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

Welcome Highlands Families! GROUP

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. EYLEEN

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 EYLEEN

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. KELLI

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 KELLI

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

PTO Communication Tools MySchoolAnywhere PTO Website http://highlandselementarypto.weebly.co m PTO Newsletter Schoology Posts OPEN

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? Heather and Kayt – Walk through budget Where to find budget and reimbursement form – on Myschool Anywhere

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

School Fundraisers Great Gathering (Fall –adults only) Carnival (Spring – families) Box Tops for Education Amazon Smile EYLEEN & DIANE & (maybe) JAMIE

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

All School Events ANNIKA

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

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

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 SUE

How to Get Involved MySchoolAnywhere 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 KAREN

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! KAREN

Questions? GROUP