I Have Been Elected Secretary of the PTA!!!

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive November 2004: I Have Been Elected Secretary of the PTA!!!

I went to my son's school's first PTA meeting last night. I ran for the position of PTA Secretary and won! Yes, this is a brag post, but I'm just so happy that I will get to be involved in my son's school in such a big way. It *is* a huge responsibility, but I'm actually very excited about it. Anyone else here has ever served on the board of a PTA? If so, can you tell me what to expect. I've already started on some of my duties today - ordering supplies, working with the principal, etc.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 08:56 pm:

Have fun, Amy! Sorry, but I don't have any advice. Board positions are definitely not my thing. In fact, I don't even attend our PTO meetings because not only are they B-O-R-I-N-G, but they're gossip fests as well. NOT my cup of tea. Certainly not worth arranging for DH to be home early from work so I can attend. I'm active and help with all their fundraisers and activities though. That's enough for me. LOL!

By Kaye on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 08:59 pm:

LOL...I am on the PTA board and I refered to it as being drafted! I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder. Really the PTA isn't too bad, but you will see that there is a group of people who do everything and lots of parents who do nothing. It seems the more you give the more is wanted of you.

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 09:07 pm:

Very cool Amy!! Obviously, I don't have any advice, but you are very organized, so I'm sure you'll do great!! Have fun!!!

By Vicki on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 09:24 pm:

I so agree with Kaye.. it is always the same people that do everything and the more you are willing to "help" out with the more they will let you take over. I don't want to sound negative at all and stomp all over your excitment, but if it is anything like our school at all, just watch how much you take on... it can get overwhelming VERY quick!!

By Amy~moderator on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 09:33 pm:

I've heard the same thing, Kaye/Vicki! I will definitely keep that in mind. It's only been 24 hours and I've already spent 3 hours doing PTA things. Plus we have a board meeting Friday, the monthly newsletter (which I have to compose) has to be distributed this Tuesday, etc etc. LOL So I am definitely seeing how much work is involved - I am still excited though. Maybe I'm a wack job, LOL!

By Truestori on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 01:46 am:

Amy,
So funny you should mention this. I was at a girlfriends house today and she is incharge of Boxtop's and Campbells labels. I watched all of the kids while she went to the meeting today, and I think she may have suckered me into attending next time..LOL
It is a nice feeling to be involved in the activities that go on at your childs school. You will meet alot of great moms and have a wonderful time.
Ok, maybe I'm a wack job also. LOL

By Amy~moderator on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 06:31 am:

ROFL Stori! We do Boxtops at this school too - from what I hear, it's a major pain in the butt to deal with. Someone else will be heading that up - we just have to monitor and check in on the progress, etc. You should go to the next meeting - it really does feel good to get involved and help better the schools.

By Mommmie on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 08:11 am:

Amy - Look in the mirror and practice saying, "Oh, I am so sorry, I just can't help out with that right now. My plate is so full!"
Practice and practice, bec there will come a time when you will need to say it. Not now, but down the road. And, pace yourself, bec so many moms (at least around here) jump in with both feet at K and 1st and then by 4th there isn't a volunteer mom anywhere bec they are all burnt out and mad.

I wonder what it means that when you went to your *first* PTA meeting, you get elected to be an officer. Where are the returning moms?

I'm excited for you though! Can't wait to hear how it goes. It feels good to help out at the school.

By Cat on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 08:23 am:

Congrats, Amy!!! Better you than me! lol Nothing against our PTA, but I just don't have time. I am on the board at my church, though, and I know how time consuming that can be sometimes. Randy's school has over 900 students and Robin's has over 700 so they have no problems finding people to fill the PTA boards. Hope you enjoy it!

By Conni on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 10:23 am:

Congrats!! Have fun. I am sure you will do great!

By Children03 on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 11:32 am:

Congratulations! It is something new to try. I think you will enjoy doing it.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 06:21 pm:

Amy - BTDT - and I'm not sure whether to say Congratulations or "Oh, I'm so sorry". Either way, Mommmie has the best advice I could give you.

By Amy~moderator on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 07:22 pm:

Mommmie - the reason there aren't many returning moms is because this school is only K and 1st grade, that's it. We're on a military base, and each school only has a few grades in it.

By Mommmie on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 11:09 pm:

Oh! Wow! That makes sense then! Only two grades and families, I'm guessing, come and go as their parents move around with the military. That doesn't sound quite so ominous.

By Amy~moderator on Friday, November 12, 2004 - 11:37 am:

LOL - I do wonder how only having a few grades in each school affects the sense of community in the school. If everyone is constantly coming and going.