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Bluechristmas
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/09 595 total posts
Name:
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I'm so bummed, I really wanted to be active in DC's PTA, but the "meet and greet tea" is held at 1 pm.
It seems to be the THE meeting to attend and since I work I will have to miss it. Just disappointed that as a working mom I already feel shut out of it.
I actually find that being a FTWM has gotten harder as DC grows and it breaks my heart that I feel so divided at times like these.
I'm not going to take time from work for it since I anticipate shows/ events and early dismissals I may need to leave for.
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Posted 9/6/13 8:07 PM  |
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MrsH2009
Thank you St. Gerard!
Member since 8/09 6631 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
As a teacher and FTWM, I would speak up to the PTA that you hope they can have meetings in the future that will be more inclusive to all parents. Even if you are a SAHM, if you have younger children, the evenings might be easier after dad gets home. My school does have day meetings, but they are Wednesday mornings, so you could conceivably go in late that day, or other schools I know alternate day and night.
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| Posted 9/6/13 8:34 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I don't work but plan to go back soon and I often wondered about why the meetings are at 930 because many/most do work and must miss all or most meetings.
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| Posted 9/6/13 9:18 PM |
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luvmyReese
Hello Kitty
Member since 1/08 7542 total posts
Name:
Catt
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Is this PTO meeting on a weekday? If so thats not fair. As a former FTWM i know EXACTLY how you feel. After I was laid off I got more involved & learned that my kids PTO encourage parents to join even moving meetings to later in evening. The more parents that come & get involved the more successful the group is. With that said I'm surprised they would hold a meeting smack jn middle of day where a lot of willing parents can't make it. You should never feel discouraged to be part of your kids school. Speak up & still do your best to stay connected. Its a great thing....
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| Posted 9/6/13 9:31 PM |
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Our PTA goes back and forth from night meetings to day meetings. They said many parents now work nights so they weren't able for the night meetings. I don't get to go to any morning ones though.
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| Posted 9/6/13 9:46 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Don't feel discouraged. Contact the PTA and tell them you want to be involved. They are always looking for volunteers. Many PTAs host events during the day and in the evenings as well. This might just be the one during the day. We have meetings both day and night as even though the night time meetings are great for working parents, alot of SAHMs can't attend the night unless they hire a babysitter. We try to do them evenly so it's fair too all. Also ask about volunteering at events and fundraisers. Alot happen during the day at school but there are plenty in the evenings and the more help the better since it's usually only the same 10 people that volunteer for everything lol.
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| Posted 9/6/13 9:50 PM |
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LIMomma
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/12 523 total posts
Name:
Momma
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I would contact the PTA President and let her know you want to be involved and ask if there are meetings that happen at night - it's supposed to be an inclusive organization - with Teacher representation - I wonder how they do that if the meetings are all held during the day?
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| Posted 9/7/13 9:33 PM |
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LIMomma
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/12 523 total posts
Name:
Momma
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I would also say that as a working mom I've learned to adapt a little bit because A LOT of things happen during the day or right after school. I still don't get to be as involved as I would like to be but there are somethings I'll sign up and help with and then take the time off from work (especially if I can plan for those things way out in advance) Look at the school calendar and see when some of the things like the Book Fairs or Fall/Spring Festivals are scheduled for and see if they work with you taking time. My children always appreciated me being there because they knew it wasn't something that could happen all the time. It's a balance that is so difficult at times I truly understand where you are coming from.
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| Posted 9/7/13 9:36 PM |
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Calla
My girls
Member since 7/05 4303 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Just to explain the other side, many SAHM would have to hire a babysitter to attend an evening meeting -- which would prevent them from coming. Most volunteering happens during school hours (book fairs, chaperoning trips, assisting at class parties, photo days, plant sales...) There is no time for a meeting that would work for everyone.
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| Posted 9/8/13 6:55 PM |
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AimeeE2006
Time flies!
Member since 1/06 5698 total posts
Name:
Aimee
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Posted by Calla
Just to explain the other side, many SAHM would have to hire a babysitter to attend an evening meeting -- which would prevent them from coming. Most volunteering happens during school hours (book fairs, chaperoning trips, assisting at class parties, photo days, plant sales...) There is no time for a meeting that would work for everyone.
I agree! My husband doesn't always get home in time for me to go to the evening meetings. Our school mainly has day meetings, but every few months they have a meeting at 7:30pm. They don't usually get more people at the evening meetings. They have better attendance at the morning meetings.
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| Posted 9/9/13 11:16 PM |
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GraciesMom
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 1636 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I feel your pain. A few years ago our PTA president was a working mom. So while the meetings were during the day she set up a call in number. Greatly appreciated! Last year, president did not work. No call in number. She complained that participation was down so I sent her an email and told her she needs to accomodate working parents, bring back the call in. She said great suggestion, never happened. This year I get an email that in order to volunteer in kids classes you need to attend a mandatory training session. All sessions are during the work day! My limited days I take off I want to be in my kids class, not taking a course. I like the idea of the course, but come on. I sent an email last night telling them that they are closing out the working parents and they need to have evening training, online or arrange a call in number. We shall see......
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| Posted 9/10/13 8:24 AM |
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HillandRon
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 2922 total posts
Name:
Hillary
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Our PTA has meetings in the morning at least 3 at night.
also you do not need a babysitter, kids are welcome at any meeting... There are always snacks and the older kids can do their homework...
It works and it gives people ample opportunity to become more involved...
I am very active but I do know parent s who work who chair events and such... Just make sure the president knows you are willing to volunteer...
Message edited 9/10/2013 8:28:57 AM.
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| Posted 9/10/13 8:27 AM |
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Posted by GraciesMom
I feel your pain. A few years ago our PTA president was a working mom. So while the meetings were during the day she set up a call in number. Greatly appreciated! Last year, president did not work. No call in number. She complained that participation was down so I sent her an email and told her she needs to accomodate working parents, bring back the call in. She said great suggestion, never happened. This year I get an email that in order to volunteer in kids classes you need to attend a mandatory training session. All sessions are during the work day! My limited days I take off I want to be in my kids class, not taking a course. I like the idea of the course, but come on. I sent an email last night telling them that they are closing out the working parents and they need to have evening training, online or arrange a call in number. We shall see......
Good for you. A call in number sounds great
I only have a kindergartner so far. But between pre school and pre k, I quickly saw how it seems no one seems to get that lots of family are dual income earners. I can see some events not to be missed - graduations, moving up ceremonies, Mother's Day tea, but I've had other events where teachers said it was important to be there. I've missed a lot.
All for being involved, but my personal days are limited and no offense - I rather take the time to go on vacation with my kids than 17 silly events during the school year. One teachers aid jokingly had said to me how she never sees me - I was so annoyed. I said I work. A lot. I wanted to say, well ill quit if you can pay my mortgage.
It's like no one really gets it. It's aggravating. I have a career and my manager is supportive but I can't be missing work every month for some event at school. Growing up, I don't remember this much parent involvement being demanded. I remember a yearly decorating of a gingerbread house in December with my mom at school, but that was it for the most part.
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| Posted 9/10/13 10:34 AM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I think that the parent parties really decrease after 1st grade. After that it's maybe once or twice a year they are invited into the classroom. I am really surprised at how many schools hold all their meetings during the day. It's a Parent TEACHER Association so how can teachers participate if they are working in the school. Very odd. I love the idea of a call in number but for those that are having issues with the meeting times I would contact the principal at the school or the PTA Council board who is in charge of all the PTAs in your district. They need to be accommodating to all parents not just a subset.
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| Posted 9/10/13 11:01 AM |
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steph4777
**************
Member since 5/05 11726 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I like the call in suggestion. At our school, meetings are usually at 9:15am at someone's home. When the PTA newsletter goes out with meeting minutes, I will email members of PTA to see if there is anything that they need whether it's time, money or supplies.
I recently started working 6 miles away from home, so if I really wanted to attend the meetings I could go to work late. But I found that there are so many other opportunities to help out. They have a few events on weekends and evenings throughout the year so I try to volunteer or donate stuff for those.
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| Posted 9/10/13 12:18 PM |
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whyteach
LIF Adult
Member since 8/06 2697 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
I feel the same way. I would love to be involved in the PTA and all the other things at my daughter's school. Unfortunately, I'm a teacher myself and all the meetings at my daughter's school are during the day.
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| Posted 9/10/13 9:00 PM |
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GraciesMom
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 1636 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st PTA Meeting a 1 pm....hate being a working mom sometimes
Well we have partial success! I get an email today from the PTA that they understand where I was coming from (closing out working parents) and are going to offer the mandatory volunteer training on the same night as back to school night. First 20 minutes before the classroom sessions!
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| Posted 9/11/13 9:12 PM |
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