Just going on what I've been exposed to at our school, it sounds like an ok idea. The real vote should be left up to the general membership. Our school still needs things like Everyday Math Counts, Science Lab, Social Studies Labs, etc that will be used school wide. Again take into account we are a new school, and the "wish list" is long!
Good Luck
A new playground would be great, and would benefit the entire student body. We are currently waiting to see if we will get the $50K Grant that was written for just that, new playground equiptment. We are also next on the list (district-wise) for new equiptment. Either way, we are going to get the equiptment. Thing is, the budget only has enough money for another second hand rizograph. And that isn't until next year. I have checked (okay, closer to stalked...lol) these boards, and it is not uncommon for the PTO to purchase the rizo, but not to pay for the service contracts, etc. I know that I do my own copying (for our PTO) and I am going through rizo withdrawl...lol... With a $50K "Grant"ed playground a possibility, don't you think a new (only around $3500 brand new) rizo is ok?
I agree with PTOQueen, We have had a little of the same problems and we had to sit and decifer what worked into our objectives and goals that are in our Bylaws. We went with providing each class with literature that helps each child grow intellectually ( i.e subscriptions to Social studies papers, science labs, math, etc.) We had already purchased a large amount of playground equipment earlier in the year.
Don't get me wrong, our school could not live with out our "Big Bertha", but the purchase and upkeep of maintaining her are the district and the school's responsibility.
Metzy Mom- Is it really the responsiblity of the PTO to buy the Rizzo machine for the school? It seems to be the District should have to purchase that! The playground equipment (or just about anything else) would benefit the chilren more. I believe that the Principals sometimes think it is easier to ask the PTO than to take it out of their own budget. Just my 2 cents.
We have milked our Rizzo copy machine for it's last time. We have to have a new one. Our membership wants to purchase new playground equiptment. We are waiting to see if we get the grant for the playground equiptment.
Meanwhile, we are going to ask the membership for a new Rizzo. Our Principal never has the estimates of what things cost. I need some help getting some estimates. Does anyone know the web addresses for Rizzo or Rizzo-like copiers? All who help will be put on my Christmas Card List... OK, that isn't really gonna happen, but I will be most appreciative!
