PTO-Ho-Ho

Yesterday evening, we had the last PTO meeting of the school year. As usual, it was ... interesting. It's always fun to be in a room full of people who have being parents as the only thing in common. It really gives one a glimpse into true personalities.

This year was odd in that there were three people nominated for Vice President and two people nominated for Treasurer. Typically, people who agree to do the different post on the PTO board run unopposed. In a way, it made me happy to see that more than one person was interested in the job(s).

Volunteering is something few parents do at Buddy's school. It always seems to be the same handful at every event - yours truly is one of that crew. I go and do stuff because I can - not every mom has the flexibility I do. Many of them work full time. And, I understand that, but PTO meets in the evenings and it truly is a team effort, so whoever serves doesn't have to do all the planning all by themselves.

And, the officers have the small network of other parents who are willing to pitch in too, so it makes it easier. We also have some people who truly love to do certain activities. Like, we have one mom who believes in the book sales and the benefit the school receives (more books for classrooms and the library), so she always heads up that activity.

Another mom feels strongly about the blood drive and the lives giving blood can save, so she has been doing those for the last couple of years.

The Evil Twin and I think the yearbook should look nice and professional, so we're involved with that effort. I won't tell you where the Evil Twin works, but I will say he's a professional graphic designer and we have all the equipment and software necessary to design things at home. Sure, it's going to be time consuming this summer, but the kids will have a yearbook they can be proud of.

The last couple of years, since Sissy was born, I have not been as involved as I was early on. So, I mostly just show up to activities and they can put me where they need me. Yes, I have my little sidekick with me, but as long as she cooperates, I can do whatever is needed.

I enjoy being involved too. I think you learn more about the school and the people who run things and how your child is doing if you stick close to the action. That's not to say I want Buddy to get special treatment, but I do want to know if there's an issue right away and the teachers feel comfortable talking to me.

Next year will be Buddy's last at that school. Sissy will attend preschool there, but we're not sure beyond that. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it!