Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at falcons@finleyfarmspto.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The PTO runs on an annual basis from July 1 - June 30 of a school year, and to be a member you must sign up each year. Do so here to stay updated!
A PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer-based group, typically comprised of parents, teachers, and school staff, that works to support and enrich the school community. PTOs are independent organizations that operate under their own bylaws and focus on the specific needs of their school. They play a vital role in fundraising, organizing events, and building a stronger school community.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) and PTA (Parent Teacher Association) are essentially the same thing. They are both non-profit organizations with volunteers to improve the school experience for students and staff. The difference is that PTAs pay a yearly membership fee to the National Parent Teacher Association which provides resources and support. PTSO incorporates students in the organization normally at higher grade levels.
The objectives of the FFE PTO are developed through committees, projects, and programs, and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article IV: Basic Policies. The objectives of the FFE PTO are: a. To promote the welfare of children within FFE, in home, school, and community. b. To bring a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and educators may cooperate intelligently in the education of students. c. To provide funds for extra materials and programs in addition to what is provided by the district as determined by the organization. d. To assist as the volunteer program, as a beneficial means to the students.
Officers or Co-Officers are volunteers in the school community, typically parents, that were elected the previous spring to fill positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Chairpersons are nominated and voted on by the new PTO officers at the beginning of their term, to head Events, Fundraisers and Programs according to the bylaws, Article IX.
Members consist of all parents, teachers, staff, and other entrusted adult(s) of currently enrolled students at Finley Farms Elementary who have signed up at a school event or online here. They have the responsibility of approving and amending the bylaws, approving the budget, voting in the Officers, and volunteering to promote the purposes of the organization and the school it coincides with.
No, we are all volunteers!
There are both General Meetings & Executive Meetings.
General PTO meetings are for all members and non-members. Our meetings are filled with useful information for the school community, led by the PTO President(s) and other officers. Our principal and some FFE staff are normally in attendance as well. You can ask questions and voice your opinions! You also get to help decide how to raise money for the school and, more importantly, how to spend it. If you are unable to attend the meetings, we will have the agenda and minutes posted within a few days to our website or in the front office PTO binder. You must be present at a meeting to vote, however.
Executive meetings are for those on the executive board that must meet according to the bylaws.
There are also meetings sometimes for events or certain committees such as Falcon Fathers or Staff Appreciation in which those members would plan.
We will update the PTO calendar as soon as the meetings are scheduled.
PTO meetings are typically held in the library. You may enter through the south door, east of the front entrance.
PTO meetings are open to all parents, guardians, staff, teachers and and other entrusted adult(s) of currently enrolled students at Finley Farms Elementary; members or non-members. You must be a member to have voting rights. You may sign up here.
Of course not! You are not required to attend PTO meetings if you join the PTO, however we invite you to come as often as you're able, to be able to share your voice and meet others. If you are unable to attend the meetings we will have the agenda and minutes posted within a few days to the binder in the front office, and to our website. You must be present to vote, however.
The PTO has many volunteer opportunities with varying levels of time commitment throughout the year to fit all schedules. Some examples include helping sell t-shirts at an event, creating flyers, gathering donated items, hosting a carnival booth. Sign up to receive communications from the PTO here. We will also keep our calendar up to date and have postings on social media.
Sign up to be a member here (at no cost or commitment) and you'll be first to know upcoming opportunities! Prior to any event or fundraiser needing volunteers, communication will be sent via email with a link to the SignUp Genius website where you can choose your commitment. We will also keep our calendar up to date and have postings on social media.
With our amazing FFE families, the PTO raises money through different fundraisers such as catalogs, penny wars and restaurant nights. We also receive private and corporate donations and sponsorships. Some events also bring in funds.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) funds are primarily used to enhance the educational experience and environment for students by supporting various school-related activities and resources. This includes funding classroom materials, school enhancements, and enrichment programs. PTOs also organize and fund school-wide events like bingo nights, a dance and a carnival. All the money the PTO raises goes towards enhancing your child’s time at FFE.
Every parent/guardian/staff member at FFE has the opportunity to be heard and considered. You must be a PTO member to vote, and be present at the given meeting. If you are unsure if you are a member or not email us or sign up here.
The budget is reviewed each year by the PTO and principal in order to determine the needs of our school. All parents are invited to the meetings at which the Treasurer provides a report. The records of this organization are open for public review. A PTO Book of Record will be kept in the school office and made available upon request for public inspection.
Your fellow PTO members are a mix of moms, dads, guardians, teachers, and community members who are balancing life's commitments and want to support FFE. Being a member is signing up for our emails; that's it! It's free and there are no requirements after that. You get to decide what you sign up for, and how you give off your time and resources. You can volunteer as little or as much as your schedule allows. Start out small and see what feels right for you and your family. You are allowed to try something out and then say no if it is too much. We respect and value the ability to self assess commitments. As our kids grow, our commitments tend to wax and wane, so every year is different!
Whatever you do will be greatly appreciated!
We do strike up friendships and enjoy getting to know one another as we work together planning events. And while we are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who return, we also welcome brand new people to PTO every year. We are all new at some point! This year 6 out of the 7 board members are new to the officer roles. Our PTO maintains a vision and commitment to improvement by actively seeking out new ideas and by carefully considering honest feedback in order for the PTO to further its purpose. It is a collective, team effort and members work together to do what is best for the school and students. You are welcome here and we would love to have you! Please consider signing up and joining us.
The Staff Appreciation committee collaborates, plans, and makes decisions together to provide staff appreciation events that you see posted.
And because we're on the topic of appreciating our FFE staff, check out their favorite things!
Falcon Fathers is a part of the FFE PTO. This committee is dedicated to providing time, energy, effort and support to build stronger relationships with our children and our school community. We serve as positive role models who demonstrate ongoing support of their education.
Number One way is EMAIL. Sign up for emails and membership here to be in the know! No matter your time involvement, whether it be 5 minutes a month to read an email, or hours each month at events - you decide!
We also have this website finleyfarmspto.org that will be updated to provide the most current information, all in one spot.
Instagram & Facebook.
At times we will send flyers home with all students in hopes that all are notified and have a chance to participate in the fun!