Preliminary by-laws were adopted, but there's lots be done to make the PTO viable.
Mission/purpose, election of officers, financial setup, non-profit status, etc.
A PTO is formed to support the efforts of the school teachers and administration.
A PTO is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.
The objectives of a PTO are usually:
· Establish and maintain a working relationship among parents,
school and community.
· Support school improvement teams and promote the finest education
possible for the students.
· Expand technology and supplement equipment and supplies.
· Increase student safety and security.
· Develop programs and projects that will support or enrich the
curriculum.
· Enhance the quality of education by raising funds for school
supplies or programs that fall outside the school budget.
Though usually established for the elementary school level, a PTO, especially in smaller districts, may serve K-12. A properly established PTO, run in a professional manner is very important in the success of students.
Typical roles of a PTO are:
- Support the program and activities of the school, but the PTO does NOT run the school.
- Encourage parent involvement, but the PTO does NOT force parental participation in PTO or school activities.
- Give feedback/suggestions for school programs, but the PTO does NOT set school policy.
- Organize fundraising to support equipment and services not covered by the school budget, but the PTO does NOT control the schools' budget.
- Help with projects that support and enrich the curriculum, but the PTO does NOT define the curriculum of the school district.
- Encourage and fund exposure of students to technology, but the PTO does NOT dictate software or technology policy.
- Support the educational goals of the schools through parent and community volunteerism, but the PTO does NOT set the educational goals, nor testing requirements or compliance factors.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteer efforts to perform PTO functions and assist with school programs, but the PTO does NOT have an authority over school district administrators, staff, teachers or other school employees
- BUT, a successful PTO DOES help make successful schools
"It takes a village to raise a child"
Photos from the PTO meeting > > PTO Organizational Meeting
