I found the most effective way to use our PTO funds is by having assembly programs that deal with a variety of issues that are not usually covered in the classroom. One of the best assemblies I've ever had was The Kids on the Block Puppet programs. They had a variety of topics to chose from, dealing with all different types of issues and all of them with the underlying theme of character education.If anyone has the chance to use them they will be more than satisfied. We also ask the teachers what subjects they would like to see in assemblies. They have been very helpful with ideas.
As event ideas have you thought about some "character education" programs? It seems that basic character qualities are missing in our families and maybe we could help? I know that there are programs out there to help children and their families with basic "decision making"/"character building" skills.
There are many entertaining and effective ways to teach "truthfulness", "gratefulness", "sincerety", "attentiveness", "obedience", etc.. and then all the staff has to do is follow up by upholding and enforcing the standards taught. Yes, this should be done in the home, and that is where PTO can be effective, but our emphasis should be on connecting home and school, right?
In terms of spending our money, we're in the process of setting up a grant program for the teachers in the district with the main requirement that the proposal utilize parental involvement. Teachers must submit an application with their idea by a set time period. Applications are reviewed and grants awarded. Grants are of different amounts depending on the number of students who will benefit an/or participate in the idea. We hope that this will serve two purposes: Provide an opportunity for parents to be involved and allow teachers some money for activities that doesn't have to come out of their own pockets!
We fund enrichment performers for our school every month. I'm the enrichment chair for a K-4 school and pretty much every grade gets two performances of some kind. Sometimes its speakers or performers who go to classrooms. Sometimes its bigger things in the cafetorium.
Our Pto sponsers quite a few things, (1) we provide four assemblies a year (2) we provide each class with 250.00 to purchase items for the class (3) we provide 200.00 per class for field trips because we don't have buses and have to rent. (4) winter carnival (5)pot-luck dinner..pto provides chicken as main course and parents bring in side dishes.(6) this year if our fall fundraiser goes well...we are going to have a t-shirt contest with two winners (upper & lower) and those designs will be put on t-shirts for all of the kids and the pto will buy each child and staff one for our field day>>>hope these ideas are helpful:)
What events does your PTO sponsor? We are looking for ideas. Not necessarily fundraisers. How are you spending your funds? We have some money now need ideas what to do with it as well as what we can do for our kids.
