RE: pta/school fundraisers???

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PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 3:15:40 PM)
My son's school does a lot of fundraisers, but they are a nonprofit Christian school, running without any money from the government. They sold Gertrude Hawke chocolate at Easter, have dinners once a month, and are selling bulbs right now. I personally don't like public schools doing fundraisers. With the amount of money they get, they shouldn't have to, IMO. I never support public schools fundraisers.

Kath -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 3:25:54 PM)
fundraiscandies, welcome to forums! What a coincidence we were talking about fundraising right when you decided to join.[sm=icon_smile_clown.gif]

thisistheday -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 5:39:19 PM)
I try to avoid the fundraisers. We do the scout popcorn one. The band sells cookie dough (unfortunately right after the scout fundraiser). We do that one also. The thing about that one is that they tell the kids that the money they earn (well, part of it) will go into an account for a band trip that they get to take in high school. I feel like I'd be better off just setting aside whatever I'd have spent on cookie dough for the trip. And who even knows if she'll still be in band then, or be able to go on the trip. They start this in middle school. The HS juniors sell magazines for prom. They only have to sell 5 subscriptions for themselves and their date to get into prom free. My daughter was a junior this year, so she sold magazines. We don't call grandparents for most fundraisers, but they don't seem to mind the magazines, so she called them. One grandma bought two, the other one bought I think two, and I renewed one. So that was easy. Public schools may have a lot of money, but I wouldn't expect tax dollars to pay for proms or band trips. So for me it depends on what the money is for. Dee

PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 5:53:29 PM)
If my kids were going to go to prom or on a band trip, I'd expect them to work and earn the money, not beg for money for overpriced goods. I might be willing to pay as a birthday or Christmas present, but when I was a teen, I gladly worked hard for money if I wanted to do something my parents didn't have money for.

kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 6:11:27 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna My son's school does a lot of fundraisers, but they are a nonprofit Christian school, running without any money from the government. They sold Gertrude Hawke chocolate at Easter, have dinners once a month, and are selling bulbs right now. I personally don't like public schools doing fundraisers. With the amount of money they get, they shouldn't have to, IMO. I never support public schools fundraisers. we've got christian schools here, as well....our church has one....when I have $7,000+/year for EACH child to attend there, we just might (that's if they are fortunate enough to get "accepted" after passing the lengthy admissions testing)....though, we've been blessed to have had a VERY positive public school experience....it's where God truly led us, anyway.... with the amount of money public schools get, there are STILL many "needs" not met, which are then "made up for" by dedicated parents.....and the community....such as additional playground equipment, sun shelter structures over the playground equipment, which keeps the slides and other things from heating up like a frying pan in the Texas sun, additional books for the library (what library can't use more books?), computer software, computer "projection" devices (VERY expensive), etc...etc...and the PTA always tries to meet the needs of each teacher's "wish list".... the way we do our 2 fundraisers, we don't come out and ASK for the "public's support" anyway, though, our community is MORE than 'supportive'....we just do the "check writing" campaign, which, when word gets around (only 'publicity' we do is the sign on the front yard of school), checks come pouring in...and, parents participate as they are able and want to, and if not, that's fine, too.....and, as I mentioned before, the silent auction, which MANY people from the community come to support....VOLUNTARILY...and, joyfully.... And, it's not our SCHOOL doing our 2 fundraisers....it's the PTA....a parent organization, run by involved and active parents whose only concern is the well-being of their children....and the school that they attend.

2shaye -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 6:14:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kernsfamily quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna My son's school does a lot of fundraisers, but they are a nonprofit Christian school, running without any money from the government. They sold Gertrude Hawke chocolate at Easter, have dinners once a month, and are selling bulbs right now. I personally don't like public schools doing fundraisers. With the amount of money they get, they shouldn't have to, IMO. I never support public schools fundraisers. we've got christian schools here, as well....our church has one....when I have $7,000+/year for EACH child to attend there, we just might (that's if they are fortunate enough to get "accepted" after passing the lengthy admissions testing)....though, we've been blessed to have had a VERY positive public school experience....it's where God truly led us, anyway.... with the amount of money public schools get, there are STILL many "needs" not met, which are then "made up for" by dedicated teachers...and the community....such as additional playground equipment, sun shelter structures over the playground equipment, which keeps the slides and other things from heating up like a frying pan in the Texas sun, additional books for the library (what library can't use more books?), computer software, computer "projection" devices (VERY expensive), etc...etc...and the PTA always tries to meet the needs of each teacher's "wish list".... the way we do our 2 fundraisers, we don't come out and ASK for the "public's support" anyway, though, our community is MORE than 'supportive'....we just do the "check writing" campaign, which, when word gets around (only 'publicity' we do is the sign on the front yard of school), checks come pouring in...and, parents participate as they are able and want to, and if not, that's fine, too.....and, as I mentioned before, the silent auction, which MANY people from the community come to support....VOLUNTARILY...and, joyfully.... And, it's not our SCHOOL doing our 2 fundraisers....it's the PTA....a parent organization, run by involved and active parents whose only concern is the well-being of their children....and the school that they attend. Amen sister!![sm=dance.gif]

kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 6:18:24 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: 2shaye Amen sister!![sm=dance.gif] well, it should say "Amen, brother!"....but, that's ok....

PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 6:51:22 PM)
quote: with the amount of money public schools get, there are STILL many "needs" not met, which are then "made up for" by dedicated parents.....and the community.... I think the budget should be adjusted then to cover those things. Just my opinion. You're certainly entitled to yours.[;)] I'm on the board for the Christian school. We don't charge half of what the CS in your area does, and many pay even less than that because we offer lower tuitions for people with lower incomes. If we need something, we find it in the budget.

garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 7:10:09 PM)
That is something smaller private schools have the benefit of being able to do. Larger school corporations have to not only deal with school boards and serious budget cuts, but there is SO much red tape to deal with that if there were not fundraisers, much of the time individual schools would have to wait months and months and months for a couple hundred dollars to buy microscopes for science classes or even longer if it was a bigger purchase like playground equipment or educational math game materals for an entire building. By having these fundraisers the PTC can bypass the school board and purchase for the school what is needed for that particular building and it's kids and teachers and have it available for use much faster. Blessings, Garsy

PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 9:23:34 PM)
If I could show you our school's budget, which supplies a far superior education to the local public schools, as compared to the public school's budgets...you would wonder what in the world the problem is in the public schools too. Money is frittered away and then you're forced to raise money for things they should have plenty of money for.

csl7037 -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 9:38:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna If my kids were going to go to prom or on a band trip, I'd expect them to work and earn the money, not beg for money for overpriced goods. I might be willing to pay as a birthday or Christmas present, but when I was a teen, I gladly worked hard for money if I wanted to do something my parents didn't have money for. I completely agree!

garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/3/2008 10:35:43 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna If I could show you our school's budget, which supplies a far superior education to the local public schools, as compared to the public school's budgets...you would wonder what in the world the problem is in the public schools too. Money is frittered away and then you're forced to raise money for things they should have plenty of money for. Oh I quite agree with you. Some of the things the local school board approves leaves me shaking my head in bewilderment. But at the same time concerned parents want to provide their individual teachers and schools that teach their children to have special things and events and really would rather not deal with the big school board that is over not only that elementary, but several other elementaries, a few middle schools and maybe at least one highschool. As much as I hate doing the fundraisers I see the reason PTA's do them. It's certainly easier to raise the funds yourself with a much smaller group to deal with then to have to deal with all the red tape and politics of big school governing boards. PTA's are much better positioned to know the needs of individual schools and those teachers and students then big school boards - simply because they are made up of parents that are in those buildings on a regular basis and they can allocate the funds much faster and needs get met in a much more timely manner. Sure some of the things that school budgets waste their money one is perposterous and downright stupid. PTA's however tend to use their funds a bit more wisely IF the right folks are in charge. Blessings, Garsy

kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:10:29 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna If I could show you our school's budget, which supplies a far superior education to the local public schools, as compared to the public school's budgets...you would wonder what in the world the problem is in the public schools too. Money is frittered away and then you're forced to raise money for things they should have plenty of money for. Sorry to hear of the poor education YOUR public schools have in YOUR area have...while our church school has a great school, my wife, as most women do, "compare notes" with other moms, who do have their kids in the private school, as to what the kids are learning and where they are at with each grade level. Conclusion: our kids are learning are learning basically the same things....in some cases are ahead of the private school.....so, what do you get for the money you pay? the "illusion" to the "better education" comes in with the ability of the private schools to "cherry pick" only the best & brightest students, while "rejecting" those who are deemed as simply "average" or "slow learners" (which I was when i was a kid)......public schools don't have the luxury of taking ONLY those who will turn in remarkable test scores....they welcome ALL.....

PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:17:15 AM)
Kerns, I am not looking to argue with you. I also have nothing against parents who choose public schools for their kids. You seem to frequently make comments that seem like you think people are picking on/at you, and I assure you that is not the case. I will tell you our Christian school does not "cherry pick", as you say, the best and brightest. In fact, we have a lot of kids that have and continue to struggle. As I mentioned before, we also welcome those who cannot pay or cannot pay much. Not all Christian schools are as you describe, and I wouldn't send my kids to one that was. It is a credit to the teachers we have and the smaller class size that every kid is given a great chance at success, even on a very limited budget.

debilyn -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:20:48 AM)
In a school district where jobs are being eliminated, big companies are leaving, and the tax base is dwindling, the PTA/PTO fundraisers mean a lot. Our schools (PTA/PTOs) are allowed only two fundraisers per year, and some are reserved for a particular group (i.e. magazines can only be sold by Seniors). We only participate when it doesn't involve "stuff." Any parent can opt-out of a fundraiser with no money requirement. Some people will give money instead of buying anything, and that is okay, too. We don't have a PTA/PTO for the high school, but the Seniors, the Band, and the Beta Club all have fundraisers for special events they attend.

PrincessDonna -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:22:51 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: garsyt quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna If I could show you our school's budget, which supplies a far superior education to the local public schools, as compared to the public school's budgets...you would wonder what in the world the problem is in the public schools too. Money is frittered away and then you're forced to raise money for things they should have plenty of money for. Oh I quite agree with you. Some of the things the local school board approves leaves me shaking my head in bewilderment. But at the same time concerned parents want to provide their individual teachers and schools that teach their children to have special things and events and really would rather not deal with the big school board that is over not only that elementary, but several other elementaries, a few middle schools and maybe at least one highschool. As much as I hate doing the fundraisers I see the reason PTA's do them. It's certainly easier to raise the funds yourself with a much smaller group to deal with then to have to deal with all the red tape and politics of big school governing boards. PTA's are much better positioned to know the needs of individual schools and those teachers and students then big school boards - simply because they are made up of parents that are in those buildings on a regular basis and they can allocate the funds much faster and needs get met in a much more timely manner. Sure some of the things that school budgets waste their money one is perposterous and downright stupid. PTA's however tend to use their funds a bit more wisely IF the right folks are in charge. Blessings, Garsy That makes sense, Garsy, thank you for understanding my heart is not against the public school or those who utilize it, but against the waste of resources. I do understand there is a lot of red tape and administrative garbage, and sometimes even politics, in public schools. So I guess I do see the need for those fundraisers, though I still disagree with those for prom tickets or class trips. I think kids old enough to do those things are old enough to WORK for them. I guess I just don't think they should have to have fundraisers for playgrounds, supplies, and such, when the money should already be there. If that makes sense? Maybe I'm living in a Pollyanna world.[;)]

buckifn -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:42:46 AM)
I decided this is the LAST year I am ever supporting any fundraiser at any school here in our area. I bought 2 bags of oranges at $13 each to sponsor the band student's and the oranges were almost all spoiled beyond usage on the day of delivery. The kid who sold them to me worked so hard to get orders there is no way I am going to request my money back from it...but I will not be ordering again, ever. I think the days of kids randomly approaching people begging for money and donations are long gone. It is no longer safe nor wise to have kids doing that. Public school or private, it doesn't matter. Fundraisers exploit kids and does nothing to teach them responsible behavior. With all the taxes I am paying into the schools I am doing more than my share now.

kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:44:31 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: PrincessDonna Kerns, I am not looking to argue with you. I also have nothing against parents who choose public schools for their kids. You seem to frequently make comments that seem like you think people are picking on/at you, and I assure you that is not the case. I will tell you our Christian school does not "cherry pick", as you say, the best and brightest. In fact, we have a lot of kids that have and continue to struggle. As I mentioned before, we also welcome those who cannot pay or cannot pay much. Not all Christian schools are as you describe, and I wouldn't send my kids to one that was. It is a credit to the teachers we have and the smaller class size that every kid is given a great chance at success, even on a very limited budget. not really arguing....just sorting out what's been mentioned (from the stand point of someone who, on a daily basis, knows what's going on in our public schools)....and, "reporting" back that not "ALL" public schools are the "cesspools" (other people's words, NOT mine, and not YOURS either) that they are made out to be by those who feed the anti-public school propaganda machine...... another thing to keep in mind: each and EVERY school AND school district is very different. Each are "individual"....there are certainly some schools around here, that if my kids would be "assigned" to, they'd be going to private school, or be homeschooled, too. But, just think of public schools just like churches. You can have 5 southern baptist churches, go to each one, and have 5 entirely different experiences....(music, preaching, people, child care set up, size, theology, etc..etc....)....the "variables" are endless....same goes for public schools. Some are great..some not so great...with plenty being downright "bad"..... quote: though I still disagree with those for prom tickets or class trips. Fundraisers for prom TICKETS? I would understand if the seniors/juniors put together a fundraiser to , i think to help defray the costs of putting on the event....but, to pay for the Tickets? just read about our high school's prom this year in their newsletter......it's going to be at the Dallas World Aquarium....how cool is that? Even though our oldest is only 10...we attended the "silent auction" benefit for the high school's marching band program (a totally self-supporting entity, BTW), last fall. It was fabulous...looking forward to going again.

Kath -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 9:50:21 AM)
I think we got off on a tangent as to whether public schools/private schools are better. Lets bring it back please.

thisistheday -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 3:02:14 PM)
Kerns, the magazines are sold to help defray the cost of prom. If you don't sell X number of magazines and still want to go you have to pay if you are a junior. All seniors get in free. I shouldn't have used the term tickets as I don't think any are involved. We're in a small town, so prom is at the HS gym. If you think a child shouldn't be raising money for something because they are too old and can pay for it themselves, fair enough. Don't buy anything. I can think of legitimate reasons why a 16yo wouldn't have a job though. I would and have bought girl scout cookies from one of my daughter's HS friends even though she works and some of the money might personally benefit her. She will tell you though that some people don't buy from her because they think she's too old. I do see fundraising for things that I think the child/parents should be paying for themselves. There's a girl in town raising money to go to Europe with some group that she got an invitation to go with. I most likely won't support that effort. And hey, I don't like fundraisers of most kinds either. Dee

garsyt -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/4/2008 4:18:46 PM)
quote: I would and have bought girl scout cookies from one of my daughter's HS friends even though she works and some of the money might personally benefit her. She will tell you though that some people don't buy from her because they think she's too old. Don't I know it! I had both of my girls out at cookie shops this past cookie season both groups were set up at grocery stores across the street from each other. I can assure you the younger group sold 2X the number of boxes then the older girls. I buy a couple boxes or two each and every year from my 17 year old neice that just finished up her gold award and is now done with girl scouts! Blessings, Garsy

kernsfamily -> RE: pta/school fundraisers??? (4/10/2008 10:31:32 AM)
just thought of this... when the high school has a fundraiser (whether it's for a particular sports team or "club"), it's quite common for them to do a "fundraiser" at the local Sonic. The students WORK as "car hops" for the day, usually in shifts, and whatever tips they collect is what they raise for the group/team....that brings out alot of parents/friends and all....if our neighbor's daughter is involved with a fundraiser at the sonic on a particular day, we'll go in there and give her a $10-$20 "Tip" to go towards their fundraising... our elementary school's PTA works with the local chick fil a and chili's restaurants.....last night was our school's night at chili's....just specify that you are "with" the school, and 10% of all proceeds from those reciepts get donated to the school....our chick fil a night is about once a month, and works the same way......chili's doesn't do that quite so often....doesn't raise a TON of money, but, is an effortless way to raise funds.....and it's several hundred dollars that we didn't have before......every little bit helps.

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