In thinking WTF about the PTA reserving the front row seats at the nativity

[TrollopDollop]

I saw it with my own eyes on monday at DS reception nativity. Why? I am not seeing the link between being in the PTA and getting a monopoly on the front row seats. One of them actually asked people to move before placing 'reserved for PTA' signs on the chairs.

DD's school PTA came close to closing down this year due to the lack of interest/support. Luckily about 20 new parents got involved so we can keep it going. The PTA raises approximately 10k pa for the children so it is worth a little effort/cake baking.

I have only ever got involved with the PTA because no one else would do it-which is why I get irritated to death by the moaners!

Our PTA raises between £12k-£16k per year. It wouldn't matter if they didn't raise anything - my child would still be educated and her education paid for through taxation. As it should be. I'll provide the extras thank you very much

I have been really surprised when I've heard people say that. I've often thought of joining committees but have felt I would not be as good as someone else so haven't put myself forward. I'd like to volunteer more but am afraid of not being good enough or having my ideas thought silly!

"I have only ever got involved with the PTA because no one else would do it"

Mabel what you perhaps don't realise is that to provide the little extras that make a big difference cost a lot of money if they are provided to schools. Playground equipment costs thousands if it's for a school. Schools are strapped for cash. The PTA can pay for things like football kit, some extra kit for the whiteboards in the classrooms, extra books for the library, a panto for the children at Christmas...

Would you be prepared to pay for the extra whiteboard kit that makes the lessons that much better? We are talking many hundreds of pounds.

I, too, am one of those that only joined as the PTA was about to fold and I want the best for all DC, not just mine.

I suspect Mabel would be happy to provide a whiteboard or anything else for her own child-she just doesn't give a flying fuck about anyone else's.

Volunteer AnotherMincepie-you will be welcomed with open arms.

I really wish it was possible to send your DC to a school with no PTA money Mabel-you really wouldn't like it! PTA money used to be the 'frills' but at least 20yrs ago they are actually needed for basics.

(I also think that Mabel is someone who has no interest in the rest of the class).

And there are lots of children whose parents can't do the "extras". If it weren't for our St Nick committee and the PTA winter coat drive, a lot of children wouldn't even have Christmas presents or warm outdoor clothing that fits.

Surely "fundraising" is simply asking parents to put their hands in their pockets anyway? I know the odd company gives raffle items etc but in the main surely it is just recycling parents money?

A bottle of lemonade can make many times its value on a tombola.

An unwanted Christmas present ditto on a raffle.

I can make 5 quid's worth of cakes and sell them for 15. And no, nobody's forced to buy them! But if you were going to buy q cake for the weekend anyway, why not buy one from the PTA cake stall?

It used to happen at our school but it has stopped. I would complain to the Headmaster. You need a strong school presence on the PTA to make it work properly.

I've been in 2 PTA's now. 1 was loaded with trolls wanting control, endless gratitude and preferential treatment. The other was a pleasure to be in. Needless to say our troll PTA struggled and still struggles to get help. The other gets loads of help!

You always get some parents wanting special treatment. They forget it's mostly the parents money that funds the acitivities and they are there to benefit their own child/children. Get a couple of parents that forget those 2 things and your PTA appears bitter. That's when it's tricky to get volunteers. Some PTA members stay too long when they should step down, recharge and leave it to others (there are always others).

I went to DD's nativity play on Wednesday and was curious to see that 6 of the best seats were reserved. I knew it wasn't for PTA as I'm on the committee and on further investigation it turned out that the seats were reserved for the board of governors.

We had no teas, no coffee, no mince pies and no raffle. There was no help with dressing. Yet, there they were...reserved seats!

this has kind of turned into it but does anyone fancy a PTA Chat thread?
highs and lows support and ideas??

YABU! even if they didnt help on that day the pta do a hell of a lot!!

What about people who have helped the school but are not on the PTA? People who volunteer to help with reading, after-school activities, music/drama, school trips, or who have quietly donated money? There are probably a lot of fairly invisible helpers who get no thanks at all.