| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: << 2 3 4 [5] |
MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by MsSissy
It's really sad that the school taxes don't go for things like copy paper, computers and projectors. Those don't seem like "extras" to me.
And isn't a chunk of the lotto suppose to be used for schools? I wonder how much actually is distributed out.
Terrible really.
I don't/won't hate on the PTA. They work their butts off for the kids.
It just shouldn't have to be that way.
My daughter just joined the PTA and she loves it. Very eager to help the kids.
Big props to anyone involved.
This right here is what I was about to say after reading these responses. I don't have school-aged kids yet so I can't just ask my PTA about what these fundraisers are used for as someone suggested. My original gripe was people constantly hitting me up to sell me their kid's stuff. Every singld fundraiser. The PTA buys copy paper?? Where do all the school taxes go (after admin and teacher salaries)??? From reading these responses it sounds like the PTA carries the school, not just socially but also academically. So where do our over-inflated tax dollars actually go? On top of all that people already pay in taxes, people are still asked to donate money to raise funds for copy paper and folders? I think that's what people are annoyed with on this thread, not the actual PTA. No snark, I'm genuinely asking because projectors, copy paper, programs that increase standardized test scores, reading programs, etc. sound like something the school taxes should cover. A traffic sign sounds like something that should be covered by DOT, which also receives our tax dollars. I originally thought PTA did social events that brought families and the school together (back to school nights, holiday parties, dances, etc.) but this thread has really opened my eyes to something that doesn't seem entirely right. I have no problems with the PTA, it seems like they work hard to provide for the students. It just seems that the ball is being dropped within the district if so much of the school's academic responsibility falls on the PTA.
|
Posted 9/21/16 9:47 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by ap123
Posted by MrsH2009
Posted by ap123
I have a question for the moms that are part of the PTA or have experience with these sales....
Can I just send in a check for $50 and a note saying id rather give the cash directly to the PTA fund vs selling stuff?
Would that be frowned upon?
I love our PTA, and I attend meetings and volunteer even though I work full time. They do so much. The PTA raised the money to put in a flashing speed sign in front of school. That should have been up to the town, but God only knows how long that would take. Our dues are only $5 a kid. There is a spot to add a donation, but I think they would still send home the fundraisers regardless. No big deal if you don't participate. I have plenty of friends that are very involved in PTA, but only purchase one item for themselves, they don't sell to family and friends.
How much money goes to the PTA when someone purchases a $10 gift wrap set? I'm curious because I think many people would rather hand over $5 and get nothing than see a big cut go to the company providing the sale items. If i got a letter from the PTA that said "please send in $20 to cover school events for this year" i'd be happy to comply.
most parents have a hard time even sending in money to cover the class parties. I can't imagine what kind of response they would get asking for $20 to cover school events for the year LOL
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:14 AM |
| |
|
BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by MC09
Posted by MsSissy
It's really sad that the school taxes don't go for things like copy paper, computers and projectors. Those don't seem lito me.
And isn't a chunk of the lotto suppose to be used for schools? I wonder how much actually is distributed out.
Terrible really.
I don't/won't hate on the PTA. They work their butts off for the kids.
It just shouldn't have to be that way.
My daughter just joined the PTA and she loves it. Very eager to help the kids.
Big props to anyone involved.
This right here is what I was about to say after reading these responses. I don't have school-aged kids yet so I can't just ask my PTA about what these fundraisers are used for as someone suggested. My original gripe was people constantly hitting me up to sell me their kid's stuff. Every singld fundraiser. The PTA buys copy paper?? Where do all the school taxes go (after admin and teacher salaries)??? From reading these responses it sounds like the PTA carries the school, not just socially but also academically. So where do our over-inflated tax dollars actually go? On top of all that people already pay in taxes, people are still asked to donate money to raise funds for copy paper and folders? I think that's what people are annoyed with on this thread, not the actual PTA. No snark, I'm genuinely asking because projectors, copy paper, programs that increase standardized test scores, reading programs, etc. sound like something the school taxes should cover. A traffic sign sounds like something that should be covered by DOT, which also receives our tax dollars. I originally thought PTA did social events that brought families and the school together (back to school nights, holiday parties, dances, etc.) but this thread has really opened my eyes to something that doesn't seem entirely right. I have no problems with the PTA, it seems like they work hard to provide for the students. It just seems that the ball is being dropped within the district if so much of the school's academic responsibility falls on the PTA.
our schools definitely don't use money to buy copy paper for the school, and things that the school should be providing. I've actually never heard of that until reading this thread.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:16 AM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by ap123
Posted by MrsH2009
Posted by ap123
I have a question for the moms that are part of the PTA or have experience with these sales....
Can I just send in a check for $50 and a note saying id rather give the cash directly to the PTA fund vs selling stuff?
Would that be frowned upon?
I love our PTA, and I attend meetings and volunteer even though I work full time. They do so much. The PTA raised the money to put in a flashing speed sign in front of school. That should have been up to the town, but God only knows how long that would take. Our dues are only $5 a kid. There is a spot to add a donation, but I think they would still send home the fundraisers regardless. No big deal if you don't participate. I have plenty of friends that are very involved in PTA, but only purchase one item for themselves, they don't sell to family and friends.
How much money goes to the PTA when someone purchases a $10 gift wrap set? I'm curious because I think many people would rather hand over $5 and get nothing than see a big cut go to the company providing the sale items. If i got a letter from the PTA that said "please send in $20 to cover school events for this year" i'd be happy to comply.
most parents have a hard time even sending in money to cover the class parties. I can't imagine what kind of response they would get asking for $20 to cover school events for the year LOL
But legit question, do those people who don't hand over the money for the class parties etc, do they sell the stuff for the fund raisers?
Because I can't see them doing that either, so i don't see how it's any better.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:18 AM |
| |
|
WonderLady
LIF Infant
Member since 1/15 355 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by MC09
Posted by MsSissy
It's really sad that the school taxes don't go for things like copy paper, computers and projectors. Those don't seem like "extras" to me.
And isn't a chunk of the lotto suppose to be used for schools? I wonder how much actually is distributed out.
Terrible really.
I don't/won't hate on the PTA. They work their butts off for the kids.
It just shouldn't have to be that way.
My daughter just joined the PTA and she loves it. Very eager to help the kids.
Big props to anyone involved.
This right here is what I was about to say after reading these responses. I don't have school-aged kids yet so I can't just ask my PTA about what these fundraisers are used for as someone suggested. My original gripe was people constantly hitting me up to sell me their kid's stuff. Every singld fundraiser. The PTA buys copy paper?? Where do all the school taxes go (after admin and teacher salaries)??? From reading these responses it sounds like the PTA carries the school, not just socially but also academically. So where do our over-inflated tax dollars actually go? On top of all that people already pay in taxes, people are still asked to donate money to raise funds for copy paper and folders? I think that's what people are annoyed with on this thread, not the actual PTA. No snark, I'm genuinely asking because projectors, copy paper, programs that increase standardized test scores, reading programs, etc. sound like something the school taxes should cover. A traffic sign sounds like something that should be covered by DOT, which also receives our tax dollars. I originally thought PTA did social events that brought families and the school together (back to school nights, holiday parties, dances, etc.) but this thread has really opened my eyes to something that doesn't seem entirely right. I have no problems with the PTA, it seems like they work hard to provide for the students. It just seems that the ball is being dropped within the district if so much of the school's academic responsibility falls on the PTA.
Stinks, right? We just fill gaps in the budget where we can and it makes a difference imo. When you send your kids to school you will see a lot of supplies on the list that our parents never had to send, and copy paper is a big pain in the ass one bc it's so heavy for the kids. As someone mentioned though, all the PTAs are different. For example, we do not pay national dues. We do send a lot of fundraisers home but really don't think twice about people who don't participate. People being so disgusted by it all though, of course makes me feel a a little upset and frustrated- but not like I'm at work crying at my desk or something, hah- just makes me feel bummed out like we do so much and there are people that really hate it!
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:35 AM |
| |
|
JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
I was going to quote a few people but I am too lazy so just some general comments:
The September deluge of fundraisers will die down a little. I assume they do a lot in the beginning so they can front load their budget and have a better idea of what they can afford for planning purposes. But it won't always be like that. Just chuck it if you don't want to do it. I am pretty active in it and an ardent supporter and I've already chucked one myself (the pizza making kit.)
I think when most people complain about the PTA they are not really complaining about the PTA itself, they are complaining about the failures in the system that require a PTA to exist, especially the ones on this thread that are supplying things like copy paper.
As a teacher who used to literally have to supply her own copy paper - not all the time, but in case there wasn't any when we needed it - I can tell you that unfortunately there ARE "basic" things that are often not covered and if that bothers people they should write to their local politicians and try to make change. Most people are going to s*ck it up and pay because in the grand scheme of things it is not a lot of money.
Now, every PTA is a bit different. Mine is pretty good but I have heard enough negative stories that I can understand some skepticism. If you don't like the way they run things just donate $ - or don't - and be done with it. Or speak up.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 11:16 AM |
| |
|
lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
We don't really have fundraisers in my town at the elementary level. The PTA sells spiritwear at school functions but that's about it. They also collect dues of $30 per family which are completely optional.
When I was growing up I went to catholic school and we did two fundraisers per year, a chocolate candy bar sale (they were $1 each so it didn't really put anyone out) and a magazine drive. I always looked forward to them. I could see how multiple fundraisers would be annoying but they are probably not all for the school. They are probably for all the different organizations around town. The schools, the sports programs, girl scouts and boy scouts, etc. If you don't want to buy something I would just say "sorry I am not interested at this time, I have more popcorn than I know what to do with!" and maybe donate a few bucks to whatever it is they are fundraising for.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 11:46 AM |
| |
|
mommy2B3
2 boys 2 girls!!!!
Member since 7/08 3324 total posts
Name:
M
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
I'm surprised on how the PTA works on LI. I live in PA and every fundraiser has a goal they want to meet, and explains what the money is for. Sometimes it takes years for the goal to be met. Like we have a fit walk in September, and donations are going to a new sound system in the auditorium. We just raised enough money through our carnival last year to give all students an iPad, if the child wants to bring home the iPad then they pay a $30 fee incase it's damaged etc. but in no way is our PTA buying copy paper or small things, it's to buy things that aren't necessary but wanted.
Personally I buy things or donate to things we care about, I never feel pressured to do anything.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 11:52 AM |
| |
|
nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1070 total posts
Name:
|
Spinoff to sales rant
I'm on the PTA at my daughter's school. PTA's are not allowed to pay for any supplies or furniture or anything else that is directly for the school building. They can only provide activities or programs that benefit the students. There are lots of rules regarding what they can do.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:35 PM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by nycbuslady
I'm on the PTA at my daughter's school. PTA's are not allowed to pay for any supplies or furniture or anything else that is directly for the school building. They can only provide activities or programs that benefit the students. There are lots of rules regarding what they can do.
Yeah I was going to say. Buying copy paper etc seems a little unusual.
|
| Posted 9/21/16 10:42 PM |
| |
|
FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by MC09
Posted by MsSissy
It's really sad that the school taxes don't go for things like copy paper, computers and projectors. Those don't seem like "extras" to me.
And isn't a chunk of the lotto suppose to be used for schools? I wonder how much actually is distributed out.
Terrible really.
I don't/won't hate on the PTA. They work their butts off for the kids.
It just shouldn't have to be that way.
My daughter just joined the PTA and she loves it. Very eager to help the kids.
Big props to anyone involved.
This right here is what I was about to say after reading these responses. I don't have school-aged kids yet so I can't just ask my PTA about what these fundraisers are used for as someone suggested. My original gripe was people constantly hitting me up to sell me their kid's stuff. Every singld fundraiser. The PTA buys copy paper?? Where do all the school taxes go (after admin and teacher salaries)??? From reading these responses it sounds like the PTA carries the school, not just socially but also academically. So where do our over-inflated tax dollars actually go? On top of all that people already pay in taxes, people are still asked to donate money to raise funds for copy paper and folders? I think that's what people are annoyed with on this thread, not the actual PTA. No snark, I'm genuinely asking because projectors, copy paper, programs that increase standardized test scores, reading programs, etc. sound like something the school taxes should cover. A traffic sign sounds like something that should be covered by DOT, which also receives our tax dollars. I originally thought PTA did social events that brought families and the school together (back to school nights, holiday parties, dances, etc.) but this thread has really opened my eyes to something that doesn't seem entirely right. I have no problems with the PTA, it seems like they work hard to provide for the students. It just seems that the ball is being dropped within the district if so much of the school's academic responsibility falls on the PTA.
I was asking myself these same questions this year. My oldest started kindergarten so I was new to all of this. I was appalled by the supply list. Not so much things like notebooks, crayons and pencils but paper towels? Tissues? All I kept thinking was that maybe if some of the self important admins took a slight pay cut then maybe the district could afford a Costco run to get their own paper towels. Ridiculous! I pay a lot in taxes, just like everyone else, and I found it disgraceful that basic supplies are not given by the district.
At orientation, the PTA president gave a little presentation. It was eye opening to me. I had no idea what they did. I just figured it was cliquey SAHM giving themselves purpose by planning a Halloween party or something (no offense meant). When she described what they did, how fundraising was important, etc. I was very surprised. I got the wrapping paper fundraiser the second day of school. I will definitely buy some things and hit up close family members because I realize it's important and the kids benefit. And I sent in my dues.
|
| Posted 9/22/16 1:20 AM |
| |
|
blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
 I am currently not on good terms with them at the moment and I had it out with the "mamger" of the place the other day. I don't know if they can handle another outburst for me but after that outburst I think they would 100% know I have no intention on doing this fundraiser
|
| Posted 9/22/16 8:51 AM |
| |
|
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by blu6385
I am currently not on good terms with them at the moment and I had it out with the "mamger" of the place the other day. I don't know if they can handle another outburst for me but after that outburst I think they would 100% know I have no intention on doing this fundraiser
I love it!
|
| Posted 9/22/16 8:55 AM |
| |
|
JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
I'm over it. I refuse to buy shit I don't need. We got the miss chocolate book day 2 of school. I ordered nothing.
|
| Posted 9/22/16 2:08 PM |
| |
|
MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by FirstMate
Posted by MC09
Posted by MsSissy
It's really sad that the school taxes don't go for things like copy paper, computers and projectors. Those don't seem like "extras" to me.
And isn't a chunk of the lotto suppose to be used for schools? I wonder how much actually is distributed out.
Terrible really.
I don't/won't hate on the PTA. They work their butts off for the kids.
It just shouldn't have to be that way.
My daughter just joined the PTA and she loves it. Very eager to help the kids.
Big props to anyone involved.
This right here is what I was about to say after reading these responses. I don't have school-aged kids yet so I can't just ask my PTA about what these fundraisers are used for as someone suggested. My original gripe was people constantly hitting me up to sell me their kid's stuff. Every singld fundraiser. The PTA buys copy paper?? Where do all the school taxes go (after admin and teacher salaries)??? From reading these responses it sounds like the PTA carries the school, not just socially but also academically. So where do our over-inflated tax dollars actually go? On top of all that people already pay in taxes, people are still asked to donate money to raise funds for copy paper and folders? I think that's what people are annoyed with on this thread, not the actual PTA. No snark, I'm genuinely asking because projectors, copy paper, programs that increase standardized test scores, reading programs, etc. sound like something the school taxes should cover. A traffic sign sounds like something that should be covered by DOT, which also receives our tax dollars. I originally thought PTA did social events that brought families and the school together (back to school nights, holiday parties, dances, etc.) but this thread has really opened my eyes to something that doesn't seem entirely right. I have no problems with the PTA, it seems like they work hard to provide for the students. It just seems that the ball is being dropped within the district if so much of the school's academic responsibility falls on the PTA.
I was asking myself these same questions this year. My oldest started kindergarten so I was new to all of this. I was appalled by the supply list. Not so much things like notebooks, crayons and pencils but paper towels? Tissues? All I kept thinking was that maybe if some of the self important admins took a slight pay cut then maybe the district could afford a Costco run to get their own paper towels. Ridiculous! I pay a lot in taxes, just like everyone else, and I found it disgraceful that basic supplies are not given by the district.
At orientation, the PTA president gave a little presentation. It was eye opening to me. I had no idea what they did. I just figured it was cliquey SAHM giving themselves purpose by planning a Halloween party or something (no offense meant). When she described what they did, how fundraising was important, etc. I was very surprised. I got the wrapping paper fundraiser the second day of school. I will definitely buy some things and hit up close family members because I realize it's important and the kids benefit. And I sent in my dues.
Regarding paper towels and tissues,I don't think the issue is they aren't supplied. As a former teacher I asked for tissues even at the hs level bc it's easier to have your own stash and you typically get much better quality than what the school supplies. Unfortunately the supplies the district purchases have to come from a bid list and sometimes cost more for crappy quality stuff. The tissues are course and terrible when you have a cold and a sore nose. The paper towels are the crappy brown stuff that isn't absorbant at all. I think they ask bc they want what will work better and be more comfortable for the kids. I don't think people realize how crappy the system is when schools try to actually purchase supplies. It's not as simple as a Costco run.
|
| Posted 9/22/16 2:22 PM |
| |
|
mathteach
Roll Tide!
Member since 8/08 3169 total posts
Name:
Christine
|
Re: Spinoff to sales rant
Posted by MrsT809
Regarding paper towels and tissues,I don't think the issue is they aren't supplied. As a former teacher I asked for tissues even at the hs level bc it's easier to have your own stash and you typically get much better quality than what the school supplies. Unfortunately the supplies the district purchases have to come from a bid list and sometimes cost more for crappy quality stuff. The tissues are course and terrible when you have a cold and a sore nose. The paper towels are the crappy brown stuff that isn't absorbent at all. I think they ask bc they want what will work better and be more comfortable for the kids. I don't think people realize how crappy the system is when schools try to actually purchase supplies. It's not as simple as a Costco run.
Yes! I do the budget for my school and the supplies on the bid list are often industrial quality and not really things that your child would enjoy blowing their nose on.
We got that fundraising letter from my 17yo's PTA and I wrote them a nice check to "forget my name" and then promptly got an Aunt Barbara invite. So I guess they didn't forget it. My 6yo has the book in her bag and honestly we'll send an overpayment so I don't feel guilty about not paying for another thing all year. The only fundraisers we've ever liked were done by the football team: the spirit card (a credit card lookalike that had coupons from local businesses on the back) and the team BBQ where we grossly overpaid for burgers and hot dogs. We also do all of the basket raffles when we go to school events and buy the spirit wear also. We give where we can because it's the right thing to do.
As far as what the PTA purchases with their money - keep in mind that many times school budgets are supplied by federal funds and there are rules about how that money can be spent. If the PTA buys something for the school it might simply be because it's easier and the PTA gets a better deal than the school could have by going through the proper channels. I am in a city school and the PTA helps us pay for busses for the sports team to travel. Being in the city this is not considered a necessity but it's definitely something that helps out the students by saving them actual hours of travel time. They also supplement a lot of parent education programs - programs again that are hard to fund with the regular school budget. They also make donations to many of the award programs we run for the kids- NHS induction they will supply the refreshments, Senior scholarships, etc... As far as the PTA paying for copy paper - I don't really understand that. But who knows - maybe they had a surplus and it was a teacher gift?
|
| Posted 9/22/16 9:16 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: << 2 3 4 [5] |
