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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes, it does. But if a 10 year old will feel left out at their graduation because their parents couldn’t afford a balloon, the school’s message shouldn’t be “too bad, you’re poor.” I would not want to see another parent have to disappoint their child over a $12 balloon. I’d pay for the damn balloon myself if it would make the kid happy. If nothing else, it would be a lesson to my own child in generosity and the importance of being kind. The rest of the world will teach kids that life sucks. My job is to teach her to kindness and inclusion.
But we are making assumptions that the family can't afford it. What if they just don't want it? What then? Should the child have a balloon because it will make everyone else feel better? When does it end?
I meant in an instance where the child wanted the balloon but the parents couldn’t afford it. If the child didn’t want it, that’s a different story.
Ultimately, as the OP’s daughter points out, it’s a ridiculous fundraiser.
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Posted 5/24/19 1:39 PM  |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
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| Posted 5/24/19 2:01 PM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
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| Posted 5/24/19 2:45 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
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| Posted 5/24/19 3:09 PM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Ok. So I am pretty sure I get it now. Every family has to buy the balloon. Whether they want to or not. It is mandatory. If you don't buy the balloon, other adults who know nothing about why you did not buy the balloon, will decide it is not fair for your child to not have one and purchase one anyway for your family.
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| Posted 5/24/19 3:16 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Ok. So I am pretty sure I get it now. Every family has to buy the balloon. Whether they want to or not. It is mandatory. If you don't buy the balloon, other adults who know nothing about why you did not buy the balloon, will decide it is not fair for your child to not have one and purchase one anyway for your family.
No. It not fair for a kid who WANTS to be included in any aspect of graduation related activities to be excluded because their parents can not afford for them to participate.
This is not about kids/parents who CHOOSE to opt out, it’s about parents who have NO CHOICE but to opt out because they can’t afford it.
A kid who doesn’t want to go to the party or on the trip or have the freaking balloon isn’t going to be upset by not participating. A child who wants to participate but cannot due to circumstances out of their control will be upset. The PUBLIC SCHOOL should take steps to avoid upsetting their students.
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| Posted 5/24/19 3:34 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Ok. So I am pretty sure I get it now. Every family has to buy the balloon. Whether they want to or not. It is mandatory. If you don't buy the balloon, other adults who know nothing about why you did not buy the balloon, will decide it is not fair for your child to not have one and purchase one anyway for your family.
No. It not fair for a kid who WANTS to be included in any aspect of graduation related activities to be excluded because their parents can not afford for them to participate.
This is not about kids/parents who CHOOSE to opt out, it’s about parents who have NO CHOICE but to opt out because they can’t afford it.
A kid who doesn’t want to go to the party or on the trip or have the freaking balloon isn’t going to be upset by not participating. A child who wants to participate but cannot due to circumstances out of their control will be upset. The PUBLIC SCHOOL should take steps to avoid upsetting their students.
This exactly.
The whole point is that this is a stupid fundraiser and shouldn't happen because it is not inclusive. This is their graduation which ALL students are participating in. If there is something to do with the graduation then ALL students should be included whether or not they have the funds. It should not be an option at all. If a parent chooses not to participate then that is fine and their choice. There are many families that do not have that choice.
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| Posted 5/24/19 4:15 PM |
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amac27
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/09 471 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Ok. So I am pretty sure I get it now. Every family has to buy the balloon. Whether they want to or not. It is mandatory. If you don't buy the balloon, other adults who know nothing about why you did not buy the balloon, will decide it is not fair for your child to not have one and purchase one anyway for your family.
Either you are missing the point entirely or you are just deliberately being obstinate. No is saying that your child would be forced to have a balloon. No one would shove the damn balloon down your throat. What people are (very obviously) saying is that this fundraiser is unfair to children who actually want the balloon but cannot afford it.
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| Posted 5/24/19 4:19 PM |
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mema2012
LIF Infant
Member since 10/12 333 total posts
Name:
Mema
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Graduation balloons
OP here -to clarify-the balloons are foil (mylar?) and pretty big. They are shaped like mortarboards, with kids name written. They are nice, if the sale was in a different scenario, I'd consider buying one!
My kids have lived through me not buying or them not earning plenty of Tshirts, zipper pulls, bracelets, and trophies. Imo, this is different and was just not well thought out.
I love some of the things your schools are doing and will suggest them to the planning committee
Message edited 5/24/2019 8:31:18 PM.
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| Posted 5/24/19 8:30 PM |
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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Re: Graduation balloons
Is this balloon being presented as a keepsake type of "gift" to the graduate from the PTA or something of that nature? If so, then they should be providing one for each student and they should shift their focus on coming up with the funds for that type of expense, to include everyone. They're all graduating. IMO, a balloon (a $12 one at that!) that can deflate or pop on the car ride home isn't well thought out and seems wasteful. I could see why a lot of parents just wouldn't purchase one for that reason alone, and also those that might not be able to afford it even if they wanted to participate. A parent could just get their kid a whole arrangement of balloons on their own and spend less. I'd prefer to spend more $ on something that can actually be kept as a keepsake like a teddy bear, t-shirt, pennant, etc. If this was just a fundraiser for families to write a dedication to their kid in the graduation program or yearbook, for example, then I'd agree that not every student needs a token public message. But, this is different imo.
Are these balloons in addition to some other keepsake gift they're all getting? Meaning is the school or PTA already giving out a gift to all students and this balloon is an add-on that parents can purchase? Or is this balloon it? If the balloon is the only thing then they really should be giving one to each student imo. Even if the fact that it's a balloon at all is wasteful.
Message edited 5/24/2019 11:05:44 PM.
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| Posted 5/24/19 10:55 PM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by amac27
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by KarenK122
Posted by jamnmore
I think it is fine. Not every kid gets everything. Some kids will get a balloon some won't. Why does everyone need to have everything the same?
I don't think everyone needs to have the same at all things but when it comes to items that solely rely on having money, then it is unfair and all kids should be treated the same. No child should be made to feel left out because their family does not have the money to participate especially when it is a public school related activity.
But isn't this life? Doesn't how much money we have determine what we are or are not able to get? And who is to say that a family does not participate because they don't have money. Maybe they won't participate because they think it is wasteful. Maybe the think it is stupid. Whatever. Let the people who want the balloon get the balloon and the ones that don't, don't.
Yes this is life but not the life of a 10/11 year old has any control over. I agree that there are some things, some kids just can't get either because of financial reasons or parent's rules, etc., but this is not about a kid not getting an Iphone or the most expensive pair of shoes. This is a school sponsored fundraiser (PTA is part of the school culture) and all children should be able to have the same items if they so choose. PTAs are about being inclusive for all children, not just the rich ones. It is the same thing if a child can't afford a field trip. Should they not go and everyone say tough luck, no the school ends up paying for them .
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Ok. So I am pretty sure I get it now. Every family has to buy the balloon. Whether they want to or not. It is mandatory. If you don't buy the balloon, other adults who know nothing about why you did not buy the balloon, will decide it is not fair for your child to not have one and purchase one anyway for your family.
Either you are missing the point entirely or you are just deliberately being obstinate. No is saying that your child would be forced to have a balloon. No one would shove the damn balloon down your throat. What people are (very obviously) saying is that this fundraiser is unfair to children who actually want the balloon but cannot afford it.
I get the point completely. But want to know how is it going to be determined that a family could not afford a balloon? That is what I am trying to get at. If someone states that they do not want one, would they be questioned as to why? Who is going to determine which families kids wanted the balloon and could not afford it? People either get something or they don't. Is a family who has a budget and the $12 for the balloon is not in their budget and they make a decision as a family, not to buy the balloon, are they in financial need? Where do you draw the line. The PTA is merely the organizer. The parents (or whoever wants to pay for the balloon) is the funding. School pictures, book fairs, pencil sales, etc are all organized by the PTA as well and require financial support from families. If a family can not afford to buy school pictures, are we going to extend the same courtesy to them to get the pictures? It is a school event that everyone participates in. Is the PTA going to give a pencil to every kid that did not buy one with their own dollar simply so that they can say everyone was able to participate? The line has to be somewhere. In life, not everyone gets everything for a variey of reasons. And that is ok. And that is the message that we should be sending.
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| Posted 5/28/19 10:09 AM |
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by LuckyStar
These aren’t trophies. They are celebrations of their achievement in graduating elementary school. The balloon is an example of a bigger problem- it could be a trip, party, whatever.
I would feel bad if a child missed out on being part of festivities they are entitled to as part of the graduating class. They earned the right to participate in these activities by virtue of graduating.
I find it hard to believe that any parent wouldn’t feel empathy for a child. I can’t wrap my head around a 10 year old being told “too bad” and grown adults being ok with it.
Well, just a little tidbit, usually with trips and the bigger celebratory things with elementary school the PTA or the principal has a fund to help with people who can't pay.
IMO, and my son graduated 5th grade last year, there is a BIG difference between missing out on a trip or a party and a silly balloon, that's why there are funds to help with those things.
5th grade senior dues were over $200 last year. We knew this from the first day of school, I literally saved $10 a week until just before they were due to make sure I could pay them.
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| Posted 5/29/19 11:21 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Graduation balloons
Posted by jamnmore
So for the families that opt out, like the OP whose DD does not want the balloon, are they going to be singled out and questioned as to why they did not purchase a balloon and if the answer is for financial reasons, then their child will be given a balloon? How does a school PTA decide that the family did not participate becuase of financial reasons. I would not get the balloon because I think it is stupid, not because I can't afford the $12. Does that mean the school will ban together and decide that we can't afford it and purchase one for us?
I think in this instance, adults are reading way more into the act than need be. JMO. It's a balloon, not worth $12, I don't care who it is raising funds for. But we are not a every kid gets a trophy family. Some do, some don't.
I agree with you but only because I would be this parent, actually have been this parent. I haven't paid for something like a balloon or booster for acting. Had nothing to do with finances. I also agree with the sentiment that you don't have to get what everyone else has. Be happy with what you do have. I also don't think 10 is too young to learn or understand this concept.
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| Posted 5/29/19 10:44 PM |
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