Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Me and the PTA

So anyway, I was thinking I should probably get involved in the kids’ school. When we went to Back to School Night each teacher had a sign up for room mothers. Room mothers? None of the other schools we’ve attended had room mothers. So, in a fit of nostalgia (my mom was always a room mother), I signed up. In a fit of insanity, I signed up in two classes. In a fit of terror, I thought I may have signed up for all 3, but thankfully, I was wrong. I blame you, Mom. Not for being wrong about the third, but for being correct about the first two.

Let me be clear, I’ve paid my dues. When my children first started school, I was all about joining the PTA. Although I couldn’t actually join the PTA because the school had a PTO. Apparently organizations and associations are different. Anyway, I not only joined the PTO, I joined the board. In this school that meant I was one of the 4 parents who did EVERYTHING in the school. After two years I was burned out.

So when we moved to North Carolina opted out. I still went on field trips and sent in school supplies, but I decided it was time to let someone else run the show. Instead of attending all the meetings, I attended none. Except the one I was tricked into attending because it was disguised as the holiday program and my children were singing.

Well I intended to go to a meeting here. Really I did. If I remembered. Yesterday I had to pick up a couple of kids early for a dentist appointment and I was leaving the school, one of the teachers handed me a letter. It was telling me about a room mother meeting after the PTA meeting that night. Now how am I supposed to forget about a meeting when they remind me 4 hours before hand? Plus, besides vague memories of my mother from elementary school, I was unclear what a room mother actually does. Which is totally why it was a great idea to sign up twice.

But Peter has church meetings tonight! Surely I can’t be expected to drag my kids out. Ah, they provided child care. And 3 of the kids also have church meetings. And Peter agreed to take the 4 year old with him. Which leaves me 2 kids and no excuses. So I went.

I got there right on time. Only to find out the post room mother meeting was really a pre room mother meeting. Oops. 3 minutes after the meeting started, I realized I had to use the rest room. These things only last 5-10 minutes. I could wait. So I did. 1 ½ hours.

In an attempt to compensate for a shrinking number of school age children, our district is consolidating schools. We moved into a school which a year ago was two schools. There are co-presidents of the PTA. And every item on the agenda had to go through agonizing detail on how each school did everything before the merger.

At one point I thought I might excuse myself and ask where the restrooms were, but I was worried that might lead to a discussion about how the two different schools used to handle potty breaks. Instead I yawned a lot. And fidgeted a lot. And didn’t say a single word. After all I had no idea how either side ever did anything and there was no need to add any other ideas to the mix. Although a 5 hour meeting does sound appealing . . .

I think the truly sick part is I will probably keep going to the monthly meetings (if I remember them). I might even join a committee. I’m actually looking forward to being the room mother. I blame you, Mom.

15 comments:

  1. I avoid PTA as much as possible, it makes me a little crazy! lol

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  2. I am shocked that you don't blame me for wanting to be a room mother/PTA member because of all the fun times I share with you about my experiences.....oh wait, I don't do either one, thats right, Bad Mom, Bad Mom!!

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  3. Personally, I think being a mom volunteer is the way to go. You go in for a couple hours every week, and that's it. You help out, but have no responsibility. That's the way I like it :)

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  4. I always loved that Mom was a room mother. She and Dad would plan great party games. I remember your meetings in PA, I went to one with you once. Sheesh 1.5 hours, I hope they at least had cookies or something.

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  5. Good for you to help out. I always thought I would, but their meetings are all on Monday nights, and I decided it was more important to do FHE. Maybe next year when we are in a different school, in a different state I will get involved. Maybe.

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  6. I am pretty sure I will never be one to join a PTA or the like. Unless there are naked women dancing there, I am way too selfish with my time to give some to my child's classroom.

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  7. All right, I make a comment on your blog about naked dancing women, I guess you are allowed one on mine. I can't help it if my dad accidentally rented that movie. . .

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  8. You are brave...I am still falling back on the excuse of "I have other little kids at home". I really would like to help but I am afraid of the all or nothing commitment. I applaud you...I mean I would totally trust you in planning and executing all of my child's surrogate room mother needs.

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  9. Did someone say "naked women dancing"? ...

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  10. Charlotte, let me tell you the real secret. Just become a teacher and then your life can be full of super long, pointless meetings and you will learn: Bring a laptop and "take notes" (play bejeweled)

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  11. I brought my iphone and a magazine, but we sat around a table so everyone would have noticed.

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  12. Ok blame mom but I enjoyed being a part of the PTA. Being involved meant that the teachers noticed my kids and they really paid more attention to them because I knew them. Watch out though I was the PTA president too. Good Luck.

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  13. OOHH the memories made with PTA. I served two year as the Teacher Rep. So many good time! Can't wait to hear about your experience as President!

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  14. Hmmm...My mom never went to PTA meetings, she was never a room mom, and I don't think she ever went on any of my field trips. So I think I might be safe?
    I have a romanticized notion that being a room mom would be fun. But then my kids are not in school yet so what do I know?

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  15. So my mom was a room mother (I think). But i still don't know, what does a room mother do?

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