This page provides a detailed description of what each PTO committee does, followed by the responsibilities of the Executive Board. If you're interested in volunteering or finding out more, click the link to email the chair.

Community & Culture

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides an organized way for students, parents, and teachers to give back to and engage in the community
  • PTO representatives:
    • Work with administration to plan and execute community service projects throughout the year, such as the Rotary Run, Feed My Starving Children, etc.
    • Promote and showcase all the various cultures at Elm through cultural events

Directory

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides family contact information to the Elm School community in an online format
  • PTO representatives:
    • Obtain family contact information from District 181 provided with permission from the families during registration

Family Fun

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides an opportunity for Elm families to get together to have fun and get to know each other better in a family-friendly environment
  • PTO representatives:
    • Plan and run the annual Ice Cream Social, dances, pool party, and other family-centered activities

Health & Safety

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides students with an opportunity to learn about staying safe and healthy
  • PTO representatives:
    • Arrange Bike Rodeo bike safety training in the early part of the school year 

Room Parents

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Being a Room Parent provides parents with opportunities to connect with other Elm School parents and engage with their children in the classroom
  • The Chair of the Room Parents Committee provides guidance to Room Parents to help them:
    • Plan and run classroom parties according to the needs and wishes of the teachers
    • Acclimate new parents to Elm School
    • Collect donations for mid-year and end-of-year teacher gifts
    • Provide other support to teachers (as requested)
    • Volunteer and offer support to other PTO committees and initiatives

Science Expo

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides students at Elm School with the opportunity to explore a scientific issue or problem during the organized Science Expo event
  • PTO representatives:
    • Support the student scientists as they develop their projects

Special Lunch

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides hot lunch twice a month for the students at Elm School
  • PTO representatives:
    • Work with Marlas Lunch to arrange contracts and payments
    • Coordinate parent communications and reminders with the VP of Communications

Spirit Wear

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides Elm School-branded merchandise for purchase
  • PTO representatives:
    • Manage supplier and select Spirit Wear options
    • Coordinate orders and collect payments for Elm School-branded merchandise
    • Purchase and distribute items

Teacher Appreciation

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Creates and executes events to show gratitude to teachers, administrators, and staff
  • PTO representatives:
    • Partner with Room Parents to plan and coordinate activities to support teachers, administrators, and staff throughout the year

Yearbook

Click here to contact the committee chair.

  • Provides students and staff the opportunity to buy a yearbook documenting life at Elm School throughout the school year
  • PTO representatives:
    • Organize cover art content
    • Take photos at school events
    • Work with printer to set content
    • Take orders, manage payments, and distribute books

Executive Board

President: Oversees all matters related to the PTO. President shall have final say in decisions and work with the executive board to carry out and fulfill the mission of the PTO. President will handle all building use forms and work with the Principal on matters related to the PTO organization and facilitate monthly meetings. President also represents the PTO in districtwide meetings and events. See organizational chart for direct responsibilities and committee relations.

 

Vice President: The PTO Vice President serves as the second-in-command, supporting the President and fulfilling their duties in their absence. They also play a role in daily operations, long-range planning, and executive board discussions. Key responsibilities include assisting the President, attending meetings, and taking on additional responsibilities as needed. See organizational chart for direct responsibilities and committee relations.


Treasury Chairs: The PTO treasury chair is responsible for managing the organization's finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, paying invoices, and issuing reimbursements. They also ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and provide financial guidance to the PTO board and members. Chair(s) will also act as direct liaison with a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) outside of the PTO for tax preparation and filing yearly.

 

Secretary: The PTO Secretary is responsible for record-keeping and communication, including taking condensed meeting minutes, managing correspondence, and maintaining important documents. They often assist with hosting meetings, distributing information, and keeping the PTO's records organized, accurate, and up-to-date.

 

Communications Chair: The PTO Communications Chair is responsible for overseeing the creation and distribution of all PTO-related external communications, media, and marketing materials. This includes resources like newsletters, social media posts, and the PTO website. The goal is to ensure that the PTO's message is effectively communicated to parents, school staff, and the wider community, keeping them informed about events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. See organizational chart for direct responsibilities and committee relations.

 

Room Parent Chairs: Room Parent Chairs manage Room Parents, parent volunteers that serve as liaisons in their respective classrooms, connecting teachers, families, and the PTO. They act as the primary point of contact for communication, organizing class events (if applicable), collecting or organizing donations, and recruiting volunteers for classroom support. Essentially, they help foster a strong classroom community and school-wide communication resource. Room Parent Chairs facilitate the selection of Room Parents, provide communications templates, plan and organize classroom parties, and offer additional support to Room Parents as needed.

 

Ways & Means Chairs: The Ways and Means role focuses on fundraising and financial management to support the school. This involves planning and executing fundraising campaigns and ensuring financial transparency within the PTO. The Ways and Means Chairs are responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies to meet the PTO's goals. See organizational chart for direct responsibilities and committee relations.