School Fundraising Activities

[wrobert]

I would like to hear people's thoughts on school fundraisers. These things have really bothered me for the last several years. With the district budget ballooning and then I am constantly getting hit up for money since I own a business in DeFuniak Springs. I sort of understand them raising money to do things like go on Senior Trip, yet I do have a problem with this being done during school hours when they are suppose to be learning. But I also have been asked to purchase discount cards to fund sports jerseys and recently heard that there is one ongoing in south Walton to purchase warm up uniforms for baseball players at ECMS. Yet I sit in on budget hearings where I am being told that we keep $200K+ in a fence fund, just in case the school board decides in wants to build a fence one day.

Does anyone know why coaches do not submit these requests to the district to be funded or if they do? And if so, where they are getting turned down? I never hear any of this mentioned at a budget meeting, everyone says everything is okay, but as soon as school starts, here they come a knocking. Students should be spending time learning skills that relate to furthering their education, while selling is certainly a skill, maybe we could have a special for credit class that teaches them the finer points.

[Alicia Leonard]

I would like to hear people's thoughts on school fundraisers. These things have really bothered me for the last several years. With the district budget ballooning and then I am constantly getting hit up for money since I own a business in DeFuniak Springs. I sort of understand them raising money to do things like go on Senior Trip, yet I do have a problem with this being done during school hours when they are suppose to be learning. But I also have been asked to purchase discount cards to fund sports jerseys and recently heard that there is one ongoing in south Walton to purchase warm up uniforms for baseball players at ECMS. Yet I sit in on budget hearings where I am being told that we keep $200K+ in a fence fund, just in case the school board decides in wants to build a fence one day.

Does anyone know why coaches do not submit these requests to the district to be funded or if they do? And if so, where they are getting turned down? I never hear any of this mentioned at a budget meeting, everyone says everything is okay, but as soon as school starts, here they come a knocking. Students should be spending time learning skills that relate to furthering their education, while selling is certainly a skill, maybe we could have a special for credit class that teaches them the finer points.

I covered the last meeting for Pat, since he had to cover a sports event. Very interesting meeting I think you are raising some good questions as well.

[wrobert]

I covered the last meeting for Pat, since he had to cover a sports event. Very interesting meeting I think you are raising some good questions as well.

I am beginning to think that I am the only one that this activity bothers.

[chrisv]

It's tough, WaltonGOP. Schools these days try to be everything to everyone, from fulfilling their educational charge and extraciricular activities to serving as daycare and entertainment for kids. They've got to fund those 'extra' activities.

I used to work for the Boy Scouts, and the boys raised money to fund the program and their activities by selling popcorn (girl scouts sell cookies...) The timing always ran up against the cookie dough sale, the pizza kit sale, the holiday decoration sale, etc. that the schools did. There were kids that participated in them all. Parents would express to me that they were overwhelmed with fundraisers. From my point of view (obviously) our sale was more worthwhile and defendable, as it was done by kids that wanted to be a part of that group, and the kids got to use the money raised in their units. It also taught the boys at an early age confidence and selling skills. It was all done voluntarily by kids that were actively involved in the scouts.

The school fundraisers, at least at the elementary level, always seemed to be to raise money for books or school equipment. Those should be funded by the school district, to the extent that they are necessary. Fundraisers for uniforms, trips or whatever don't bother me, because those should be funded by the efforts of the kids. Band uniforms and trips cost money, sports too.

I do get that you as a business owner are overwhelmed by all of it, though. Everyone has their hands out.

[scooterbug44]

I personally think the fundraising and the activities they fund are getting a touch out of control. I understand that they help offset the costs of trips, uniforms, equipment, etc. but IMO the amount of money/percentage that the students get as their cut is not high enough and they are raising money for things that aren't so much needed as wanted to keep up with the Jones School District/teammate.

It's a sad fact of life that our schools don't get as much money as they should and I definitely think they should be a higher priority in the budgetary process, but at some point we need to draw the line.

Warm up uniforms? When I was in school our UNIFORMS were at least a decade old and that's what you wore to warm up in. We supplied alot of our equipment (coaches bought a lot too) and our parents/us footed the bill for stuff that wasn't standard issue/couldn't be reused, but we didn't fundraise for more than 3 or 4 things the entire year.

Out of state/cross country trips for competitions, non-competition sports apparel, photo packages, etc. I am sure many parents would love to draw the line and not shell out the $ either.

In my perfect world, the school would get all the $ they need and there would be no need for fundraising, but it's also a world where people say "no, you don't need it."

[wrobert]

It's a sad fact of life that our schools don't get as much money as they should and I definitely think they should be a higher priority in the budgetary process, but at some point we need to draw the line.
In my perfect world, the school would get all the $ they need and there would be no need for fundraising, but it's also a world where people say "no, you don't need it."

But they do not ask for it. I go to the school budget hearings and nothing like this is ever presented. The board ask are we adequately funding the sports. They talk about what is it going to cost to make something a sport, like they recently did with cheerleading. They tell the money changers that work for them to fund the activities. Yet I still get hit up for money on a regular basis. If these things were requested and turned down because there was no money, I could understand. But I do not see these things being requested. But I do see them holding fundraisers during school hours.

[InletBchDweller]

What kills me is the amount of $$ Bay elementary PTO has just spent on the new gym....

[wrobert]

What kills me is the amount of $$ Bay elementary PTO has just spent on the new gym....

But why? What did they purchase? If it is equipment the district ought to give them their money back and let it go into classrooms or something worthwhile. Over the last four years we have purchased some fine statutes and spent some dollars landscaping the district office repeatedly. We also get the school district employee vans detailed on a pretty regular basis. So I would think we could find money to do something worthwhile, like spend it on a gym.

[InletBchDweller]

But why? What did they purchase? If it is equipment the district ought to give them their money back and let it go into classrooms or something worthwhile. Over the last four years we have purchased some fine statutes and spent some dollars landscaping the district office repeatedly. We also get the school district employee vans detailed on a pretty regular basis. So I would think we could find money to do something worthwhile, like spend it on a gym.

I am not privy to all the history on this new gym we have. I think the county paid for the building but the PTO had to finish it?? I think the PTO just approved somewhere around $25,000 to put flooring in??? Other people have donated $$ for equipment, etc. I know that some of the older PTO members are on this board, Yall come out of lurking and fill us in...

[Teresa]

What kills me is the amount of $$ Bay elementary PTO has just spent on the new gym....

wow. it seems that a new building should be funded by the school system, in its entirety, including equipment. otherwise, they should not have built it. the students at bay have played outside for many many years and got along well without a gym.

I'm not saying they didn't need it, but if the school board couldn't pay for it, then they should not have built it.

I had no idea! surely the school board had to approve and fund this? it's a capital project!

I believe the parents organization should do a few fundraisers a year to help offset materials needed by the school, instead of having parents send in a truck load of supplies on day one.

other than that, the school board needs to get input from each school as to their budgetary needs and projects.

I am very interested in finding out why teachers/principals are not lining up asking for funds for improvements, supplies, projects, etc. for their schools. maybe its not permitted? maybe its frowned upon? funds not available?

[wrobert]

wow. it seems that a new building should be funded by the school system, in its entirety, including equipment. otherwise, they should not have built it. the students at bay have played outside for many many years and got along well without a gym.

I'm not saying they didn't need it, but if the school board couldn't pay for it, then they should not have built it.

I had no idea! surely the school board had to approve and fund this? it's a capital project!

And we are building 2 multi million dollar schools and paying cash for them. So we have the money from everything I can find. Just does not make any sense why we are not paying for this stuff, and not quite sure how they are convincing people that they should open up their checkbooks in addition to their tax bills every year.

[Teresa]

all I remember about the gym is that it did receive quite a bit of news coverage because the Pt Washington Historic group did not want to see a big metal building erected right on Hwy 395, and rightly so. We have lived in this neighborhood for years and its an old and special little piece of SoWal - with much character. there is much to preserve.

So apparently the school board did approve changes to the project to include brick siding, which is still in process.

that's all I know about that.

I would guess that the board funded this project. maybe they asked the PTO to help? not sure why this would be appropriate.

someone on this SoWal message board should be able to clarify this.

[ShallowsNole]

I don't see the fundraisers being held during school hours, unless it is the parents trying to sell stuff. But I'm not in DFS, either. I do know that for the things I've sold, it's been me passing the brochure around the Annex. They expressly advise against door-to-door sales anyway.

As far as ECMS and their warm-ups, I certainly do not envision anyone approaching the school board for that. Wouldn't the grumpy-about-any-expenditure people jump up and down then! That is an activity that is worthy of a fundraiser. At the high school level, concessions are the primary fundraiser, but I don't think that's the case with the middle schools.

[ShallowsNole]

all I remember about the gym is that it did receive quite a bit of news coverage because the Pt Washington Historic group did not want to see a big metal building erected right on Hwy 395, and rightly so. We have lived in this neighborhood for years and its an old and special little piece of SoWal - with much character. there is much to preserve.

So apparently the school board did approve changes to the project to include brick siding, which is still in process.

that's all I know about that.

I would guess that the board funded this project. maybe they asked the PTO to help? not sure why this would be appropriate.

someone on this SoWal message board should be able to clarify this.

Yes, thankfully they did approve brick siding. I would hope it would not be put upon the PTO to pay for it. I also hope it wouldn't be that the board agreed to pay for the bricking, INSTEAD of the flooring and other furnishing INSIDE the building.

[momof2kids]

Although I believe that fundraising in all school levels is necessary to supplement school equipment, there should be a limit to fundraising events. For instance have 2 major fundraisers; one in the fall/winter and one in the spring. There are other fundraisers throughout the school year; adopt a classroom, scholastic, book fair, candy grams etc... This area is too small to have 4-5 fundraisers at each school every year. As much as our local businesses want to support each school, for every fundraiser it just isn't possible. Yes, we can use the line "it's tax deductible", but when the business is hurting because of a weak economy the donation may not be worth the deduction.

As a parent I also start to feel nickle & dimed by the end of the school year. Not only am I doing my part to support the fundraisers, but I am also donating supplies to classrooms.

If I am giving money to only 2 fundraisers per year and I know where that money is being spent (for a computer lab, or making 21st century classrooms, etc...) then I would be more inclined to donate more money. Knowing that all the other fundraisers are out there makes me donate my money in other ways, leaving less money for the necessary improvements (like technology).

Maybe there should be a uniform policy about school fundraisers? When they can be held, limit the number of major fundraisers per year, cut back on the cookie dough/pizza fundraising and look into a healthy alternative... Not sure where to begin with this, but it's something all parents in the area should think about. Your schools PTO/PTA should be able to help get the ball rolling. Let your opinion be known at their meetings. Somthing like this surely won't change over night, but something can (and should) be done.

[wrobert]

I don't see the fundraisers being held during school hours,

Not selling but they were delivering during the school day. I imagine that they were out at the field house packaging and getting the stuff ready, typical non-educational activities in the strictest sense of the word.

[ShallowsNole]

cut back on the cookie dough/pizza fundraising and look into a healthy alternative...

Hey. It's got to be something people WANT.

Of course we no longer have a Pizza Hut, but the Pizza Hut cards were da bomb during peewee football back in the day...

[wrobert]

Hey. It's got to be something people WANT.

Of course we no longer have a Pizza Hut, but the Pizza Hut cards were da bomb during peewee football back in the day...

I saw where the Hut changed to a Starbucks and that other one closed down in the shopping center. How in the world can a Pizza Hut not survive with all those people. Seems that sowal does not care for national chain stores.

[Teresa]

I saw where the Hut changed to a Starbucks and that other one closed down in the shopping center. How in the world can a Pizza Hut not survive with all those people. Seems that sowal does not care for national chain stores.

we like really good pizza. we've got amore' and pizza by the sea. what more could we ever want? not to mention enzo's, angelina's, and fat clemenza's. all wonderful in their own ways.

[momof2kids]

I saw where the Hut changed to a Starbucks and that other one closed down in the shopping center. How in the world can a Pizza Hut not survive with all those people. Seems that sowal does not care for national chain stores.

It wasn't about surviving because Pizza Hut at the outlet mall was always busy, it was probably more about money. I'm sure the PH owners were offered a pretty penny for that building, and they were able to move into a much smaller delivery or pick up only location in the same area with smaller staff, lower liability, and just as busy...

[ShallowsNole]

Yes, all the other pizza places are great. But with the card, you bought one large pizza and got a medium pizza FREE. As in, FREE. Perfect solution when the kid won't eat mushrooms, and Mom insists on them. Or the male people insist on pan, and Mom wants thin crust. Dang card paid for itself first time we used it.

I have yet to experience a 2-for-1 at Fat Daddy's or Pizza By The Sea, and when I went to Amore, I fell down the steps. Though that might have been a side effect of the Red Stripe.

[Teresa]

Yes, all the other pizza places are great. But with the card, you bought one large pizza and got a medium pizza FREE. As in, FREE. Perfect solution when the kid won't eat mushrooms, and Mom insists on them. Or the male people insist on pan, and Mom wants thin crust. Dang card paid for itself first time we used it.

I have yet to experience a 2-for-1 at Fat Daddy's or Pizza By The Sea, and when I went to Amore, I fell down the steps. Though that might have been a side effect of the Red Stripe.

sorry but I got this visual and laughed out loud. hope you weren't hurt.

these pizza dudes will make whatever you want. Amory and Brian both work hard to take care of their locals. and tell 'em you are a sowaller for a little discount.

[florida girl]

I saw where the Hut changed to a Starbucks and that other one closed down in the shopping center. How in the world can a Pizza Hut not survive with all those people. Seems that sowal does not care for national chain stores.

That Pizza Hut was a mess, not surprised that it closed. Couldn't seem to get the organization it needed.

[florida girl]

But why? What did they purchase? If it is equipment the district ought to give them their money back and let it go into classrooms or something worthwhile. Over the last four years we have purchased some fine statutes and spent some dollars landscaping the district office repeatedly. We also get the school district employee vans detailed on a pretty regular basis. So I would think we could find money to do something worthwhile, like spend it on a gym.

I wondered who payed for those statues, like we really needed them! I'm sure they payed plenty for them too! Could have used the money for something more necessary. It seems the fundraisers always use the same companies, or somebody knows somebody... What about a bidding process, or some type of competative aplication for those companies who want to sell? I complain at what exactly we're teaching our kids about all these fundraisers? I'm not sure it's a good thing. Are we teaching them that money is the most important thing? That it doesn't matter what the parents have to go through, just so little Johnny has what the school, or the PTO says he needs?

[momof2kids]

I wondered who payed for those statues, like we really needed them! I'm sure they payed plenty for them too! Could have used the money for something more necessary. It seems the fundraisers always use the same companies, or somebody knows somebody... What about a bidding process, or some type of competative aplication for those companies who want to sell? I complain at what exactly we're teaching our kids about all these fundraisers? I'm not sure it's a good thing. Are we teaching them that money is the most important thing? That it doesn't matter what the parents have to go through, just so little Johnny has what the school, or the PTO says he needs?

All fundraisers for the school my kids attend have a goal of what the money raised will be used for. It is the job of the child/parent selling the stuff to let the buyer know what the money will be used for. The fundraisers do teach kids that money is important because the money is being raised to; help keep the school up to date with technology, for safe playgrounds, to get new books for the library. Yes, that stuff is suppose to be given to the schools by the District, but when the parents want it faster than the District is willing to give then fundrasiers help compensate for the slowness or even the lack of District money. Just because we pay taxes to the schools doesn't mean the schools get all the money they need.

The PTO officers have no say in what little Johnny needs. Keep in mind that all PARENTS are part of the PTO. The parents that attend PTO meetings and the parents that are officers of the PTO support the school in getting what it needs so little Johnny can get the best education in a safe building with the necessary supplies.

[Jdarg]

All fundraisers for the school my kids attend have a goal of what the money raised will be used for. It is the job of the child/parent selling the stuff to let the buyer know what the money will be used for. The fundraisers do teach kids that money is important because the money is being raised to; help keep the school up to date with technology, for safe playgrounds, to get new books for the library. Yes, that stuff is suppose to be given to the schools by the District, but when the parents want it faster than the District is willing to give then fundrasiers help compensate for the slowness or even the lack of District money. Just because we pay taxes to the schools doesn't mean the schools get all the money they need.

The PTO officers have no say in what little Johnny needs. Keep in mind that all PARENTS are part of the PTO. The parents that attend PTO meetings and the parents that are officers of the PTO support the school in getting what it needs so little Johnny can get the best education in a safe building with the necessary supplies.

Great point. Many parents mistakenly believe that a PTO has "real" power in curriculum, hiring, etc. decisions, when in fact the function of the PTO is a support for the teachers and school. When a parent is active at school, they gain the power of familiarity with the staff and become "known" as an involved parent, which is a plus for the school and the child.

It happens at every school- there is a core group of parents who give their time. Then there are the parents that don't give their time, and some of them do the most complaining, especially about the PTO and their fundraising decisions, etc. If a parent does not like the programs that the PTO is supporting, then get to a meeting, e-mail an officer, whatever. Just don't whine.

[ShallowsNole]

sorry but I got this visual and laughed out loud. hope you weren't hurt.

these pizza dudes will make whatever you want. Amory and Brian both work hard to take care of their locals. and tell 'em you are a sowaller for a little discount.

Yeah, I was okay. Just my pride. I didn't even drop my to-go box (the contents of which were excellent!). I just have to be careful of places with stairs these days. Even if I haven't had anything to drink, the bifocals mess me up.

[momof2kids]

Thanks jdarg! That is what really happens... If only more parents would attend the meetings and stay involved throughout their child's school career... If they can't attend the meetings there are other ways to be involved - just ask - don't complain.

[InletBchDweller]

I wondered who payed for those statues, like we really needed them!

I always thought that they were donated

[Teresa]

[/b]Great point. Many parents mistakenly believe that a PTO has "real" power in curriculum, hiring, etc. decisions, when in fact the function of the PTO is a support for the teachers and school. When a parent is active at school, they gain the power of familiarity with the staff and become "known" as an involved parent, which is a plus for the school and the child.

It happens at every school- there is a core group of parents who give their time. Then there are the parents that don't give their time, and some of them do the most complaining, especially about the PTO and their fundraising decisions, etc. If a parent does not like the programs that the PTO is supporting, then get to a meeting, e-mail an officer, whatever. Just don't whine.

I hope this is not the role of the PTO! That would be a terrible mess. Of course, I have seen when parents try to use the PTO for this purpose. not appropriate.

I do wish the schools had some way of requiring a certain amount of participation of parents. it is just such an important thing - to have parents involved at least a small amount. parent participation not only provides support to the teacher, it makes the educational program and environment better for it, and most of all your child knows that his school life is important to his/her parents. and i'm not talking about just MOMS! Dads can do so much - and I've seen it happen - its a beautiful thing.

I hate meetings too. and don't go to most these days. but goodness, I went to about 50 of them, volunteered many many days of classroom work, school support, and fundraising, and he's not even in first grade yet. how ridiculous is that? I'll start over next year. gotta do it.

[SGB]

I always thought that they were donated

I know the statues in front of Butler were donated. If the other statues are similar to those, I bet they were donated too.

[momof2kids]

I know the statues in front of Butler were donated. If the other statues are similar to those, I bet they were donated too.

The statues in front of Butler were donated.

[momof2kids]

The statues in front of Butler were donated.

oops! sorry - that's exactly what you said!! sorry!!!

[InletBchDweller]

I know the statues in front of Butler were donated. If the other statues are similar to those, I bet they were donated too.

The statues in front of Butler were donated.

Were they donated by the same person that donated one to the elementary school in Defuniak???

[wrobert]

I know the statues in front of Butler were donated. If the other statues are similar to those, I bet they were donated too.

Some of them were donated by Doodle Harris I believe. But not all of them.

[InletBchDweller]

Some of them were donated by Doodle Harris I believe. But not all of them.

That is who I was thinking about....

[momof2kids]

Some of them were donated by Doodle Harris I believe. But not all of them.

Yes - he is the one! I couldn't think of the name... but that's it. He donated the statues at Butler. They are beautiful!!