How to Raise Money for Schools While Bonding Parents, Teachers, and Students

Every school year introduces a new set of parents to each teacher,  and because of the busy schedules of both groups, rapport is not easy.  Parent Teacher Associations offer some opportunity for bonding, but  there is little time for face-to-face conversation. The job at hand is  usually how to make money for a specific school need. Usually, that ends  up involving a small group of ardent parents working together. That is  great and serves a specific purpose well, but why not use the age-old  method of "competition" to draw a large, involved crowd, make money for a  project, and bond teachers,parents, and students in one  exciting,healthy activity?

There  are ways to create that activity, and I know from experience that it is  a winner. In fact, I once participated in such a game at my children's  elementary school. Here's how it works:

� First of all, the  activity has to be chosen along with an action date. If it is at the  beginning of the school year, soft ball is a fantastic avenue for  creating a competition between the parents and the teachers and/or  administrators at an elementary school.

� Ask for at least nine parent volunteers to compete with the teachers and administrative staff.

�  Set a price for admission at $1. Advertise the game with student  take-home notes. Choose students to collect admission. Bleachers would  be nice, but a seat on a blanket on the ground is fun and suitable for  elementary students and parents.

� Create a volunteer cheer leading team for each side.
Then  it is time for action. The crowds will come, the money will accumulate  for a school project, and the relaxed fun-filled atmosphere will provide  numerous opportunities for parents and teachers to bond while getting  some healthy exercise. Such an activity helps children appreciate and  respect both teachers and parents.

This same technique works well,  using basketball, on the middle and high school level. As a high school  teacher, I participated in a basketball game of teachers versus  students, and the gym was packed. Like the elementary softball game,  there is little preparation but gigantic rewards.

The  old-fashioned basketball shootout works well for a high school too. It  can be the basketball team against the parents or the teachers or a  combination of both. Several rounds of "Horse" will bring laughter and  acceptance from the high school students. They enjoy our frailties and  gullibility in sports. Ironically, adults are more acceptable when our  weaknesses are uncovered.

Obviously, organized sports bring in the crowds, and that competition is great for students
and players but guarantees minimum bonding with teachers, and the money  usually goes back into that sport. To meet other school needs, parents  must get involved with teachers. The more the involvement, the more our  students thrive. There is no better way to attain these relationships  than through casual sports' activities.With little effort, there are  ways to draw a crowd, make money for a project, and bond teachers,  parents, and students while getting in some healthy exercise.

By         : Alice D Kennedy   
 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7425049