SJ
Scotty and Kaylee Jones
Jun 12, 2026
For many years, our elementary school has participated in McTeacher’s Nights at the McDonald’s on Alkire. These events have always been a positive experience for our students, families, staff, and the restaurant itself.
A few years ago, when I took over coordinating these events for our PTO, we were initially told by the manager, Nick, that our school could no longer participate. The reason given was that schools generally did not provide enough teacher volunteers to support the event. I explained that our teachers had always been willing to help and assured him that if we ever lacked volunteers, I would personally be there throughout the event to assist. I even offered to cancel if we could not adequately support the restaurant. He reluctantly agreed to give us a chance.
That event was very successful. Our school raised approximately $500, and I personally spoke with both the owner and manager toward the end of that event. They expressed that the evening had gone well, the volunteers were helpful, and they looked forward to working with us again.
Last year, scheduling the event proved difficult. We were repeatedly asked to call back at different times throughout the year before finally agreeing on a date in March. During my conversation with Nick in January, we selected and confirmed a date, and I let him know I would follow up the week before the event to ensure everything was in place. However, when I called to confirm, I was told the date had never been finalized. After some discussion, the event ultimately moved forward and was again successful, raising approximately $400—more than any other spirit night fundraiser we host.
Recently, I contacted the restaurant to schedule an event for the upcoming school year and offered flexibility regarding dates and timing. I was quickly informed that because our principal had not attended the previous event to sign a document, our school would no longer be allowed to participate. This requirement had never been communicated to me, our principal, or our PTO last year or in years prior. Had we known, we would have gladly ensured that requirement was met. During the same conversation, I was again told that last year’s event date had never been confirmed, despite my recollection of the prior agreement. I was also told that our events do not generate a strong turnout, which was surprising given that McTeacher’s Night has consistently been our highest-performing spirit night fundraiser.
After multiple years of inconsistent communication and changing explanations, I ultimately decided it was not worth continuing to pursue the partnership. Throughout every interaction, I have made every effort to be patient, cooperative, flexible, and respectful. It is disappointing because these events have consistently been enjoyed by our students, families, and staff, while also generating meaningful support for our school.
My frustration is not with the decision itself, but with the lack of clear, consistent communication and what felt like a reluctance to find a workable solution. Each time I sought to schedule an event, the reasons provided seemed to change, often conflicting with previous conversations or our actual experience. As a result, I was left feeling that our school’s efforts, flexibility, and successful track record were not fully valued.
I appreciate the opportunities we were given in the past and simply wish there had been more transparency, consistency, and collaboration throughout the process. I believe this could have continued to be a successful partnership that benefited both the restaurant and our school community.