I get that school’s have no money. I get that teachers are underpaid for the incredible job they do teaching our children. I get that as parents we want the very best for our children. But…
This is what I’ve been asked for this week from my kids’ school. Please keep in mind I have THREE children at the SAME school!
1. School Book Fair Fundraiser. Each class at school goes to the book fair so the children can spend money buying RETAIL books. Not discounted books. RETAIL, people. I can get these same books cheaper buying through the Scholastic Book Sheets or going through Amazon. CHEAPER!!!!!
2. Class Room Parents are asking for each child’s family to donate some money to the classroom to pay for parties and crafts, etc. Would be fine IF I DIDN’T HAVE THREE CHILDREN!!!!!!
3. Kids come home with fundraising packets that they are supposed to accost their family to buy things. CRAPPY THINGS THAT NO ONE WANTS!!!! Did I mention I have THREE CHILDREN!!!!!!
4. Did I also mention that the winter holidays are coming up and I’ll be expected to get gifts for THREE TEACHERS???????
5. Oh… I also forgot to mention that Thursday night is another FUNDRAISING NIGHT at a local pizza restaurant. So go out and spend money on dinner FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE so a measly 15% can be donated to the school.
Yes… that doesn’t even include the MONEY I’ve already shelled out for Spring Carnival tickets so I wouldn’t have to shell out FULL PRICE for the stupid tickets in the Spring! And now there is a rumor we won’t even be having a Spring Carnival. AM I GETTING MY MONEY BACK??????
I get that the schools have no money, but seriously… if I’m paying for all this fundraising crap I might as well be spending the money to send my THREE kids to private school.
THAT’S 3 X EVERYTHING!!!!!
What’s wrong with this picture?
We have a fundraiser that's for stuff we already buy so I just spend our money there and ignore all the other fundraisers. And it's school-wide so I cover both kids, right?
I completely agree with your sentiments! You should propose a "Greenback Fundraiser". Our school does this in lieu of all other fundraisers except for the dining out fundraisers and book fairs. So, we are asked to donate $25 per student for the whole year. We are then also asked to donate an additional $10 per child for field trips. That's it. $70 is still a lot for many but you don't HAVE to donate… They don't write your name on the naughty list 🙂 We don't have to peddle wrapping paper, candy, candles, etc. I loved this idea so much that I donated more than the minimum suggested. Our school kept the dining out fundraisers to support local community and offer social opportunities for families figuring most people these days still eat out at least a couple times a month anyway. I just go to the ones that make sense. Just do what you can and know their ain't no naughty list 🙂
Yikes! Sounds like you have to pick and choose which area deserves the money the most… That's a tough call to make.. good luck!
-http://leahainla.blogspot.com/
Calm down, honey. Breathe… Breathe…
I thin Jen's "Greenback Fundraiser" is a great thing to propose. I think a lot of parents are over the constant fundraiser and maybe a flat rate is the way to go.