Our PTO serves a 108 student K-6 school. We are called upon to cover whatever is not in the school budget. The way many of us look at it, we are not giving to the school, we are giving to the students INCLUDING our own children. Here are some of the things we have funded in the past three years:
• Playground
• Fitness/nature trail
• Field trips
• Kindergarten playground
• Sound system
• Stage Construction
• Cement pad for playground (4-square/basketball)
• RIF Program
• Ellison Die Cuts
• Teacher appreciation
• Perfect attendance awards
• Landscaping materials
• Bicycle racks
• Artist in residence
• T-shirts for running club
• Family in need assistance
• Volunteer appreciation
• Winter Sports Scholarships
• Bulletin Boards for lobby
• School Smiles contribution
• School/Home folders
• Defibrillator bracket
• Family movie night
• Spelling bee books
• Paper Recycling bins
* Afterschool Program
This year we are planning to forego funding of teacher appreciation and instead put all appreciation money toward honoring the volunteers
At the first meeting of the academic year, the PTO chose to direct fund raising dollars towards technology. Our elementary school was the only one in the county without a computer lab. Through donations, the computer lab came to fruition. With money earned from fund raising, we are purchasing Smart Boards, projectors and computers for the boards(if needed). Rather than spending dollars on small items, we elected to make "big" purchases---items that would not be easily donated. We had a movie night with free refreshments to show appreciation for the efforts of the kids. Additionally, we had a pizza party for the classes that won competitions for turning in receipts. At the beginning of the year, we asked for a wish list from the teachers. As the year progresses, we try to fund or look for donated items on the wish list. We were able to get a magnetic dry erase board from one of the banks. Our principal has been very agreeable with our projects, but we are limited to two fund raisers per year. We can, however, fund raise through collection of labels, etc. The PTO has not really been approached about funding any particular event other than hosting a luncheon for the reading mentors. Helping set a goal at the beginning of the year helped with directing our efforts and funds. This is my first year as president and it has been an eye-opening experience. Our fund raising dollars are significantly less than many of the submissions listed. I am impressed by the budgets of many of the PTO's.
We pay for fieldtrips for all students ($5000.00) yearly
purchase school supplies for teachers ($450.00)
fall staff luncheon ($600.00)
help with teacher retirementparty ($100.00)
maintain upkeep of scool aquariums(3) ($100.00) monthly
end of school year luncheon an gift cards for teachers only ($2500.00)
This is vote on each and every year by the parent advisory committee along with the PTO Board members. This year for the 2007-2008 school year we will purchase insurance for PTO; due to all former Board members will be leaving (children will attendf other schools).
On a roll since you are in syracuse and are looking for something like that try Dougherty's, yes that is right. They actually do FUn Services Holiday Shops as well as stuff like this.
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
on a roll - Our President was stepping down last year and it was her last wish to have this for the kids at Field Day. We scrounged and collected change and raised enough. This year it's in the budget. We opted for the obstacle course because we could move kids through it more safely than the jump houses. There was less standing around, waiting. The teachers/staff had a blast before and after school with it and us volunteers had fun working it. Was I sore the next day from climbing the rope wall!!!!
The company is www.amoonjump4u.com
- Don't think they deliver to New York but you can look!!
