What is the PTO?

The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) was created to provide the Memorial School community with leadership and financial support for curriculum enhancing programs, classroom enrichment, social activities, school reward and benefit programs, field trip bussing, and families in need for academic and school related activities.  The role of the PTO is to plan and implement cultural arts programs, organize volunteer programs, provide educational and enrichment materials and equipment, and sponsor social activities.

How do I join the PTO?

Any parent, legal guardian, or school personnel can join the PTO by filling out a Membership Form and paying their $5.00 annual dues.  Once dues have been paid you are eligible to vote at the General Meetings.

When does the PTO meet?

The PTO meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month during the school year at 7:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor Media Center at Memorial School.  The only exception is the September meeting which is always held in the Cafetorium immediately following the 7:00 p.m. volunteer training.

What if I can’t attend the PTO General Meetings?

You do not need to attend the meetings to be a member of the PTO.  We always appreciate the feedback and input from PTO members participating in the general meetings but if you cannot attend due to scheduling or family conflicts you can still be a member of the PTO.  You do have to attend the meetings in order to vote.

How can I be involved with the PTO?

There are many different ways for a person to be involved with the PTO.  Studies have shown that parental/family involvement in a child’s education greatly increases the success of the student.  Parent involvement can be as much or as little as you can give.  It can be as simple as making a few phone calls a month or a bigger commitment such as serving as chairperson of a committee.  Whether you are a parent who works outside the home or a stay-at-home parent there are always ways for you to get involved.  If you can give even an hour of your time throughout the school year the PTO greatly appreciates your efforts and your child will greatly benefit from your participating in the Memorial School community.

You can tailor your PTO involvement by filling out a Memorial Volunteer and PTO Membership Form. All new volunteers must fill out a CORI (Criminal Offenders Record Investigation) form and attend a volunteer training session.  Volunteers from last year (CORI checked and volunteer trained) need to fill out the volunteer form only.  CORI forms are good for three (3) years.  Volunteer training is held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the first PTO meeting of the year in the Memorial School Cafetorium.  Additional sessions can be scheduled as necessary through the Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Goodwin.

How can I join the Executive Board?

The Executive Board, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Fundraising Chairs, and Cultural Arts Chairs, is nominated each year in the April.  Elections are held in May for the following school year.  Executive Board positions shall be open to any member who has paid dues and has attended at least 3 monthly meetings during the current school year.

How does the PTO raise money?

The PTO raises money through two main fundraisers and a handful of smaller fundraisers throughout the year.  If families do not wish to participate in a fundraiser, but would like to make a donation, they may do so by making a check payable to the Memorial PTO.  Please note on the check that it is a donation.  Our PTO is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and donations may be tax deductible as determined by your tax professional.  Donations may also qualify for matching grants from employers.

During the 2007/2008 school year the PTO held the following fundraisers:

Kathryn Beich Wrapping Paper and Gifts / Yankee Candle

School Spirit Clothing

Uno’s Chicago Grill

Art Stamps

Cookie Dough

Basket Raffle

Where does the money go?

Cultural Arts

64% of the fall fundraiser goes directly to the Cultural Arts Committee.  This committee, which operates with a minimum budget of $10,000, is responsible for securing educationally beneficial programs such as Potato Hill Poetry, Chief Joseph, Flying Geometry, Promise Land, and author visits.

Teacher Classroom Requests

In the past the PTO has been able to fulfill many classroom requests that benefit our children but are not in the current school budget.  Fulfilling these requests also keep parents from being asked to contribute out-of-pocket money for additional supplies for their student.  Some past classroom requests include musical recorders for the 3rd grade, Handwriting without Tears for the kindergartners, and calculators for the 2nd grade.

Field Trip Funding

The PTO realizes the educational and social benefits of field trips during the school year.  In order to make these trips budget-friendly for the parents the PTO typically approves to pay a portion of the bussing costs.  The PTO also accepts requests to pay for the entire cost of a field trip for families in need.  The child’s teacher can fill out a request form.  No names are given out and no vote of the general membership is required.  We want every child to be able to participate in these events without undue stress on a family’s budget.

Family Fun Nights

Family Fun Nights, held in the Fall and Spring of each year, are a learning adventure disguised as a social event. Past events include Adventures in Storyland, Explore the Continents, Math Madness, Family Fitness, and Science Adventures.

Equipment for the School

It has been the pleasure of the PTO to provide extra equipment to Memorial School in recent years.  PTO purchases include risers for student performances, a laminator for the teachers and staff to use, and the Rte. 140 sign.