About the PTO

The Crofton Meadows Elementary School (CMES) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  We support promote the welfare of the school community – our students, family members, staff, and volunteers.

Together we strive to build and maintain positive, collaborative, mutually-supportive relationships that celebrate important achievements within the CMES community.

We seek invitations to collaborate in conversations in creating and refining CMES policies for the betterment of our community.

We encourage an appreciation of diversity.

To strive to create the highest standards in education, cultural arts, socialization, leadership, ethics, health and nutrition, active citizenship, patriotism and personal well-being among each member of the CMES community through the provision of educational opportunities, the raising and donating of funds, and the inspiration of individual gifts of time and talent.

The CMES PTO is set up as a non-profit organization that is governed by bylaws. Click here to view the current PTO Bylaws.

Why are you a PTO and not a PTA?

Those of us that are of a certain age will know the song Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. Riley.  No?  Just me?  Hmm...ok then!

PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. It’s the term most people are more familiar with because it’s the one that pops up in media like movies and television shows.  A PTA is a group of teachers and parent volunteers who collaborate to support and improve the school experience for the students. Parents who participate in a PTA are unpaid volunteers. In fact, parents usually have to pay membership fees if they want a set in the PTA. 

The title “PTA” is reserved for organizations affiliated with the National Parent Teacher Association. 

PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. This is more of a general term for the organized collaboration of parents and teachers for the benefit of the school. Unlike PTAs, PTOs work independently of any kind of National Organization. As a result, PTOs typically adhere to their own bylaws and focus their attention on issues directly related to their school or their town.  PTO positions are unpaid volunteer seats and decide for themselves whether or not they charge membership fees.