Oh man, am I cheesed...

[Momto2Boyz]

Ok, I need to know if I am over reacting, and should just suck it up, or if I have a right to be angry...so please let me know what you think!

My son's school has a big all school program every year, called the Spring Sing. They pack into a very tiny, local theater and all the kids get up and sing. We went when my son was in kindergarten, and it was fun.

Well, last year, they decided that the overcrowding in the theater was a problem. So they decided to start selling tickets for $2 each, and they limit each family, so each family can only buy 2 tickets. Then, 2 days before the show, they will sell any additional tickets they have, but those seats will not be with the original 2 seats that you buy. So basically, we have 4 people in our family (3 if you count that fact that my student doesn't need a ticket). We are only guaranteed 2 tickets, and if we are eventually able to get a third ticket, we can't all sit together. So basically, we don't know if we'll all be able to go, and if we do, we know we won't be able to sit together.

Now, here is what cheeses me off!~ The ticket limit is per student, not per household. So families with all their children in the school, will be able to bring, parents/grandparents, whoever they want. While my family can't even bring my student's immediate family. And to top it off, this year, we are not allowed to take pictures or video tape. They will be SELLING class photos (at $14/each) and they will be SELLING video's (at $29 each)! Am I wrong to be thinking that they shouldn't be profiting off the parents (they get the use of the theater for free, so it's not like they are covering costs). (this is a public school...not private)

We boycotted it last year. I didn't let my son participate, becuase I think what they are doing is ridiculous. He really wants to participate this year, but nothing has changed, and actually with the profiteering off the students, I think it has gotten worse.

I would really like to write a letter to the school, explaining how I feel and why my family is boycotting their ridiculous program, but at the same time, I don't want to take away this experience from my son. I am totally torn...darn my principles!

Oh, and to top it off...the parents have to sign an audience oath, that states:
1. We will be totally silent, while students are singing.
2. We will turn off alarms, cell phones, etc.
3. We will not leave our seats at any time during the performance.
4. We will listen quietly, and clap at a respectable level and not embarass our children by cheering loudly for them or yelling their name.
5. If our young children cannot be quiet at the show, we will not bring them with us (becuase you will not be able to leave your seat once the show has started for any reason)
6. It is important for younger children to watch the older children, so families may not leave until the end of the program (they don't want us leaving after our kid sings...yet, I can't get tickets for my soon to be kindergartner to watch the program).


Ugh! After re-reading and typing that...I am even more ticked, than I was when I started this post!

Ok, so what would you guys do??????

[nancycg56]

The audience oath itself would totally tick me off and no way would I sign it even if I did decide to participate.

The whole thing sounds really controlling ~ if the theater is too small, perhaps it's time for them to find a new place to hold the event. The rebel in me says screw it but I would be torn if my kid wanted to participate.

Sorry, no real advice for you.

[shortstack]

Wow that would cheese me off too. In all my years in theatre, music and teaching both of these subjects I have never had to sign an oath like that.
Why don't they have 2 shows instead of 1 so that everybody that wants to see it, can see it?

Andrea

[cmdarlin]

I'm italian... and just reading this 'cheesed' me off! Making parents sign an oath... that's totally rediculous!

Debbie

[rosey7415]

Well, last year, they decided that the overcrowding in the theater was a problem. So they decided to start selling tickets for $2 each, and they limit each family, so each family can only buy 2 tickets. Then, 2 days before the show, they will sell any additional tickets they have, but those seats will not be with the original 2 seats that you buy. So basically, we have 4 people in our family (3 if you count that fact that my student doesn't need a ticket). We are only guaranteed 2 tickets, and if we are eventually able to get a third ticket, we can't all sit together. So basically, we don't know if we'll all be able to go, and if we do, we know we won't be able to sit together. i feel that they do have to have some policy to lessen the crowd. but they could make it more fair if it was first come first serve on the seats. that way your family as well as others could sit together. as far as larger families getting more tickets......you can't argue that point, because how else will they do this? not everyone can be happy.

Now, here is what cheeses me off!~ The ticket limit is per student, not per household. So families with all their children in the school, will be able to bring, parents/grandparents, whoever they want. While my family can't even bring my student's immediate family. And to top it off, this year, we are not allowed to take pictures or video tape. They will be SELLING class photos (at $14/each) and they will be SELLING video's (at $29 each)! Am I wrong to be thinking that they shouldn't be profiting off the parents (they get the use of the theater for free, so it's not like they are covering costs). (this is a public school...not private) everything around here is about making money for the schools. for they play equipment, and whatever is needed. so i would assume it is for this purpose. i would ask though. just where is the money going?



I would really like to write a letter to the school, explaining how I feel and why my family is boycotting their ridiculous program, but at the same time, I don't want to take away this experience from my son. I am totally torn...darn my principles! i would let my son participate wether i go or not. he shouldn't be cheated from the experience.

Oh, and to top it off...the parents have to sign an audience oath, that states:
1. We will be totally silent, while students are singing.
2. We will turn off alarms, cell phones, etc.
3. We will not leave our seats at any time during the performance.
4. We will listen quietly, and clap at a respectable level and not embarass our children by cheering loudly for them or yelling their name.
5. If our young children cannot be quiet at the show, we will not bring them with us (becuase you will not be able to leave your seat once the show has started for any reason)
6. It is important for younger children to watch the older children, so families may not leave until the end of the program (they don't want us leaving after our kid sings...yet, I can't get tickets for my soon to be kindergartner to watch the program).

these rules are totally assinine. they are treating the parents as morons. too much control there. an audience is an audience.

this is my opinion. i stand on my principles and it does tend to get me in a lot of trouble also....lol i would at least get some parents together that are in agreement with me and go talk to whoever is in charge of this thing. see? i am the type that has to at least confront. even if i do not get anywhere, i feel that i let my opinions be known.....that is how i live with myself....i don't hold anything in. maybe i would just let my son do it, and buy a tape for him for his memories and not go. not sure, i would have to think hard on it. but an idea anyways so that your son is happy and you can live with your principles and still boycott. good luck with whatever you choose. probably some other fv'ers will have better ideas. i usually agree with most of them.

[rosey7415]

i tried to answer each question in red and in impact. i guess i don't know how to do it. sorry.

[cissylu]

Sara that would have ticked me off also.

[MoonMommy]

I wouldn't write a letter, I would go in and discuss it personally with the principle and anyone else involved. I would also ask around to see if there are any other parents who are as irked by it as you are, if so, maybe you can go together and make a united front.
I find that it is easier for them to ignore a letter, or write you a "polite" response that has already been prepared, than it is for them to repond to you personally.
I would bring up your original points, but I would also discuss it not just as if it reflects on YOUR situation, but other people's situations. What about the single mother, who has 3 kids and can't afford a babysitter, but would like to go and see her kid perform?
Where does the money go? Who is benefitting? The PTO? If so, then I would also make sure to attend a PTO meeting and tell them how much their policy sucks. Ask them what they are using the money for and if they intend to help those less fortunate purchase the videos or pictures.

You can make a "social" justice point that will benefit everyone (and yourself as well).
Also, it may behoove you to do some research into other locations where they could have this event. Does the High School have an auditorium that can be used where everyone could fit without needing to be charged. If the PTO still wanted to make money, they could sell refreshments and offer the picture/videos. Some people would buy something more professionally done no matter what.

Sorry....hope I didn't ramble too much. This kind of stuff really irks me as well.

[YankeeMom]

I wouldn't go. I would also write a letter to the superintendent because that is just ridiculous!

[elphie]

I wouldn't write a letter, I would go in and discuss it personally with the principle and anyone else involved. I would also ask around to see if there are any other parents who are as irked by it as you are, if so, maybe you can go together and make a united front.
I find that it is easier for them to ignore a letter, or write you a "polite" response that has already been prepared, than it is for them to repond to you personally.
I would bring up your original points, but I would also discuss it not just as if it reflects on YOUR situation, but other people's situations. What about the single mother, who has 3 kids and can't afford a babysitter, but would like to go and see her kid perform?
Where does the money go? Who is benefitting? The PTO? If so, then I would also make sure to attend a PTO meeting and tell them how much their policy sucks. Ask them what they are using the money for and if they intend to help those less fortunate purchase the videos or pictures.

You can make a "social" justice point that will benefit everyone (and yourself as well).
Also, it may behoove you to do some research into other locations where they could have this event. Does the High School have an auditorium that can be used where everyone could fit without needing to be charged. If the PTO still wanted to make money, they could sell refreshments and offer the picture/videos. Some people would buy something more professionally done no matter what.

Sorry....hope I didn't ramble too much. This kind of stuff really irks me as well.

I agree with this. Better to go in and try to talk things out and maybe make actual progress than write an angry letter that will be ingnored.

[Parksfamily5]

I just have to say that I think you are totally right by being mad. There are several parts of this that would tick me off! I am sure you are not the only parent that feels this way.

[Homekeepn]

I agree. I would be ticked off too. That is crossing the line.

[mommy4ever]

OUr school has a problem with space as well. They now do 2. So it might mean you have to go 2 nights if you have more than one child there. But, it works out. They allow 3 per family, assigned seating, once they get all orders in, they fill requests for extra tickets, BUT group together. For a donation that supports the school charity, you can enter a draw for priority seating. We won both nights..lol. for my $2 contribution. The assigned seating has been wonderful, no rushing to be there early to get a seat. It keeps the school within fire regulation.

For a big production like that, you might want to suggest visiting some church auditoriums, some are happy to let you use them for a donation, then the $2 can be put toward that.

[nvmommyx6]

|I would write a letter to the school, explaining why our family was not attending and that we had to explain to our child that it was the school's greed that made it possible for him/her not to be able to participate as well. Then explain that until they put on a fair production with realistic expectations your family would not be attending again!
I've had to do this with our school system several times and they seem to have gotten the picture.
Good luck!
Mommy

[fernykins]

Yes you have the right to be angry. But being angey does not mean you take your anger out on your son he wants to paticapate. You can still voice your opinion. Some of those rules are stupid....... Nobody shoud leave after their child has proformed thats just plain rude. There are a few there that are good rules.... I do think you should beable to take your own pictures and vidios as long as you don't get in anyone elses way.....
Fern