School Ties

After dropping the boys off at school this morning, I hauled the other three into the building in the frigid, frigid air. I had to set up some treats for the classified staff (it's classified employees week, don't you know) check in on the book fair and see how we're doing for the Leprechaun Dash. As I made my way through the building, pushing one stroller and tugging along two girls, I was stopped by a mom in the hallway.

"Hey, are you going to run for PTO president next year?"

I was kind of thrown off by her question, although I don't really know why. We chatted for a few minutes and we parted ways.

Once inside the library, another mom asked the same question. I nervously looked around and then shared my thoughts once again.

At the end of our building tour, we stopped in the cafeteria where a group of parents were set up doing work for the teachers. Again, the same question came up and all eyes turned to me for my answer.

Kind of weird.

The thing is, I haven't given a ton of thought as to next year. On some days I find myself thinking "No way, nu-uh, you've got to be crazy, heck no." I now understand why no one wants to be the one in charge. When things fall apart, it falls to you and that can be overwhelming. Just since Monday, two events that I thought were handled completely unraveled at the seams and it was up to me to fix them. While I was trying to get over the flu. But thanks to the support of dear friends, we made it. We got it done. I made decisions and moved on.

So what am I going to do next year?

What do I really want?

To be involved in my kid's school.
To know what's going on.
To be in a position to help make decisions.
To give teachers the kind of support I know they deserve.
To have my children see that I value education.
To teach my children that things won't change unless you get involved.
To set the example that in this house, education is a priority.
To know that although things aren't perfect, they could certainly be worse.
To leave things in a better place than which I found them.
To do my best.
To make things better.
To be that squeaky wheel that is completely annoying but gets things done.

I guess I'm getting closer to finding my answer.