School Is Almost Out For The Summer

I can not believe that the kids only have three weeks of school left.  Their last week is three full days and two half days, which makes no sense to me, but it is what it is.  I am looking forward to sleeping in and spending time with three of my favorite people on earth.

And as mush as I am looking forward to it, I also know that Summer break will go by too fast.  Before long, Brandi will be in third grade, Kasi will be in eighth grade, and Ryan will be in ninth grade.  Ninth grade, and old enough for his learners permit.  It scares me to death to think about him operating a vehicle, and I will most likely make him wait until I think he is ready.  Who cares when the law says he can drive.  I am his mother, and he will wait until I think he is responsible enough.

The things I am dreading the most about a new school year, though, are the PTO fundraisers.  They are always the same things, year after year.  I wish they would come up with something new.   I know there are a variety of fundraising products available, they just have to look for them.   I know what you are thinking, too. That I should join the PTO and voice my opinions.  Let me assure you, that will not happen.  I am way too shy and self-conscience for that.  I may send them a letter, though, letting them know about Fast Track Fundraising .  

It is time to stop the years of trying to sell over priced wrapping paper and candy, and try something new.

Cookies And Magazines

This is my favorite elephant magnet that hangs on my fridge. When Ryan was in second grade, he drew this picture in art class. As a fundraiser, you could order your child's artwork on all kinds of things, from mouse pads to magnets. I have ten different magnets, made by Ryan, Kasi, and Brandi at different ages.

Now that the kids are older and Brandi has changed schools, they no longer do this particular fundraiser. They have different fundraising ideas. One of the most popular ones was the cookie dough one. I didn't have any extra money at the time, but I have heard that the cookies were delicious. They also do magazine fundraising in all the schools. For this one, the kids bring home a booklet that I have to fill with 10 addresses, so that the school can send a book of magazine subscriptions to each address, hoping they will get an order from at least a few of them. It is really hard coming up with 30 different address, so I usually put the same ones in all three booklets. I know this is cheating, but it's the best I can do. I just hope that their Grandmother, who gets three separate booklets, can find some money to devote to philanthropy. I am waiting to see what types of fundraising they do next year, and I hope it is something different.

It will be a nice change of pace from magazines and cookie dough.