2. Why be involved in PTO? Researchers have been studying the effects that parent attitudes and actions have on their children’s academic success for many years, and they have reported consistently that children with parents involved in their education and schools earn better grades, score higher on tests, and much more. The reasons that parent involvement increases student success are many—in itself, simply letting a child know you care and are invested enough to be involved in his day-to-day school life sends a clear message about the value of school and education. PTO TODAY

3. Rhea PTO Officers for 2015-2016 President – Angie Ridgeway Vice President – Tiffany Latta Secretary – Jenny Hutson Treasurer – Carrye Jackson

4. Overview of PTO Events

5. Our Annual Membership Drive  Becoming A member of Rhea PTO costs A minimum of $2.00 per person  ANY donation is greatly appreciated!  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, businesses and even community groups are welcome to join! The end of this drive will be September 28 th ! The top 3 classes in each grade who have the most memberships will be rewarded with a special treat!

6. Box Top Collections Rhea Elementary has earned $24,480 over the past 6 years through the BOX TOPS program by General Mills! Each Box Top saved and turned into the school does add to a larger scheme of funds to be used for our students. Everyone is encouraged to continue to turn in box tops.

7. Rhea “Bulldog” Logo Sales New t-shirts will be available to purchase while supplies last at each one of our PTO sponsored events Children sizes are available as well as some adult sizes There are also a very limited supply of previous years designs

8. Fall & Spring Pictures Students will have individual pictures taken by a professional photographer in the fall and again in the spring The fall picture will be used in the year book Class pictures will be taken in the spring session

9. Is a week-long opportunity to purchase books and materials for your child and teacher All proceeds from the book fair are used to purchase books for the library, classrooms, and students Book Fair

10. Fall Cookout Parents and grandparents are invited to bring a blanket and come enjoy a picnic lunch with their student Lunch ticket orders will be sent home prior to the event. These tickets will cost $4.00 each Rhea students will pay their normal lunch fee and will not need A ticket

11. Fall Party A special day of treats for students to enjoy together in their classroom Fall activities and snacks This event is sponsored by the PTO officers

12. Supper with Santa This year will mark the 25 th annual tradition at Rhea Elementary PTO’s largest fundraiser School wide festival of activities Many volunteers are needed the week before and the night of the event

13. Supper with Santa Volunteers needed in all areas: Bake sale Cookie decorating Face painting Food servers Popcorn servers Cake walk Decorations Nail painting Photos with santa Making ornaments Games A SWS Volunteer sign up sheet is available tonight!

14. Elegant Dinner Students & teachers come dressed in their Sunday best They are joined by local dignitaries for lunch They will dine in A beautifully decorated cafeteria while listening to A professional musician Parent volunteers will serve the students and teachers

15. Spring Party Students look forward to celebrating spring Snack foods, games, and crafts make spring parties full of excitement Parents & grandparents are invited to attend Room parents coordinate and manage their child’s classroom’s party.

16. READING CELEBRATION A day of celebration for the students’ efforts at exceeding their reading goals and for all of their hard work throughout the year Students enjoy this day full of play with games, eating special treats, special guests and A petting zoo Parents & family members are invited to join their child for lunch & to be A part of the special award ceremonies within their classrooms

17. Teacher Appreciation This is an important time set aside to recognize our outstanding teachers and staff We encourage through various meals, surprises and gifts Room Parents will call upon volunteers to help make this week memorable

18. PTO could not make all of these events happen successfully without the help of all of our great parent volunteers from year to year! We appreciate you and know that we are partners for our children and teachers in making the upcoming year a success!

19. We need your help in Volunteering : Fall Cookout September 18 th Book Fair September 17 th -24th Please sign up on the sign up sheets that are available for these events happing soon!

20. Room Parents We will meet briefly after this meeting adjourns!

21. Book Fair Chairs Rhonda Hatcher and helper Stacy Hayes Advisor Krystal Watkins

22. PTO Communications Jenny Hutson Ways we will try to help keep you informed: Notes will be printed on color paper and sent home in your child’s s folder Mr. Owens will do regular call outs as reminders of important upcoming events. The Rhea website at www.Parisssd.Org/rheaes then click on the PTO tab www.Parisssd.Org/rheaes Follow us on The Rhea Elementary PTO Facebook page

23. Introduction of Box Tops Chairman Emily Daniel

24. Treasurer’s Report Carrye Jackson

25. Special Drawings

26. Closing Remarks