Reasons to Give

Why Should I Participate?

The answer is simple – every child and family at Burr benefits from PTO funds, and every family is part of the PTO.
  • Every student benefits from the classroom equipment, teacher supplies, and field trip subsidies that PTO funds provide.
  • Every student benefits from the enhanced academic experience made possible by the computers, pro-scopes, visual presenters, projectors, and other technology equipment provided by PTO funds.
  • Every student uses the playground equipment that is purchased and maintained with PTO funds.
  • Every student enjoys and learns from the Creative Arts and Sciences program, paid for entirely by the PTO.
  • Every student and family is invited to enjoy Halloween Family Fun Night, the World Cultures Festival, and the May Fair, much-loved community events made possible by PTO funds.
All of these programs and resources depend on PTO funds, and PTO funds come from you!  Without these funds the programs and services we’ve promised to support must be reduced or eliminated altogether. If we raise less money, we receive fewer benefits as a community. But if we raise more, we can give even more back to our children.

Did You Know…?

Did you know... that the PTO has infused an average of $40,000 into our school each year for the past five years, an amount that equals Burr’s entire annual operating budget* from the City of Newton?

Did you know… that every year the PTO works with Burr faculty to prioritize and provide funding for school-wide technology needs? Burr’s laptop cart (with 15 Apple MacBook computers that can be used in any classroom) was funded completely by the PTO, as were many of the digital cameras, LCD projectors, and ELMOs(visual presenters) found in every classroom. The SMART Interactive Whiteboards in all three 5th Grade classrooms were made possible by contributions from the Burr PTO and the Newton Schools Foundation. 

Did you know… that our playground is nearing the end of its life expectancy? The PTO has begun to save for a major overhaul (projected at more than $100,000) within the next 5-8 years.

Did you know… that Burr students write poetry with published authors, design and build mini water distribution systems, and hold sea creatures from the depths of the oceans? These and many other wonderful Creative Arts and Sciences programs are paid for entirely by PTO funds.


*The operating budget from the City of Newton covers all school spending exclusive of salaries and facilities.