Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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10-22-10 05:24 PM - Post#120169
In response to Boogie
No, That was not me , My kiddos go to a different school. What was said? Thanks.B
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Boogie
member
Posts: 73
Reg: 05-30-06
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10-24-10 02:09 PM - Post#120246
In response to Brewer
I assumed it was you because everything he said was basically what you have said in this thread LOL. We had more attendance than usual because they were doing a special event that night and he seemed to really open the eyes of a lot of the parents there.
The PTA seemed interested in what he had to say and wanted to work with him in the future for alternatives.
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Boogie
member
Posts: 73
Reg: 05-30-06
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02-16-11 11:16 PM - Post#126252
In response to Boogie
Well tonight my kid was crying because I refused to pledge whatever amount he needed to get some $5 rocket.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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02-17-11 10:28 PM - Post#126300
In response to Boogie
So another Allen school is really doing this? They don't learn.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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TC2112
enthusiast
Posts: 805
Reg: 08-16-07
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02-18-11 07:26 AM - Post#126308
In response to Boogie
So sad. Another year, another round of the Boosterthon rip-off and ostracizing of our kids.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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10-12-11 09:44 PM - Post#140707
In response to TC2112
It's back!! My son wants to help kids get a play ground for their school in Guatemala. IF your kid collects $300 Boosterthon will give a $1.00 donation towards the play ground. Just another way to tug at the heart strings of kids. I tried to explain at dinner that some people like money more than kids. My son told me to "Expose them!"
Good lesson for the kids at least.
ETA the HUGE $1.00 donation amount. Don't hurt yourselves there Booster INC.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 10-13-11 04:25 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-23-13 12:28 PM - Post#158838
In response to Brewer
Just wanted to bring this topic up again, as my son's school - Chandler - is doing their second Boosterthon. I'm torn between raising parents' awareness that only half the money goes to the school and hoping that it brings in the money needed.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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01-24-13 06:16 PM - Post#158865
In response to nicole926
If you think it is okay then say nothing. I think it sends a bad message to the kids and is a ripoff to anyone that pledges and thinks the kiddos are really running a LAP. The RipRun track is tiny so Grandma ends up paying much more than she bargained for and the school only gets half.
Sure, the money gets raised but at what cost to the trust of friends and family. My kids don't even ask for pledges and I have asked them if they would like to go to breakfast on RipRun morning so the school looses attendance money. So far they have just run the "laps" and had a good time with their buddies.
I wonder what the project will be this year, Maybe booster will give $1 for every three hundred raised to drill for water in Darfur?
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-25-13 12:31 PM - Post#158879
In response to Brewer
I actually did decide to speak up and do my part in asking questions and raising awareness. I've been emailing our PTA and principal to get info, and talking to all the parents I know to give them the facts. I went this morning to view one of the prize presentation/character lessons in my son's classroom and I have to say that it was better than last year's (which looked more like an Oprah prize giveaway than any kind of values lesson). Of course, the principal knew I was coming today and may have told the Boosterthon Rep to downplay the prizes more than they usually do.
I'm still not supporting the program and have explained to my kiddo why. I'm also telling everyone else who will listen just what the facts really are.
I just wish more parents would get involved... But that's a whole other conversation.. :)
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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01-25-13 02:24 PM - Post#158880
In response to nicole926
Good, All you can do is fight the good fight. See if you can find my link to the Texas PTA guidelines on fundraising. Funrun pretty much violates them all.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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01-25-13 07:04 PM - Post#158883
In response to Brewer
At the school my kids attend it has been the school, and not the PTA, that put on the Boosterthon Fun Run.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-25-13 08:00 PM - Post#158885
In response to RRRquilter
Our school is involved, the principal & vice principal made a video with the Boosterthon folks. But it's the PTA that votes on the fundraisers, I believe.
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 453
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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01-26-13 10:26 PM - Post#158897
In response to nicole926
I can't speak for other schools but I can for Chandler. After several years of the "check writing" campaign and only collecting maybe $5,000 from the 700 students instead of the $35,000 which would have been from all parents paying their $50, this is the third year for the Boosterthon. The first year the Chandler share was almost $30,000. Like the new playground? How do you think the PTA paid for that? The second year we brought as much if not more. The money goes to field trips, special speaker fees and author visit fees, red ribbon week, and other school things. Yes, their share each year has been profitable but how else could we have raised that much? My daughter really enjoys it. If you go watch the rally or run you will see the kids enjoy it also.
Nicole... you are only partially correct about the PTA. The PTA chooses what fundraisers they want to pursue. However, it is then put to vote at the General Meeting. All members of the PTA vote on it. PTA members are parents and staff that pay the $6 membership fee.
Now the $2,000 fee. This is a deposit to book the team to come to the school. If you do not collect $2,000 then I believe you do not pay anything.
As for the guilting children into fundraising... according to my daughter they do not single out anyone for not participating. If they achieve a milestone they are presented the "prize" in front of the class. However... they never say "great job Sally... why are you working harder Billy?" I'm sure your local PTA will happily take your personal donation so your child opts out. How many of you complaining have actually donated in some fashion to the PTA?
If the PTA was not able to raise money then parents would be forced to pay the full amount for their kiddos field trips. Chandler PTA pays $7 per kid per field trip to offset parent costs. Someone previously mentioned that we are in a recession. That is exactly right. That is why fund raising needs to be done so those with the means can help those without.
Personally I will support the school anyway that I can. The run promotes fitness and classroom discussion promotes character.
Edited by Jeremy on 01-26-13 10:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-27-13 12:16 AM - Post#158898
In response to Jeremy
In my research, I was told that the first year's Boosterthon raised $24,000, minus the $2,000 fee. I have no doubt that this nice chunk of money is important and necessary. I love the new playground as much as anyone and I'm excited about the new outdoor classroom that's being planned. I just hate the idea of my kids becoming corporate pawns.
I've bought the school shirts, yearbook, supported (working & buying wristbands) for the carnival, done the Yogurtville/ Baskin Robbins/ Two Rows nights and whatever else is asked of us parents.
How hard would it be to host a real fun run, without the cheesy prizes -and advertise like crazy that 100% of the profits go to the school. We've got a pretty good group of volunteers and that would be something I would be proud to support.
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 453
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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01-27-13 11:20 PM - Post#158906
In response to nicole926
Believe me that you are the minority when it comes to supporting the school and you are very much appreciated. In 2010 we did try to hold our own fun run. It was a silent auction for gift baskets, fun run, and raffel. We made a couple thousand at most so it was not worth the effort. That is why that idea was abandoned.
The PTA is always looking for new PTA board members if you would like to look into a position this spring for the 2013-2014 school year.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-28-13 04:55 PM - Post#158916
In response to Jeremy
That's too bad that the 2010 event wasn't a big hit. I know that the carnival was a lot of work this year (and not a huge payout), but I think the first year of any event is going to be the hardest on the volunteers.
And I will be looking into playing a more active role in the PTA next school year. :)
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