Thank you

The first month of school is now behind us.  What a whirlwind it has been - in a good way.  The fundraiser sales are now complete and orders can be picked up on Tuesday, October 14th from 3-6pm at the Byron Elementary School Gym.  A big THANK YOU for everyone who has supported us with an order, cash donation or the gift of your time.  If you can help out with pick up night, sign up here.

Coming up soon is the Book Fair at the Elementary school October 9-14.  You can sign up for a shift at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c45acaf23a46-october1.  For each 2 hour shift you work, you will receive a $5 credit from fair to purchase books for your child(ren).

There are many more activities coming up soon.  Hope to see you at our next meeting Monday, October 13th at 6:30 PM at the Byron Middle School Media Center.

PTO board nominations now being accepted!

Please consider becoming part of this great organization.

 

Why become a PTO board member?

Become more involved in a great organization that helps your school.  As a board member you will provide direction for PTO sponsored activities, vote on how funds are allocated and be the face of PTO.

 

I’ve never been to a meeting so can I still be nominated?

Yes!!  No experience required and all are welcome.  We will be happy to answer any questions you have at any time.

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment varies.  However; you are expected to attend the monthly general and board meetings which are held back to back.  These are scheduled for the second Monday of the month and will be held at 6:30 and 7:30pm respectively.  Thus, a minimum of 2 hours per month is required.  Other volunteer opportunities and duties are at your discretion.

 

What are the positions and the length of the term?

It varies.  The title, description and term length is described below.  All positions, except Treasurer are open for the 2014-2015 school year.

 

How do I get my name on the ballot?

You can e-mail your intention to the board at byronpto@gmail.com or just attend the meeting on Monday, May 12th at 6:30pm at the BHS Multipurpose room and we will add you that night.

 

********************* Board member descriptions *************************

President. The president shall prepare the agenda and preside over meetings of the organization and executive board, serve as the primary contact for the principal, represent the organization at meetings outside the organization, serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the nominating committee, and coordinate the work of all the officers and committees so that the purpose of the organization is served.  The president is also responsible for responding to all funding request inquiries.  Term length is 1 year.

 

Vice President. The vice president shall assist the president and carry out the president’s duties in his or her absence or inability to serve.  After fulfilling the term of office the Vice President will take over as President the following school year.  Term length is 1 year.

 

Secretary. The secretary shall keep all records of the organization, take and record minutes, handle correspondence, and send notices of meetings to the membership. The secretary also keeps a copy of the minutes book, bylaws, rules, and any other necessary supplies, and brings them to meetings.  Term length is 2 years.

Treasurer. The treasurer shall receive all funds of the organization, keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the executive board. He or she will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the executive board, and make a full report at the end of the year.  Term length is 2 years.

Membership Director.  The membership director is responsible for creating, maintaining, and distributing the PTO contact list.  The membership director is the lead for promoting the PTO and encouraging active participation.  Term length is 1 year.

 

Elementary School Representative.   The Elementary School Representative is responsible for maintaining an open relationship with the Principal of the Byron Elementary School.  The representative must have a child attending the Byron Elementary School and be able to speak on behalf of the needs of the elementary school.  The representative is also responsible for coordinating or locating a coordinator for the yearly soup supper during fall conferences.  Term length is 1 year.

 

Middle School Representative.   The Middle School Representative is responsible for maintaining an open relationship with the Principal of the Byron Middle School.  The representative must have a child attending the Bryon Middle School and be able to speak on behalf of the needs of the middle school.  The representative is also responsible for coordinating or locating a coordinator the yearly soup supper during fall conferences.  Term length is 1 year.

 

High School Representative.   The High School Representative is responsible for maintaining an open relationship with the Principal of the Byron High School.  The representative must have a child attending the Byron High School and be able to speak on behalf of the needs of the high school.  The representative is also responsible for coordinating or locating a coordinator the yearly soup supper during fall conferences.  Term length is 1 year.

 

Member at Large.   The Member at Large is responsible for assisting other board members as needed or requested. Term length is 1 year.

Family Fun Night and Reflecting on 2013-2014 Requests

The year sure has been flying by.  I can't believe there is only one more meeting for the year! Of course with Family Fun Night Planning in full swing it is easy to see the end of the year is near.  For Family Fun Night this year we are continuing with the western theme started by the elementary school for I love to read night.  We will have music, dancing, country themed games along with everyone's favorite "Bingo for Books" and the "Cake Walk".  We hope you can make it on Friday, April 25 from 6:30 - 8:00.  We are still looking for volunteers so take a moment and sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45ACAF23A46-family3

There have been many requests this year.  If you were not aware only transportation funds were available this year for field trips.  This means without the PTO support there would have been ZERO field trips.  The PTO is happy to be able to step up to the challenge and ensure our kids memories that will stay with them for a lifetime (as well as valuable learning opportunities).  Take a moment and look where the money has gone as we could not do this without the support of the Byron Community.

PTO Funding for the 2013-2014 school year as of April 14, 2014.

BES:
 - All Pro Dads Day Breakfasts $1000
 - Weatherbug  $1230
 - 2nd Grade trip to Nutcracker $650
 - Author Visit $400
 - I love to Read Month Activites $1,000
 - Elementary Seeds Service Project $450
 - 3rd Grade field trip to Children's Theatre $1,200
 - 2nd Grade field trip to the MN Zoo $1,800
 - 4th Grade field trip to the Science Museum $2,100
 - Kindergarden Field Trip to Planetarium $400

BMS:
 - "Wonder" Novels $368
 - 8th Grade Field trip to Anne Frank $3153.14

 - 23" Timpani $2,050

 - PE Outside Activities $1250
 - Zumbro Bend Rendevouz @ BMS $740
 - 5th Grade Kindness Retreat $1,290
 - 7th Grade Solo Day $200
 - Art Tour $859
 - Document Camera $150
 - Freaky Friday $750
 - 5th Hex Award for 7th Grade $150
 - FACs Kitchen Equipment and Sewing Machines $1700
 - 5th Grade field trip to Quarry Hill

BHS
 - Post Prom Donation $500

 - PE Outside Activities $1250
 - Wildlife/Zoology trips to MN Zoo  $1940
 - Physics Equipment $1080
 - Link Crew Start up $4,000
 - HS Choir Audio Greeting Card Service Project $700
 - Robotic Storage $1,500

Other:
 - Party on the Playground $170
 - Family Fun Night $1,500
 - BES Bus Tags - $250
 - BES Tile Wall - $400
 - Community Education Center Playground Equipment $5,000

The Back to School Blitz

School has been in session for a month.  If your house is like mine, the past month has gone in a blink.  Looking ahead, October is a busy month for the PTO.  However; before we look at what's coming I want to take a moment and say THANK YOU for everyone who participated in this year's fundraiser.  We could not provide all of the activities and fund the many "extras" that help our kids succeed without the dedication and support of the families in Byron.

Looking ahead we have the Book Fair, Soup Supper and Fundraiser Pickup next week at the Elementary School.  In November we will be hosting Soup Suppers at the Community Education and Middle Schools.

Want to get involved?  Join us at a meeting or send us an e-mail any time at Byronpto@gmail.com.  Sign up sheets can be found at http://signupgenius.com - just search for signups using our e-mail address.

Thank you,
Amy

Getting ready...

Summer is almost over (already!).  With that in mind we have been busy preparing for the next school year. We are excited to see all of you at the Party on the Playground on August 22nd from 6:30 - 8:00 at BES or at the Meet the Teacher events on August 27th.

The blog has been updated with the 2013-2014 schedule, board and we're now accepting funding requests for the next year.  We are still in need of a Vice President and there will be many other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

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Put Family Fun Night on your calendar!

Why I am on PTO

When my son was in second grade I volunteered to help be a chaperone on a field trip. I was dumb founded when the teacher told me that the field trip was paid for entirely by the PTO. This was no little field trip. It was a trip to the Minnesota Zoo in Minneapolis. I was instantly enlightened to the fact that our kids have more because of PTO. I had no idea how much more. I got involved helping them right after that field trip and here I am years later still the biggest fan they have. I love the PTO with all my heart. I love the parents we have in the Byron school district that are always helping out or supporting our huge fundraiser. I love the monthly meetings and getting to say yes to so many wonderful funding requests. I love going into a room at school and seeing something that the PTO funded and feeling the pride of knowing why it is there. I love knowing our kids have more...more field trips, more smart boards, more opportunities because of the PTO. I love the amazing group of people that are a big part of our PTO. There are incredibly welcoming and incredibly accepting to whatever I can give.

This photo is a picture of the guitars we purchased for the 6th grade music program. I was in the music room a few times recently at the middle school and I was so thankful to see them.  This one purchase will effect so many students.  What an amazing life skill we are giving these kids.

Yes, I am proud to be part of the PTO

~Monica Willits