What is the PTO? The PTO is a group of volunteers that help support the school in a variety of ways. It is made up Coulson Tough faculty and parent volunteers. Click hereto view the current PTO Board members list.
What's the difference between a PTO and PTA? The main difference between a PTO and a PTA is that a PTO is an independent group whereas a PTA is a National Organization. There are pros and cons to each. Coulson Tough is a PTO and does not pay any membership fees to any national organization. All membership fees we collect go directly to the Coulson Tough PTO and are used to support the school. For a more in depth article explaining the differences, click here: http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/292-pto-vs-pta-whats-the-difference
What is the purpose of the PTO and what does it do? The purpose of the Parent Teacher Organization, or PTO, is to support the school both financially and physically in order to enhance the educational environment at school. The PTO raises funds throughout the year to pay for a large variety of programs, events and activities. In addition, the PTO organizes and supports these efforts with its many volunteers.
Why should I join the PTO? How do I join the PTO? Membership in the PTO helps to support Coulson Tough and it's students. Membership fees go directly to the PTO budget to support the school and therefore our students' educational experience. It includes the benefit of attending all General PTO meetings and voting on decisions being made. The yearly cost is $10.00 per family and includes an electronic file of the Student Directory or $20.00 with a printed directory. Click here to Join the PTO!
When are the meetings? Who can attend the meetings? Where are they held? PTO meetings are held monthly. Anyone who has joined the PTO may attend meetings. Click here for detailed information regarding PTO meetings. The PTO By-Laws can be seen here.
How can I help/volunteer? The PTO has many volunteer opportunities with varying levels of time commitments throughout the year to fit all schedules. Click here for all the details regarding volunteering.
How does the PTO raise funds? How is the money spent? The PTO raises funds in two ways: Fundraisers and Donations which are explained in more detail below.
Fundraisers: The PTO has two fundraising events per year. One in the fall (Fall Festival) and one in the Spring (Boosterthon Fun Run).
Funds raised from the Fall Fundraiser are used to pay for field trips for all children attending Coulson Tough. Approximately $40,000 - $60,000 is raised from the Fall Fundraiser each year. Usage of funds raised from Fundraiser is determined annually and based on the school’s needs at that time as determined by the Principal. In the past, funds have been used to purchase technology equipment such as Mimios and WOW carts (click here to learn more about WOW carts) as well as campus enhancements such as paving and covering additional playground areas and shade covers for playground areas.
All other events/activities coordinated by the PTO are done as a courtesy to the students, parents and/or faculty and not intended to raise money or contribute to the PTO's overall budget.
Funds received from items in the donations category are used to pay for things such as: Counselor Programs, Teacher and Staff Development (beyond what the district provides), Educational Materials and Tools (beyond what the district provides), Sixth Grade back to school event (Sixth Grade Survivor), Fall Festival, Winter Wonderland, Field Day, Logo/Spirit Wear, Book cover Sales, Student Planners, Summer Library program, Books for students (beyond what the district provides), Maintenance and Enhancements to the school grounds (beyond what the district provides), Fees / Expenses associated with Banking, PTO Website and PTO Insurance, Storage Facility for PTO items, Recycling program and the Safety & Health program.
What about all the other events and activities at the school? There are many events and activities that are sponsored by the school such as:
School Store, Green Club, Pennies for Change, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Box Tops, Can Fairy, Recycling Program, Book Fair and Partner programs such as: Kroger Share, Chili's, Double Dave's Pizza night, etc. (Click here for a list of all the Partner programs). PTO members help to run some of these events but the PTO does not organize them. Funds raised through those events go directly to school groups or departments sponsoring the event or to various charities.