PTO Blossoms as Town Grows

Like many once-rural towns across the country that find themselves near the edge of an increasing suburban sprawl, Tolland, Conn., has grown significantly over the past decade. That, coupled with today’s tight school budgets, has placed a strain on the local schools. Fortunately, the Tolland Elementary PTO has helped fill the gaps.

The group represents the 1,240 children who attend Birch Grove Primary School (preK-1) and Parker Memorial School (grades 2-4). PTO membership has grown from 250 paid members and a budget of $15,500 in 1997 to a current paid membership of more than 400 people and a budget of $57,000.

“Our PTO has made extensive efforts to be there for our children and our community as our town battles to incorporate a good solid, nurturing education into a system with no more room and not enough finances to go around,” says PTO President Lynne Bridge.

Spreading out the responsibility is one way Tolland gets more people involved and makes it easier to participate. The PTO has more than 60 different chairpeople for its ambitious range of programs.

“We have been successful in the past several years because we make a concerted effort to choose fundraisers that are fun, easy, and family oriented,” says Bridge. “We also try not to burn out our families.” The group chooses one to two major fundraisers a year. (This year they sold entertainment books in the fall and pastry dough in spring). “Then we fill the year with fun things like family-oriented outings that double as fundraisers,” explains Bridge.

Examples include the Cider Mill 5K Road Race and Family Fun Run, a screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, pizza night, and an ice cream social. On weekends, the group runs the popcorn booth at Stafford Motor Speedway, a local racetrack.

To expand its base of support, the PTO works with other groups such as town firemen, state troopers, the local recreation department, the Lions Club, and a number of other local service organizations.

“Due to our successful fundraising efforts, we are able to support many activities in the schools,” notes Bridge. For example, when the computer lab was eliminated due to space issues, the group purchased a traveling laptop classroom. They also purchased computer-based testing programs to allow teachers to teach several reading and science levels in one classroom.

The group funds a wealth of enrichment activities, teacher wish lists, library needs, staff appreciation gifts, aid for underprivileged students, and more.

“The Tolland Elementary PTO is a phenomenal organization, and I consider myself lucky to be part of such a dynamic group,” says Bridge.

Tolland Elementary PTO: Northeast Winner

Location: Tolland, Conn.
Population: 13,000 Rural/Suburban
School Size: 320 students, preK-1st grade and grades 2-4
Annual Budget: $57,000
Meeting Attendance: 65