I know I commented elsewhere but I have yet another question: given that this is a fundraiser, where are they getting the MONEY for all these "incentives"? Like...why not use all that fundraising money for the school? That's the part that's always baffling, especially when incentives are clearly pricey.
I'm always amazed at the way you so elegantly and diplomatically advocate for change....and continuously disappointed with the response from those in power. Because a principal has immense power. And the response is so incredibly dense to say the least. I get it- working in public schools is hard and they are all spread thin. But- come on!
Thank you for this. Yes! I have so much respect for those that work in public schools, honestly just schools, and that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be bringing awareness to gaps in inclusivity.
I hate to be devils advocate but what have you done to change the classism? Are you donating to other children? Are you making it all equal? Do you engage with the other parents of these kids? The school is not responsible to make things equal for all kids outside of class. They do not control external influences. I understand your concern but cannot back you blaming a school.
I sent an email to my kid’s principal highlighting the disparities and voicing my concerns. I have also ran for city council without any professional political background. I ran a campaign on $1500 and still managed to secure 20% of the vote. These are small and large ways I have contributed to “changing classism” which is a systemic issue as I’m sure you know.
2. Are you donating to other children?
Define “donating to other children.” Donating what and to whom? Because yes, I donate to children when I sign up to volunteer at both of our kids’ schools, when I distribute needs to my unhoused neighbors, and ever time I engage with mutual aid efforts (often) with my time, resources, and money. *all of which I speak freely and frequently about within this newsletter. Context matters and if you’re going to push-back it would be helpful if you spent a few minutes researching. I think a lot of your questions would have been answered in doing so.
3. Are you making it all equal?
Am I making what equal? Yes? You’re not providing a lot of context and there’s a lot of nuance here to unpack. My entire issue was that the prize system was unequal…
4. Do you engage with the other parents of these kids?
Yes, when it’s appropriate.
5. The school is not responsible to make things equal for all kids outside of class. They do not control external influences. I understand your concern but cannot back you blaming a school.
This is where you lost me seeing as how I referenced several times that the bulk of my issue was not only with the prizes themselves but the fact that my kid/other kids will miss portions of their school days to receive/experience these prizes.
Listen, I welcome and encourage dialogue even when I receive feedback or push-back. But the statements you made do not align/make sense with what I wrote in the first place which is why I wondered whether or not you had processed or did more than skim. “They do not control external influences”- what does this have to do with anything that I wrote? A point was missed and/or you’re attempting to comment on a narrative that doesn’t exist, at least not in the piece you referenced.
You are absolutely right, the school cannot control outside influences which is why it’s so important that schools are not perpetuating things like classism. I have a deep love for public schools, including the teachers and staff which is one reason why I advocate for not only my kids but others as well.
Thank you for taking the time to advocate for the devil, that is really important work! I’m struggling to find a way to respond to your questions because it seems as though you did in fact read the entire piece however I’m wondering if you simply haven’t had time to process or critically think through your questions and as a person with ADHD, I know how that goes! It would behoove you to take a lap and come back to give it another go in the morning with fresh eyes as I do believe you will find the answers to your own questions.
ps I did not apply for the PTO position! It requires more financial and emotional labor than what my family can afford right now but thank you for checking in!
Thank you so much for the response. However I didn’t see answers to my questions.
You are totally right PTO is very time taxing however very rewarding. The moms and dads that donate their time to make events, raise money and help teachers take pride in what they do for their schools. In most cases find companies that donate prizes for kids.
Well I’ve probably already taken too much of your time so thanks for responding!
I know I commented elsewhere but I have yet another question: given that this is a fundraiser, where are they getting the MONEY for all these "incentives"? Like...why not use all that fundraising money for the school? That's the part that's always baffling, especially when incentives are clearly pricey.
THIS!
I'm always amazed at the way you so elegantly and diplomatically advocate for change....and continuously disappointed with the response from those in power. Because a principal has immense power. And the response is so incredibly dense to say the least. I get it- working in public schools is hard and they are all spread thin. But- come on!
Thank you for this. Yes! I have so much respect for those that work in public schools, honestly just schools, and that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be bringing awareness to gaps in inclusivity.
I love the communications that both you and Anaya sent. I'm holding that you are part of moving the needle on this.
I hope so, you know? And if not I’ll die trying 🖤
I hate to be devils advocate but what have you done to change the classism? Are you donating to other children? Are you making it all equal? Do you engage with the other parents of these kids? The school is not responsible to make things equal for all kids outside of class. They do not control external influences. I understand your concern but cannot back you blaming a school.
Did you apply for the PTO position?
1. What have you done to change the classism?
I sent an email to my kid’s principal highlighting the disparities and voicing my concerns. I have also ran for city council without any professional political background. I ran a campaign on $1500 and still managed to secure 20% of the vote. These are small and large ways I have contributed to “changing classism” which is a systemic issue as I’m sure you know.
2. Are you donating to other children?
Define “donating to other children.” Donating what and to whom? Because yes, I donate to children when I sign up to volunteer at both of our kids’ schools, when I distribute needs to my unhoused neighbors, and ever time I engage with mutual aid efforts (often) with my time, resources, and money. *all of which I speak freely and frequently about within this newsletter. Context matters and if you’re going to push-back it would be helpful if you spent a few minutes researching. I think a lot of your questions would have been answered in doing so.
3. Are you making it all equal?
Am I making what equal? Yes? You’re not providing a lot of context and there’s a lot of nuance here to unpack. My entire issue was that the prize system was unequal…
4. Do you engage with the other parents of these kids?
Yes, when it’s appropriate.
5. The school is not responsible to make things equal for all kids outside of class. They do not control external influences. I understand your concern but cannot back you blaming a school.
This is where you lost me seeing as how I referenced several times that the bulk of my issue was not only with the prizes themselves but the fact that my kid/other kids will miss portions of their school days to receive/experience these prizes.
Listen, I welcome and encourage dialogue even when I receive feedback or push-back. But the statements you made do not align/make sense with what I wrote in the first place which is why I wondered whether or not you had processed or did more than skim. “They do not control external influences”- what does this have to do with anything that I wrote? A point was missed and/or you’re attempting to comment on a narrative that doesn’t exist, at least not in the piece you referenced.
You are absolutely right, the school cannot control outside influences which is why it’s so important that schools are not perpetuating things like classism. I have a deep love for public schools, including the teachers and staff which is one reason why I advocate for not only my kids but others as well.
I hope this better answers your questions.
Take care.
Hi Julia.
Thank you for taking the time to advocate for the devil, that is really important work! I’m struggling to find a way to respond to your questions because it seems as though you did in fact read the entire piece however I’m wondering if you simply haven’t had time to process or critically think through your questions and as a person with ADHD, I know how that goes! It would behoove you to take a lap and come back to give it another go in the morning with fresh eyes as I do believe you will find the answers to your own questions.
ps I did not apply for the PTO position! It requires more financial and emotional labor than what my family can afford right now but thank you for checking in!
Thank you so much for the response. However I didn’t see answers to my questions.
You are totally right PTO is very time taxing however very rewarding. The moms and dads that donate their time to make events, raise money and help teachers take pride in what they do for their schools. In most cases find companies that donate prizes for kids.
Well I’ve probably already taken too much of your time so thanks for responding!