Montpelier Elementary PTO is about men and women working together toward a common goal. That goal, simply stated is creating a better school and a better educational experience for our children. We strive to create an atmosphere where teachers, administrators, and support staff can do their best work - and so can our children. There is so much more that can be done and we need your help. We look forward to seeing all that can be and will be accomplished this school year when we come together, as a group and as a community to enhance and maximize the education of every child.
What does it mean to be a member? That depends on you. You can be a member in name only or you can become an active member. We invite you to become an active participant in your student’s education by being an active participant in the Montpelier Elementary PTO. Parents, grandparents, neighbors, and siblings, we need your help! Being an active participant, being involved, is not synonymous with being “sucked in”. The level of involvement is up to you!
Why should I be a participating member? Participation through volunteering allows you to be “hands on” with your child’s education. All research indicates that when families are involved, a child is more apt to get higher grades, be more likely to graduate, and go on to college. Our children love to see us in this environment where they spend seven hours a day. You get to know your children’s teachers and your children’s friends.
Participation through attendance at PTO meetings gives you a voice. You help decide what we do as a group. You help decide where the money should go. If you are new Montpelier Elementary School, the established families are available to answer questions and ease your transition into becoming a school family. If you are new to our community, we are always happy to help wherever possible. An added bonus is that you have the opportunity to meet wonderful people who can become great friends. 90% of our PTO monthly meetings are webinars and are typically around 7PM, so no need to worrying about childcare of having to rush home.
What are the benefits of membership? The benefits of membership are very rewarding. You have the knowledge that, with your participation and involvement, the educational and social experiences of all students at Montpelier Elementary School has been greatly enhanced. That is in addition to the benefits listed above.
Isn’t the PTO only about fundraising? The Montpelier Elementary PTO is more than just fundraising. Fundraising is really just unavoidable, as school budgets are requiring more and more cuts. It is our privilege that we are able to provide the supplies, equipment and activities that our school budgets can no longer cover. We are only able to do that through our Montpelier Elementary School families’ willingness to participate in our fundraisers. Last year we were able to provide for many events/activities throughout the year, below are just some of the things:
Field Trip Grants: 1st grade, 2nd grade and 4th grade students were able to receive a “field trip grant” to offset some of the cost of their trip.
Ice Cream Parties: we supplied ice cream in the fall to the grade levels who donated the most canned goods and in the spring for the students in grades 3rd through 5th who showed up on time to take their PARCC testing.
Art Supplies: We helped the art teacher with some much needed art supplies
Author Visits: We were fortunate to have three authors visit our students last year and engage them in the importance of reading and writing.
Tutoring: We offered a very low cost tutoring/homework help program 2 times a week for students in grades 3-5.
I am now entering my 4th year as your PTO president and I could not be more proud of the great community at Montpelier Elementary. I am thankful for all the support I have received over the past 3 years. I know that with your support and the continued effort of everyone involved we will continue to do great things for Montpelier Elementary. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected] or call me at 240-294-3397.