FAQ
Last updated: January, 2016
How can I contact the PTO?
What is the PTO?
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. The sole purpose 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.
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, school iPad lab and Study Island.
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, usually held on the Thursday before Thanksgiving . Lynx Laps is 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 no overhead costs going to an outside company. 100% 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 the Auction portion of Fine Arts & Auction Night 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, Art Notecards, Harkins Summer Movie Tickets, etc.and they 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, Movie 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, Movie 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” our Facebook page 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
- ** www.GrayhawkPTO.Com
- PTO bulletin board in the school office & outside the nurse's office
- * PTO Front office TV
- Digital marquee in front of the school
- *Flyers
- signs
Who can attend a PTO meeting?
Meetings are held once a month, usually on the second Tuesday from 1:00-3:00. The full schedule is posted on the PTO website and the Meetings & Minutes page of the PTO website. PTO 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 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?
Can I review the PTO budget?
Of course! Hard copies are available in school office and there is a clickable link HERE on the PTO website.
How can I support the PTO financially?
The most direct way to help is with a cash donation. Forms are sent home at the start of each year “suggesting” a $100 per child donation. This is totally optional and any amount is appreciated. Other ways to help are by supporting our fundraisers. Attend the auction, purchase Friday Treats (at back of school each week), bring your family to Dining Out restaurants on fundraising days, buy spirit wear, save Box Tops (there are fun contests each month), link your Fry’s card (this has to be done each year), order Art Masterpiece notecards, or donate on line HERE.
How can I volunteer for PTO committees?
A volunteer packet goes out to each family at the start of the school year. It explains each committee and what help is needed. Parents sign up for whatever they are interested in and then return the packet. Contact information for all committees is also listed online HERE. Help is always needed and appreciated. For more information on how you can help click HERE!
How can I become a PTO Board Member?
Each spring parents elect Board Members for the upcoming year. Open positions are always posted in advance. If you want additional information about a position before deciding if it is for you, we are happy to help.