What is the difference between a PTA and a PTO?
A PTA is organized under and a part of the state and national PTA organization. PTA is a registered trademark of the national PTA and can only be used by those organizations that are affiliated with the PTA. Any parent-teacher or other school organization that is not affiliated with the PTA can be called anything else, but PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is the most common designation.
Why did Gleason Lake switch from a PTA to a PTO?
The reason for the change was so that our parent-teacher organization could run independently of the PTA rules and regulations, including the requirement to pay a portion of our dues to the state and national PTA.
"PTA" is a trademarked designation for organizations affiliated with the state and national PTA. At the time of our switch, we were required to pay $6.25 per member to the state PTA each year. In the three years prior to the switch, those dues ranged from $1,600 to $2,100 per year. The PTA membership voted to dissolve the PTA and form a PTO in part so that the money previously paid to the state PTA could be kept in our school and used to more directly benefit our students.
What is the PTO's mission?
The mission of the PTO is to support the education of children at Gleason Lake Elementary School by fostering relationships among the school, parents and teachers, coordinating volunteers and enhancing the quality of education by supplementing existing programs and services.
How do I get involved and/or volunteer for PTO events?
Review the opportunities for ways to get involved and contact the individual listed to get more information. Also, the PTO Pulse in the weekly email parent newsletter will highlight volunteer opportunities as volunteers are needed for upcoming events. Attending PTO meetings is also a great way to get involved!
Who can be a member of the Gleason Lake PTO?
All parents and guardians of students at Gleason Lake and all teachers are members of the PTO. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate!
What happens at the PTO meetings?
All meetings will be held in person at Gleason Lake in the Media Loft. The typical format for a PTO meeting is for the president, the treasurer and the principal to give reports on what is happening with the PTO and the school, and then additional members will report on PTO initiatives and activities such as fundraising, PTO sponsored events, staff liaison meetings and other events. There is always lots of discussion about how to best use our PTO resources. We’d love to have you join us!
