Highlands Elementary Parent Teacher Organization General Session January

Highlands Elementary Parent Teacher Organization General Session, January 16, 2018 PTO 101 – Enhancing the Relationship between Home and School

Welcome Highlands Families!

Highlands PTO The mission of the Highlands PTO is to positively impact, support, and enhance the overall learning environment at Highlands Elementary School. As part of this mission, we seek to strengthen the relationship between home and school.

General Session Goals • Explain how the PTO supports the relationship between home and school • Provide information on PTO policy and finances • Explain fundraisers, all-school events, and volunteer opportunities • Answer your questions

How the PTO Supports the mission • SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS - The PTO works to raise funds to fill the gaps in the school budget. • PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT -The PTO supports school programs, events and community engagement. • VOLUNTEERISM -The PTO works to create a robust parent volunteer collective to assist with learning and community building.

PTO Executive Team • Co-Presidents: Kelli Holm, CP and Eyleen Braaten, Discovery • Co- Presidents Elect: Karen Gabler, CP and Ann Velander, Discovery • Treasurer, Heather Teskey, • Treasurer of Deposits – Kayt Townsend • Treasurer Elect– Betsy Johnson • Secretary – Annika Joy • Communications Chair – Koren Nelson • Volunteer Chair – Sheetal Backliwal • Webmaster Chair – Open Position

School Board Representative • Sarah Patzloff • School board member since 2012 • sarah. patzloff@edinaschools. org

PTO Communication Tools • My. School. Anywhere • PTO Website http: //highlandselementarypto. weebly. com • PTO Newsletter • Schoology Posts

PTO Finances • Where does the PTO get it’s funds? • What does the PTO budget include? • What does the PTO fund? • What doesn’t the PTO fund?

School Fundraisers • Goal of school fundraisers is to avoid other types of fundraisers (wrapping paper, chocolate bars, magazines) and to grow community among families

School Fundraisers • Great Gathering (Fall –adults only) • Carnival (Spring – families) • Box Tops for Education • Amazon Smile

All School Events • Open House – Back to school Picnic • Family Service Fair • Impact Lives • Imagination Fair and Science Expo

All School Events

Volunteer Opportunities • In the classroom – Room parent connection – Art Adventure – Teacher supported

Volunteer Opportunities (Continued) • All School – PTO – School Calendar • Fundraisers – Great Gathering – Carnival – School Sponsored Events

Room Parents The primary responsibilities of a Room Parent are to • Support your teacher • Act as a liaison between the teacher and parents • Plan & run classroom parties/events • Teacher Appreciation

How to Get Involved • My. School. Anywhere for PTO sponsored events • 2018 -2019 PTO Chair or Volunteer positions • Check with Teachers for classroom opportunities (scheduled and flexible) • Media Center and Lunchroom (School sponsored) • Specific Skill – contact PTO

How to Have Your Voice Heard • Contact a PTO Executive Board Member • Attend PTO Meetings (Executive or General) • Contact your School Board Representative • Volunteer • Join the PTO!

Questions?