Our Services
In the 2005-2006 school year, the PTO income exceeded $55,000 from all of our fundraising efforts. We use these proceeds to fund numerous enrichment programs, the library initiative, and various events enjoyed by all K-8 Ashland students and their families.
For the Kids
Student Written Newspapers
The Warren Times is a small, intimate newspaper published from creative work submitted by the Warren School students. The Mindess News & Views newspaper is written, edited, and published by the students of the Mindess School. The PTO sponsors the costs associated with publishing both of these newspapers.
Kids' Night Out
The PTO sponsors and staffs these student-oriented events. At the Mindess School, Kids' Night Out (KNO) provides a way for the kids to interact socially with their school peers. They can play basketball, dance, do crafts, and generally use up some of that extra energy they might have on a Saturday night. KNO takes place in the gym and cafeteria at Mindess and there are staggered drop-off and pick-up times for different grades. There is a fee at the door (or you can pay for all KNO events in advance) and kids typically bring a few dollars for concessions. Volunteers are always welcome at KNO. Contact Margie Anderson or Susan Palefsky for information.
Middle School Socials
The Middle School Socials have taken the place of the Middle School Dances. The Socials include games and activities, basketball and dodgeball, a musical jam session, as well as dancing and concessions. Like KNO, the Socials are a way for kids to get together with classmates in a fun, informal, and secure setting. The Socials take place on various dates throughout the year from 7-9 pm in the gym and cafeteria at the Middle School. There is a $5 fee at the door, and as always, volunteers are welcome. Contact Joyce Crocetti for information.
Enrichment Programs
Enrichments programs are scheduled for all classes through input from the teachers. The programs coincide with teaching curriculum and are enhancements to the great programs offered by the schools. Professional programs are costly so approximately 30% of the PTO K-8 budget is spent on these wonderful events. The Enrichment Chair for the current school year is Cheska Komissar, who oversees the coordination of Enrichment events at each of the schools.
Teachers
Our school system is filled with exceptional teachers and administrators. They are dedicated, caring individuals who sometimes need to spend their own money to support some of the "extra" needs of the classrooms. Each year, the PTO takes teacher requests and fulfills as many as we can. The parameters for these requests are that they truly enhance the school experience and that the request reaches the greatest number of children possible.
The PTO also sponsors a relatively new program called the Teacher Wishlist. In its second year, the Wishlist provides a way for teachers to publicize their need for items they hope to use in the classroom, but for budgetary reasons, cannot easily obtain. It is also a place where community members and parents of students may be able to find a new home for items they no longer need but would like to share. The Wishlist can contain anything from pencils and markers, to fans and CD players. Take a look at the Teacher Wishlist to see how you might be able to make some of Ashland's teachers very happy.
Events
We are proud of the contributions that the Ashland K-8 PTO has made to our schools over the years. It is important to us to work with parents and members of the community to join in the fun and excitement of helping create a stronger school environment for all our children.
Please consider volunteering some of your time for PTO-sponsored Events, our monthly meetings, or any of a number of committees working to enhance Ashland's schools. It is a great way to meet people, to become more connected with the school community, and to have your voice heard. The PTO needs funds to continue to run the programs, but funding alone will not enhance our schools. We need volunteers, people to help with events and programs. More importantly we need people with new ideas and thoughts to insure we are always going forward and improving the services we provide. We need your help.
Please contact the PTO Membership Directors at membership@ashlandpto.com if you are interested in volunteering or gathering more information about the PTO and opportunities to help in Ashland's schools. You can also fill out our online Volunteer form and one of our members will be in contact with you.
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