FAQ
Last updated: August, 2020
How can I contact the PTO?
What is the PTO?
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. The goal of this group is to help make Grayhawk Elementary School the BEST it can be. The parents, teachers and administrators of the school work together in many ways to achieve this goal.
The purpose of the PTO is to support and enhance the educational experience at Grayhawk Elementary, to cultivate a closer connection between school and home through parent involvement, and to improve the overall environment of Grayhawk Elementary through volunteer and monetary support.
The purpose of the PTO is to support and enhance the educational experience at Grayhawk Elementary, to cultivate a closer connection between school and home through parent involvement, and to improve the overall environment of Grayhawk Elementary through volunteer and monetary support.
How can I become a member of the PTO?
Good news! As a parent of a child at Grayhawk, you are automatically a PTO member! There are no membership dues and no papers to fill out. How easy is that?!
In what ways does the PTO help the school?
Each year, the PTO has a variety of fundraisers (read on for more details) and the proceeds are put directly to use for enhancements to the classrooms, curriculum and school grounds that otherwise would not be possible. This includes library books, field trips, building and grounds enhancements, classroom supplies, recreation items for recess, Core Knowledge productions… Some larger projects funded by PTO are the refurbished kindergarten playground, new upper playground, new electronic outdoor sign, anti-bullying program, and the renovated library.
How does PTO raise money to help the school?
Our goal is to not have the students selling things to raise money for the school, so you won't see wrapping paper and cookie dough order forms. The largest fundraiser of the year is Lynx Laps, our version of a jog-a-thon. All students participate during their Specials period on that day. This is a fun event for the kids with a DJ and everything. The PTO organizes the event so there are very few overhead costs. Almost 95% of what you donate stays at the school. Another major fundraiser is Fall Festival held in October each year. Students will purchase wristbands to attend the event which is a super-fun evening for all. Our third major fundraiser is an Auction, traditionally held in the spring. You will see a few smaller fundraisers as well (most of these are offered more as a fun opportunity for families) such as a Dining Out night at a local restaurant, Friday Treats, Fry's, Tuft & Needle, Amazon Smile, and Harkins Summer Movie Tickets, to name a few. These vary from year to year. Look for details in eNews
In addition to supporting the school financially, PTO also plans fun events throughout the year such as Bingo Night, Core Knowledge/STEM Night, and more. Most of these are free of charge!
In addition to supporting the school financially, PTO also plans fun events throughout the year such as Bingo Night, Core Knowledge/STEM Night, and more. Most of these are free of charge!
How can I find out what the PTO is up to?
So many ways! The best way is to sign up for e-news, which provides comprehensive updates via email every Monday. Also “like” and follow us on social media so you can always be in the loop with important updates and reminders. In addition, there is a PTO TV in the front office and the marquee out front that displays upcoming events. Don't forget the PTO website acts as our central hub for information. If it's happening, then you can find it here. Below is a list of PTO sponsored communication methods those marked with a * are comprehensive.
- * eNews (signup at Membership Toolkit)
- ** www.GrayhawkPTO.Com
- PTO bulletin board in the school office
- * PTO Front office TV
- Digital marquee in front of the school
- *Flyers
- Signs
- Membership Toolkit
Who can attend a PTO meeting?
Meetings are held once a month, usually on the second or third Monday from 9:00-10:00. The full schedule is posted on the PTO website and the Meetings & Minutes page of the PTO website. PTO Executive Board Members are required to attend, but any parent can come by to see what’s going on. Once or twice a year, there are “general assembly” meetings in which as many parents as possible are urged to attend. It is at these meetings (or after these meetings through online or paper ballots) that the budget vote takes place and board members are elected. Click HERE for current meeting times.
How can I find out what has happened at a PTO meeting that I did not attend?
Minutes from each meeting are posted on website Meetings & Minutes page or simply by click HERE.
Can I review the PTO budget?
Of course! The budget is reviewed monthly at the PTO meetings, or you can find the budget HERE on the PTO website.
How can I support the PTO financially?
The most direct way to help is with a cash donation. Other ways to help are by supporting our fundraisers. Attend the auction, purchase Friday Treats, bring your family to Dining Out restaurants on fundraising days, buy spirit wear, save/scan Box Tops, link your Fry’s card (this has to be done each year), select Grayhawk Elementary PTO in Amazon Smile, or donate online HERE.
How can I volunteer for PTO committees?
A welcome/volunteer packet goes out to each family at the start of the school year (and can also be located online HERE). It explains each committee and what help is needed. Parents sign up for whatever they are interested in and then return the packet. You can also reach out directly to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@grayhawkpto.com to express your interest form online HERE. Help is always needed and appreciated.
How can I become a PTO Board Member?
Each spring parents elect Executive Board Members for the upcoming year. Open positions are always posted in advance. To chair an open committee or event, you just need to reach out and express interest. A list of open chair positions can be located HERE. If you want additional information about a position before deciding if it is for you, we are happy to help. If you have any questions, please reach out to vp@grayhawkpto.com or volunteer@grayhawkpto.com.
How is COVID Impacting Grayhawk?
Grayhawk Elementary School is adhering to local, state and district guidance. For the latest COVID-19 Information, please visit the district website. You can also review the district reopening plan at https://www.pvschools.net/reopening.
As of the start of the academic year large group gatherings, such as school assemblies, fall festivals, dances, and book fairs will be suspended until further notice and resumption will be reevaluated regularly. This includes school sponsored and PTO sponsored events. Field Trips are also suspended until further notice.
As of the start of the academic year large group gatherings, such as school assemblies, fall festivals, dances, and book fairs will be suspended until further notice and resumption will be reevaluated regularly. This includes school sponsored and PTO sponsored events. Field Trips are also suspended until further notice.
Does COVID-19 Impact Campus Visitors/Volunteers?
Per district guidance, all visitors and volunteers will be required to wear cloth masks and must follow all posted safety protocols. To the extent possible, access on campus for outside visitors or volunteers will be limited. All visitors or parents/guardians are required to report to the front office and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child.