Hellobee Boards

My son is in first grade, he goes to a public elementary school.

What I noticed is that yes, the timing is difficult for a person that works a job that is 9-5, but if it's important enough, I am going to be available. Every month last year the kids had a monthly reflection meeting, I didn't attend one. This year, they will do "hosting" where certain classes will be featured (as a response to attendance issues) and I think it will be very well received.

Otherwise, I would estimate I was in the school about once a month at least. I made sure that I got the most bang for my buck though, by ensuring that those times I was volunteering directly in my son's class. My son, the kids, the teacher and I got more out of that than by me sitting in the auditorium and that's how I am choosing to prioritize my time.

If you really want to make a difference, I encourage you to speak up! Volunteer for a PTO committee and drive the changes you want to see.

Yes, I've noticed this. There is always need for money or a t-shirt for an event. lol He hasn't received a report card yet, but so far I've brought 2 shirts and sent money for different events. He's in Kindergarten at a public school. I work my own business from home, but it is difficult to leave to go to daytime events sometimes because I have to get stuff done.

@Mrsbells: Our school is like this, and we try to split the events as much as we can, but also, I don't really feel guilty when I just can't make certain things. My husband DOES feel the guilt though, so he tries harder to juggle the events. Sometime I just feel meh about the events, so I just have no buy in. Also, I have always worked in public schools, so I know there's usually only about 50% participation or less in basically any event, so my child won't be left out or the only one without a parent there.

Last week, for example, they had a "Dads take their kids to school" day with unspecified classroom events from 8:30-9:30. My issue with this is 1) if Dads are at school till 9:30, then they aren't getting to work until 10-10:30. That kind of sucks for people that have specific working hours. 2) my husband walks our daughter to school every single day, but takes her to before care before 8 am. So he can get to work on time. So he's already an involved parent, doesn't need a special day to get him to walk her to school, but DOES need to be to work on time.

Our PTA meeting is during the school day (AKA work hours). Halloween parade coming up mid morning at like 10 am. Winter Break holiday show for parents is also mid morning.

Coupled with the numerous early dismissals our school has (a 1 pm dismissal at least once a month, and sometimes more often for holidays), and our kids' illnesses, and we seem to be taking off work constantly.

It's rough.

@Mrsbells: we also don't fundraise - instead at the start of the year they ask that each family donate $35-$50 to the school - way better than fundraising!!!

My son's not in elementary yet, but I teach in an elementary school. Just to give the other side, I don't think they are expecting you to attend everything. I am thinking that maybe there are so many events in the hope that each parent might be able to make it to *one* thing (ie- the more events, the more opportunity that one of them might fit in your schedule).

Events once a month or every other. Fundraisers are typically once a quarter. We just put it in the planner as soon as the notice comes up and then decline other events or expenses accordingly. It also has to be something we all want to attend or parent who is really into it will do it with DD. And for the $ we only give what we want. Then it is just not like work or a hardship but a real commitment.

@Mrsbells: we started K this year too. I feel like the school does have activities but seems to get that many parents work, so lots of things are on Friday nights. For example they had a book fair already one week but the Friday night before was the kickoff parents could attend. I was able to volunteer one lunch shift too but I think they only had about 15-20 parents volunteer over the week.

They had a science night on a Friday too and have a Halloween thing at the end of the month. We bought a t shirt and school pictures but nothing else. Oh we made a donation to the PTO. It has seemed reasonable so far.

I would share your frustration at all the events during the school day. It is hard to juggle everything!