Do you know what the PTO provides? Collaboration, opportunities, and school community. The Parent Teachers Organization is an imperative part of Anselmo-Merna Public School. It is an organization that provides all of these and much more for our school, and is currently looking for new members.
The purpose of the PTO is to assist the school community in every way they can. They create collaboration between parents and teachers, supporting the students and school, financial support, providing opportunities outside of the classroom, and reinforcing other ongoing programs that might need assistance.
The PTO meets no more than 5 times a year, and meetings are usually less than an hour, and are so beneficial and productive. At the meetings, staff/teachers communicate what is needed and ask the PTO how they can contribute/help. From there the PTO formulates ideas to better our school community. This organization helps bridge a gap between parents and the school, as it is another level of support primarily contributing to the elementary. The PTO also organizes special events that provide depth to the participation of younger students other than just attending school.
The PTO brings so much to the elementary school such as: Doughnuts for Dads, Muffins for Moms, the holiday movie at the Movie Theater, helps fund Field Trips, the Daddy-Daughter Dance, and the color run at the end of the year. The organization also contributes to upgrades such as the water fountains, ice cream machine, playground, concession stand materials, provides meals during Parent-Teacher conferences, goody bags for high school non-sport activities, and other technology our school may need. Their only fundraiser is Poinsettia sales in November/December, which is always a big hit.
We spoke with PTO member-Nicole Lamb to get insight on why she decided to be part of the PTO. Nicole explained that her involvement stemmed from wanting to be involved with students since she has kids in elementary. She enjoys seeing students smile, watching them enjoy the fun activities, giving them motivation to keep coming back to school, and offering something for the students to look forward to.
With the current low numbers of members in the PTO, the organization has been unable to assist the school and students as they wish they could. Getting more parents involved would allow for the PTO to continue reaching the goals they aim to achieve each school year. It is currently a dream of the PTO to continue to pass down their positions and maintain the longevity of the organization for years to come.
If you would like to get involved you can start by coming to a meeting. The next meeting is 1/13 at 6pm in the high school library. While you're on facebook be on the look out for posts, and notifications from their page, Anselmo-Merna PTO. Or contact one of the officers for more information. Elections were held last month. Your new PTO officers are President- Katie Badgley, Vice President-Lyndsee Clifton, Secretary-Hillary Williams, and Treasurer-Nicole Lamb.
When parents and teachers come together it can make a huge difference. Many hands make light work, so if you feel called to join the PTO, please don’t wait. They need your help NOW!