School Notification???

I see a lot of posts on this site from moms who have the same complaint as you. Having worked for a school district I can tell you that the problem is partly political. Parents and taxpayers only want to hear that $ was spent directly on children. Nobody wants to stick out their neck and vote to spend more $ on administrative stuff. As a result the administrative part of schools are chronically understaffed. I agree that volunteering to help might be the way to go. I am planning to offer my help in that area myself.

Maybe you need to offer your services to this school. You sound like you know what you want and they do sound either clueless, not organized or short on help..

Maybe gather a group of moms that feel like you to help them get organized..

Our school does one large recorded call to all the parents that sign up to be on the call list if you don't sign up you don't get a call. Maybe suggest something similar to your school.

Our schools's principal is extremely busy with the students before and after school, at recesses and lunch, in meetings with the district and superintendent (and unless you have experience working with the school district you have no idea just how many meetings are required) and staff throughout each day. The office staff (one secretary and 2 part-time assistants) will handle phone calls, she doesn't. She also doesn't have time to check her email, least of all reply.

She DOES make taped-recorded calls to ALL parents at one time to give them pertinent information, and encourages parents to call the office with questions or concerns. We've been getting calls for the past 2 weeks even though school doesn't begin until the 29th, and they are fairly regular throughout the school year.

Unless the school has a budget for a computer specialist or a super computer-savvy staff member with the extra time required, the website might not get updated on a regular basis, ever. One of my grandsons attends a truly awesome middle school in a well-to-do location in SoCal, they have won state awards and commendations, yet their website is still showing LAST year's scheduling and calendar.

Also, having much experience with various schools I will say that typically Pre-K and K enrollment information for the following school year is generally sent home with all students in the spring via flyers, I used to print them in my days as a parent volunteer. It's imperative for you as a parent to go through every single piece of paper your children bring home. Possibly the information you're needing was sent home months ago as details are made many months, if not years in advance.

Realize that the school is more than likely dealing with a million things necessary to provide the best for all students, and need you to reach out for what you need. Call the office, not the principal with your questions, don't send emails as they more than likely will never be looked at or returned, read everything that is sent home from school with both of your daughters.

And volunteer. I worked full-time as a single parent and volunteered in the classroom, in the office, put together homework packets at home on the weekend, coordinated and worked fundraisers, was HMO (Home School Organization, not part of the nationwide PTA/PTO organizations so monies earned could stay with our school) president for a few years and HMO secretary for another few, I did what needed to be done, whenever. It opened my eyes tremendously, and I realized just how much schools have to deal with, even just on a daily basis. It actually worked out that I became a liaison of sorts between the school and the parents, as there were parents who couldn't understand why things were done (or not done) the way they were.

Join your PTA, PTO, HMO, whatever your schools call them, and get involved, voice your concerns, ideas and suggestions at the meetings, and ask how you can help. Parents need to work together with schools for them to be successful.

Hope this is a great year for both of your daughters!

My son's school is the same way, but you have to figure, it is not like they can call everyone. That is why I go to the website for our school district and get all the info I need there, and at stores like Walmart they usually have the supply list a few weeks before school starts. You just have to be proactive about finding the info and know where to look. Just Google your city name with the words school district and you should be able to find the site for your area, rather than just the one for that one school.

Our school is horrible!

I called - left a message. Finally got a call back a few days later, telling me I would be receiving all the info I need via fax after providing my fax number. I wait. Two days, no fax. I call again. They fax again - I finally receive! And mind you, school starts Aug 22! Thanks a lot!

And I don't have anyplace, bulletin or otherwise, to go for any info. When I log on to the website, all info is from last year. I just found out what room my kids will be in, what time they start, bus info, and a school supply list all 6 days before school starts. I feel your pain.

The administrators at this school answer to a higher power. Call school board members. Call the superintendent's office. Even with staffing and other cuts, it is no way to run a school. I've never heard of such poor communication. Good luck. D.

My kids go to a Catholic school. They are not the greatest with notification either. They failed to realize the importance of notifying the parents that they are cancelling the half day kindergarten program this year due to low enrollment and mixing the half day students in with the all day classrooms. One of the parents found out because she knew someone on the board, so she told a few of us. When I called the principal, he didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with them not notifying us. I feel sorry for the new parents who won't find out until orientation which is 2 days before school starts. Ridiculous!

Is this a private school? Unacceptable!

If it is a public school, does the district's website give all the details?