What Does the PTA Want From Me?

Hi, I’m Hilary.  I’m the PTA president at my elementary.  I work full time, I have 3 kids at 3 different schools, my husband just quit as a teacher but education is where my heart is at.  NOTHING gets me more than a teacher caring for my child.  Inside my heart I know that there are people out there that would die for my child, simply because they have spent time in a classroom with them.  That type of dedication is what has drawn me to volunteer at the school.

But then there’s you.  You’re not PTA president (at least, I hope you’re not).  You look at the volunteer forms wondering how they think you have so much extra time.  Here are 6 answers to “What does PTA want from me?”

1.  Not Everything

Just because we send out volunteer forms monthly, sometimes even weekly (or, daily!)  that doesn’t mean that we expect you to volunteer for ALL those things.  We need SOME people to volunteer at each one.  Don’t feel guilt that you’re not signing up on each one!

2.  Don’t forget your teacher

I think the BEST way parents can help out at school is helping in the classroom.  Your child sees you, they know that school is important to you because YOU are spending your time there.  The added benefit is that you get to spy on them.  Who are their good friends, is that a good thing?  How’s the social interaction, are they answering questions?  Kindergarten is a wonderland of joy.  I love being in there.  I sometimes pick up some aewsome parenting/patience skillz by watching the teacher.  It reminds me that there have to be strict consequences that are enforced each time.  Sometimes I’m not so good at it.  Check out my Spying in the Classroom post for more thoughts on this one!

3.  Dip your toe in

Sometimes volunteering in in school, especially the classroom can be REALLY daunting.  You’re worried you’ll mess things up or your child will be clingy when they should be listening.  I can guarantee that I have had both of those things happen.  Maybe ask a more experienced parent to show you around the copy room.  I’m always happy to help new parents.  It is a scary place if you don’t know what you’re doing.  Tell the teacher that you’re comfortable with x, y, and z and see what they say.  Some parents want kid time, and some don’t.  Just depends, and the teacher wants YOU happy while you’re there and they’ll try to cater to your wants.  Just try it.  I bet you’ll like it, and you’ll be back.

4.  Don’t expect special favors

I don’t expect my child to be in a specific classroom because I volunteer.  I mean, I hope — but you can’t expect things.  I think my current reality is that I am put in classrooms because I DO volunteer.  I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I am just saying — you can’t expect stuff in return (but you can hope for at least some good Karma).

5.  Find some friends

PTA works because we make it fun to be there.  We love each other’s kids and we have a good time together.  Some of my very best friends have come from helping at the book fair or sweltering together at a Walk-a-thon.  PTA can be the place to find that friend.  While it can totally seem like high school when you step in.  Look for that face that’s smiling at you.  Say hello and ask what classroom their child is in.  You’ve got this.

6.  Find your niche

I love being with the kids.  That’s my niche.  I’m not always doing it, but I’m willing.  I love teaching reading and encouraging those little faces that maybe don’t get the encouragement they need elsewhere.  But that is ME.  I don’t love copying, or laminating or {blech} die-cutting.  I WILL do those things if they ask, but smart teachers have found what I’m best at.  And as you look at the never-ending volunteer list, what are YOU good at?

Some of you might know that I took over our school carnival the year I came to my current school.  It was a dangerous move.  I am NOT a party planner.   BUT I am organized.  I figured out what wasn’t working and adjusted it to work better for our school.  I found people that WERE party planners to help with that part of it.  I did what I do best, and they did what they did best and it worked out.

And that’s REALLY want your PTA president wants.  She wants YOU in a capacity that you’re good at, you feel good at doing, and for you to make some friends.  She wants you to show your child that school is important to you.  If you do it right, they’ll get that message loud and clear.

**2016 update:  Don’t miss the PTO Tell All Update**

Want more tips and tricks for the school year?  Check out my book School Mom.  You’ll end-up with an action plan creating the best year yet!

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