly appreciated. My favorite is duty-free lunch. As an elementary school teacher, that is a HUGE gift. :)

Answer 8

i did when my oldest started school, but it was so political i never did again after the first yr. it was like being in a high school club for popularity. i was so disappointed

Answer 9

I was when he was in elementary school, and loved it. There was lots to do, and plenty of wonderful parents to work with.