1 of 45

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

a flat ten dollars or 35-50 cents a lap. The kids are told as part of their homework that they need to get at least ten sponsors. If you don't wish to collect sponsors you still are required to walk/run the track for an hour. The school board office told me to consider it an extra Physical Education period.

Given that the public pays for each minute of instruction, I called the Auditor General's office. I asked how the State of Florida was funding for 700 to 800 children to participate in an hour of non educational fund-raising. He had no answer except to say some schools have tried to have lunch considered an educational experience. I am put out that I have to pay taxes so my child can run laps to raise money for the school's PTA. Add to that, the school board policy says that the children can only be involved in fund raising if it doesn't interfere with instructional time or schoolwork, (at the Principals discretion). The school itself told me, the money is used for an extra day a week of PE for the children. I did receive a subsequent flier that told me it was Health and Fitness Week at the school. I found this odd as the children had field day a week or two earlier. I did ask my son what other activities they were doing for health and fitness and he said; "all I know is we have to run around the track for money, and you won't give me money for doing it."

Social pressure to contribute is one less lesson my child needs. No one asked me if I wanted this for my child, and since recess is free, I could think of a lot of much better ways to have my child spend his time. Is running for money part of a free public education? Where does it go? Here are a few excepts from my son's last school newsletter.

"Congratulations to the classes who support PTA with 100% family membership. These classes all earned ice cream parties."
The following teachers earned a free entertainment book as they had 100% returns in their classes. Congratulations! You deserve it."
Our TOP STUDENT Sellers Excellent selling boys! Special prizes were awarded to students who sold more than ten items To all our winners and to everyone who sold gift wrap and candy- PTA thanks you.
One of your PTA's best accomplishments has been the 100% Teacher and 100% family memberships in your PTA. Our PTA could not function effectively and provide over $48,000 in enhancement materials that are not provided by the County School Board without your help. You care about our children and our school
"Look for order forms monthly in your child's folder. Place your order, pick up and pay for your food on the third Monday of the month. It's easy and convenient, too"
The following families and corporations have made donations of $250.00 or more this year

I hope to have assaulted your sense of dignity. Our children deserve more than to have their education's sullied by the crass merchandising of a calculating system. Today one of my son's homework assignments was to bring in a roll of paper towel to school tomorrow, when I asked him what he needed it for he said, " Mom, so I don't have to dry my hands on my pants when I use the sink." The only thing left that school hasn't asked for is- toilet paper, maybe next year instead of running for money, we could have the children solicit Kimberly-Clark

Learn more about this author, Lori Ronan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Have public schools failed us?
We want to hear your view. Write now!