As a group we decided to recognize the accomplishments of the 5th graders (and their sustained support throughout their tenure with the school) by donating 150 dollars toward their ceremony. That usually allows them to purchase 2 cakes and some balloons and perhaps some flowers. No one has asked for more yet and that is now the "tradition". Seems to be both a nice token of thanks and a small enough amount that it doesn't set anyone's hair on fire...d
My last group, in a k-8 school, has a long held tradition of supporting only those programs and events that affect everyone. Fieldtrips for every grade, school wide Arts Day, no-cut sports, music, choir, library, etc. That system works for them.
As indicated by the other posts, it's an individual decision based on the community. I don't know about legalities but it seems that it's a choice your group can make for itself.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
In the past our PTO has been part of the kindergarten graduation(our school is k-4th)--usually it was not something "money" was needed for--we provided the refreshments to students and parents/family and we got all this donated from parents. So we never spent money on graduation but if we were asked to help in any other way as long as it was voted on I am sure it wouldn't be a problem.
I have recently moved from a PTA school to a PTO school. Is there any reason a PTO cannot spend money on 5th grade graduation? As a PTA, we were not allowed to move any money through our account for 5th grade graduation, parents needed to create their own Booster for that purpose. It was one of those topics that was discussed first at a PTA conference meeting led by the National PTA, because many elementary schools have this budget item. We are a PTO with 501c3 status. I understand that PTOs have more freedom than PTAs, but is this the sort of expenditure that affects non-profit status and is a red-flag to the IRS? Please help....
