By Vanessa Tinsley
In this article I am going to try to answer most common questions about a parent-teacher organization (PTO) and how you can join!
What is a PTO and what do they do?
PTOs help parents, teachers and staff with communication between the three. PTOs are in charge of all fundraisers. They choose what business they are going to fundraise with and are the ones who make sure the parent gets their products. Through fundraisers, donations, sales at events, etc., the PTO keeps an account where the money goes directly back to the school.
The PTO funds Teacher Appreciation Week. This past year, the Elkhorn Elementary School (EES) PTO, that I’m a member of, offered Coffee Day, Mexican Food Day, Pizza Day, a Snack Cart Day and a Dessert Day.
When it comes to fifth grade graduation, the PTO helps fund and decorate the event. We decorated in May for the fifth grade graduation and had so much fun. We had so many belly laughs. PTO is so fun!
EES hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner for students. The PTO helps cover costs. PTO also helps with Picture Day. Members stand at the front of the line and help kids to where they need to go, hold up mirrors so the kids can practice their smile, hand personal combs to children who want them, fix turned in collars, and pump the kids up for their picture.
PTO helps fund the Fall Festival. We organize games, set up, man the tables, hand out food, along with many other things.
One PTO fundraiser, is Snowflake Shimmers where students can purchase a paper with a piece of candy attached and address it to anyone they want (staff, teacher, friend or family member). The PTO then meets to attach the candy to the Snowflake Shimmer, and organize Shimmers by class. The PTO then delivers the bag of Shimmers to each teacher’s room.
Who can join the PTO?
Biological parents, foster parents, grandparents, teachers and staff can join.
Do I have to join PTO to go to a meeting?
No you do not have to join. You can always come just to see what it is all about.
Where and when do they meet?
Mostly at school, once a month, unless volunteering.
Does it cost money to join a PTO?
No! It is absolutely free.
How are PTO board members selected?
The last meeting of the year, we ask who wants to serve on the board and then we take a vote. You do not have to serve on the board to attend meetings.
What are benefits of being part of a PTO?
You stay informed about upcoming events, you can be more involved in your child’s school, you can learn how the teachers and staff are supported, be able to express ideas to help with the school, address any concerns with school, learn how funds are used, and so much more. You support teachers, staff and other parents!
If this sounds interesting and you are thinking about joining your child’s PTO, just call the school. School staff will get you in touch with the right person!
