Thanks everyone. I have captured some good ideas from all of your replies. We do already supply the majority of items listed like the teacher budget for supplies, laminator, etc.
I think my biggest "hump" to get over is to have all parents/members agree that we need to set goals to purchase items for the school instead of squandering them on the insignificant things per student. This is to say that the students don't deserve them, it's just that I feel we should spend money on assets to benefit students present and future.
Thanks again.
We have also paid for all the things mentioned here. Technology is a high priority for us, so computers, printers and software have been big items in the past. This year, we are getting a dedicated art teacher for the first time and PTO granted $1000 towards equipping the art room. We bought risers and a lightening system for the stage last year. Additional teacher supplies, a refrigerator for the resource room, scholarships for instrument rental (orchestra), money for benches, recognition awards, Accelerated Reader, books, field trips, etc., etc...
Like most, we try to spend our money where it has the most impact - where a majority of kids benefit. We expect the school district to cover the basics (school books, basic supplies, administrative supplies, salaries, etc.).
My own rule of thumb is, "if the PTO wasn't here to pay for it, could they manage without this?" If the answer is "no", then that represents something pretty basic that the school district should be handling. Not that we won't or can't help. But we need to be careful to preserve our role to SUPPLEMENT and ENHANCE the school programs.
[This message has been edited by JHB (edited 08-07-2001).]
Last year, we bought a laminating machine and a Ellison Die Cut machine with 4 sets of dies, along with a storage carousel for them. This year, we are considering a hot laminating machine (the other was a cold laminater). I am also considering requesting wish lists from the teachers so that when we do come upon extra $$, we can easily decide where it would be best spent. In addition, every year we give each teacher and aide, an enrichment certificate worth $25, which they can redeem for classroom supplies that they would generally have to pay for out of their own pocket. It isn't alot but it is a nice gesture.
Our PTO has purchased everything from playground equipment to the reader board in front of the school. We've paid for field trips, christmas gifts for each student and staff member, teacher appreciation week, etc.. This past year when I learned that the teachers were using money out of their own pockets for classroom supplies we gave each teacher 100.00 to help with the supplies they needed. We have paid for children to go to 5th or 6th grade camp when their family cannot afford to pay for it. This year we're working for new risers and a pa system. Hope this helps. Debbie
We budget and spend our money the same way that I am sure all other PTO's do. It is on classroom party refreshments, 5th grade play, talent show, field trips, etc. Does anyone come across the problem with parents not wanting to buy assets for the school because they feel that's where there tax dollars should come in? I seem to have this conversation all the time with people. When the PTO has money in excess of $2500 at the end of the year the school board wants us to spend it. Hence comes the big debate. On what do we spend it on? One year we applied an equal share of the money to each classroom and bought indoor type games for the winter months, this year we gave each student a gift certificate for Waldenbooks.
What types of things (pref. assets) are other PTO's buying? When I ask the principal for a list of things the school needs, I get nothing from him.
Please give me some input as I can't see fundraising above what our budget is set at if we are going to wastefully spend it at the end. Thanks
