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April 15, 2009 Dear Parents and Guardians: If you have attended a pancake supper at your local school or your children have played on the school’s playground equipment or you have received information from your school, chances are that a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) was involved. PTOs are usually a small group of parents who work closely with the Principal of the school to get things done. Many times their efforts go unsung because these individuals are not working for the glory, but are working for the only reason that truly counts: For the good of the children that attend that school. The PTOs plan and carry out social events in which the whole family can participate. They make the complex appear seamless and the complicated seem effortless. Some of the planning details include: how many refreshments are needed, how far in advance equipment rentals need to be in place, what worked at last years event, and what new ideas might work this year. Some of the social events that the PTOs have sponsored are: Elewell School’s Carnival, North Middle School’s Family Math Night, and Edgemont’s Blood Donation Day. Other events are pancake suppers, ice cream socials, bingo nights, and book fairs. All of these events are to provide a safe, family friendly environment for the students to feel a unique bond to their school. Many times PTOs fill the gap between school funding and a particular need that is affecting only their school. Fundraising efforts are planned and organized by the school’s PTOs. At Savage and North Middle School, the PTOs were the driving force behind the fundraisers that put computer labs in place, a necessity to learning in our society. At Elwell, they were able to replace all the aging playground equipment with funds raised through the efforts of the PTO. At Haggerty School, the PTO put in place their playground improvement plan. Meeting these needs make the schools stronger academically and socially. Many of the PTOs earmark funds to help provide additional classroom supplies, make small repairs, and beautify the schoolyards. Edgemont’s collaboration with Clayco is a prime example where the PTO went the extra mile to not only beautify the grounds, but also to update the playground. They run programs such as the stranger awareness assembly at Rawsonville where students in the elementary schools are taught in a captivating way what to do when approached by a stranger. Parents at South met the challenge of preparing a new computer lab by volunteering weekends to painting and helping prep computers. On any given day during the school year, PTO parents can be found reading with students, providing help on picture day, popping popcorn on popcorn day, selling books during the book fairs, running the kitchen during activities in the evening, working the games at carnival, providing refreshments on field day, and many other activities that help make our schools a great place for students. What makes the contribution of the PTOs truly remarkable is that they do all of this in a world where time is at a premium and becoming more scarce every day. They find time for their child and someone else’s child as well. That is amazing. Van Buren Public Schools PTOs have a long, rich tradition of parent involvement bringing pride to their schools. They would be the first to ask you to join them in this important task. If you have not joined your child's PTO, now is your chance. The Community HUG will be May, 2nd. After the HUG each school's PTO will be gathering at the schools to work on improvements, cleaning, landscaping, and other chores. You can help, sign up today! Sincerely, Tom Riutta
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