Our Mission

Brings families, teachers, staff, and community partners together to enrich every student’s experience at Elm. Through volunteer service, community-building, fundraising, and thoughtful investment, we support educational opportunities, school improvements, and programs that help every child feel connected, supported, and inspired.

 

The PTO DOES

 The PTO does NOT
  • Support the educational programs and extracurricular activities of the school
  • Run the school
  • Encourage parents’ involvement in their individual children’s lives, education, class, and school
  • Force parents to participate in PTO and/or school activities
  • Provide feedback and suggestions for school programs
  • Set policy regarding school programs
  • Coordinate programs and projects that will support or enrich the curriculum
  • Define the school’s curriculum
  • Encourage/fund the increased exposure of students to technology
  • Dictate the technology platforms and/or software used by the school
  • Provide feedback/assist with increased awareness of school safety and security issues
  • Define or interfere with the school’s security program and policies
  • Organize fundraising efforts to support some additional programs, equipment, and services not covered in the school budget
  • Control the school’s budget
  • Support the educational goals of the school and assist with attaining those goals through parent and community volunteerism
  • Set the educational goals, testing requirements, or compliance factors 
  • Recruit volunteers and coordinate volunteer efforts to staff PTO functions and assist with school programs
  • Have jurisdiction or authority over school staff, teachers, and other employees

 

What We Do 

Enriching Student Learning

We fund and support educational experiences that encourage students to explore, create, and learn beyond the classroom curriculum, including:

  • Student assemblies and special programs
  • Science Fair
  • Book Fair
  • One School One Book
  • Battle of the Books
  • Art, music, PE, recess, and library resources
  • After-school enrichment opportunities

Supporting Teachers, Staff, and Students

We provide resources and assistance that help Elm’s teachers and students throughout the school year, including:

  • Classroom supplies and teacher-requested materials
  • Teacher and staff appreciation
  • Classroom parties and room-parent support
  • Assistance for Elm families experiencing financial or personal hardship
  • Support for students who need help participating in PTO-sponsored activities
  • Fifth-grade celebrations and year-end activities
  • Field Day Snacks

Bringing Elm Families Together

We create opportunities for students and families to connect, celebrate, and build lasting relationships through:

  • Welcome activities for new and returning families
  • Bowser Bash Fall Festival
  • Family Fun Nights
  • Community service and kindness initiatives
  • Multicultural Fair
  • School spirit activities
  • Restaurant nights and community partnerships
  • Volunteer opportunities throughout the school year

Improving Our School

Fundraising also allows the PTO to invest in larger projects that improve the spaces where Elm students learn and play. Past and current priorities have included:

  • Playground and recess improvements
  • Outdoor seating and learning spaces
  • Shade structures and landscaping
  • Library and Media Resource Center enhancements
  • Sports and recreational equipment
  • Campus beautification and other school-requested improvements

Every Family Can Make A Difference

There are many ways to be part of the Elm PTO. Families can volunteer for a committee, help with a single event, attend PTO programs, support a fundraiser, share professional skills, or simply stay connected.

 

Every contribution matters, and every family is welcome. Together, we help make Elm an even stronger place for every student to learn, grow, and belong.

 

 

The PTO is organized exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. More specifically, the purpose of the PTO is to find appropriate ways for parents and teachers to work together to enhance the education and welfare of Elm School students.