P.S. 9 PTO COMMITTEES
The PTO at P.S. 9 is a volunteer organization for our students and school community. As a parent of a P.S. 9 student, you are automatically a member of the PTO. You are not obliged to pay dues. The organization promotes parental and community involvement in the school. At the same time, it aims to raise funds to support our school and to bring resources to it.
A great way for parents to get involved at P.S. 9 is by joining a PTO committee. These subgroups help parents become involved in areas that interest them, and enable us to turn our ideas to benefit P.S. 9 into action.
P.S. 9 PTO Committees:
Fund-raising. Without support, the PTO cannot achieve its mission of providing vital resources to P.S. 9. With DOE budget cuts, we must consistently generate money to fund much of our school’s programming. This committee will raise money through new fund-raising drives and efforts, as well as providing support for the Silent Auction, Prospect Heights Craft Fair, Candy Sale, Harbor Cruise, Movie Nights, and other established fundraisers.
Communications. Our success as a PTO and a school rests on keeping parents and the community informed. We disseminate knowledge through this blog, the P.S. 9 website, the PS9family and commitee listservs, e-mail, flyers, and posters. We would love to ramp up our Communications Committee this year by enlisting help from parents who have skills in writing, editing, graphic design and illustration, Web technology, photography, and community organizing.
Grant Writing. Last year was the first year that we set up a formal Grant Writing Committee. It is critical that P.S. 9 continues to pursue potential grant opportunities available to us from various federal, state, academic, and philanthropic institutions, as well as businesses. This committee will identify those opportunities, write the proposals, and apply to secure funds.
Wellness. Parents on this committee seek to help with health and wellness initiatives at P.S. 9, including exercise, food and environmental projects. Possible projects include creating a salad bar for the cafeteria and securing more funding for exercise.
Hospitality. Throughout the year, the PTO supplies food and drink to parents and children at various school events. This is an often overlooked but significant task, and we need help securing refreshments for these events, as well as setting up, breaking down, and serving throughout the event.
Lunchtime Helpers. Teachers usually do not supervise students in the cafeteria, so it is crucial that parent volunteers are present to help younger students open food packages and navigate the busy lunchroom. Volunteers will also help enrich indoor and outdoor recess, playing group games, leading crafts, reading stories, or sharing other talents.
Parent Advocacy. This committee (PAC) was formed to ensure that the DOE is aware of parents' positions on issues such as grade expansion, co-location, and facilities upgrades. Members will take turns representing P.S. 9 at Panel for Education Policy votes, as well as attending meetings of the District 13 Community Education Council and Community Board 8.
If you are interested in joining a committee, please inform PTO secretary Christine Scanlon and the other officers at ptops9@gmail.com.
