Dear Families,
Welcome to the PTO! Your PTO Board has been hard at work over the summer planning an exciting and rewarding school year. As PTO members (that’s each one of you!) we hope you will enthusiastically support our efforts by attending PTO general meetings, staying informed and helping out when you are able.
To help offset administrative costs, the majority of PTO communications will be done online. Everything you need to know can be found here on the Birch Meadow Website.
Birch Meadow PTO began a Direct Donation fundraising campaign in 2012 in lieu of individual, time consuming, active fundraising efforts. 100% of funds raised go toward PTO activities and events including enrichment programs and field trips, teacher appreciation efforts, and community-building activities. The recommended donation is $100 per family, representing the amount the PTO budgets per child each year. Donations are strictly voluntary. Since we are a nonprofit, many families also use their matching gift program available through their employer. A few companies that participate are: Fidelity, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raytheon, Thomson Reuters, State Street, and IBM. Be sure to ask your employer. Should you have any questions about your donation, please email the PTO Treasurer at birchmeadowptotreasurer@gmail.com. You can make your donation online here.
Grade level School Supplies lists are available here. You can purchase pre-built supply boxes through School Tool Box here, a portion of your order will go to PTO fundraising, you are still able to have them shipped to your home, or you can purchase the items on your child(ren)’s list at local stores. Order soon if you wish to place your order online!
Parent volunteers are invaluable to the Birch Meadow community. There are many opportunities for you to be involved in your child(ren)’s elementary school experience. Any amount of time you can give is helpful and appreciated. Sign up here to volunteer!
A key aspect of communicating PTO and classroom related activities is through our awesome Room Parents, who are an important liaison between teachers, parents and the PTO. As a room parent you will help the PTO disseminate, in a timely manner, volunteer needs and school related activities, and work with the teacher to organize events for the classroom (such as holiday parties, end of year activities, etc). Sign up here today!
Save the date for Curriculum Night on Wednesday September 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and the Welcome Picnic on Thursday, September 13 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.!
Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to receive PTO reminders and updates.
We're looking forward to a great 2018-19 year!
Oldita Doherty and Mariola Jenkins
PTO Co-Presidents