The New Franklin PTO helps to purchase necessary classroom items by donating monetarily to teachers themselves. The intention is to cover the cost of classroom supplies that teachers might otherwise pay for out of their own pockets. The New Franklin PTO asks that the teachers use the money for something in their classroom that will help the children.
Throughout the school year, special needs may arise or requests may be made to the PTO Board. Each request presented to the Board is evaluated by the officers and either approved or disapproved by the Board and/or members. For example, this fall, the New Franklin PTO paid for the purchase of balls, jump ropes, and other playground equipment used during Elementary recesses. We may also make donations of school supplies for students who lack necessary materials.
One of the most exciting benefits the New Franklin PTO provides, and one thing that members are most passionate about, is subsidizing the transportation costs for school-organized field trips. Each grade in Elementary (kindergarten through fifth grade) takes two field trips per year. Middle and High School students take field trips in certain classes and through school clubs. In addition, the New Franklin PTO provides a fund to the Elementary school to pay for trip costs for students who may not otherwise be able to pay and attend. Overall, the field trips allow students to visit places they may not otherwise visit, promote student learning, and increase global awareness.
Two PTO activities focus on promoting reading within and outside of the classroom. The first is providing subscriptions to Scholastic News student magazines for Elementary students. PTO also supports the quarterly AR celebrations where students celebrate meeting their AR goals.
The New Franklin PTO rewards Elementary, Middle, and High School Honor Roll students, Middle School Renaissance Club students, students with quarterly perfect attendance, and Elementary students with exemplary behavior. The New Franklin PTO also pays for plaques that are awarded during graduation. Although these gestures may be simple, they are important celebrations of student work and motivation. For more information on the requirements for these rewards, please contact your school principal or consult the student handbook.
A vital component of student success in the New Franklin School District is the support of the administrators, teachers, nurse, counselors, and other staff. The New Franklin PTO recognizes the contributions of these individuals through timely gifts, in several ways. During staff appreciation week, the New Franklin PTO provides gifts and small tokens of appreciation to the district staff. The New Franklin PTO also organizes and provides a Welcome Back breakfast for administrators, staff, and teachers on the first work day before school resumes in the fall. Through these activities, the New Franklin PTO acknowledges the skill and dedication of the employees of the New Franklin School District.
Another great way PTO supports our teachers is by volunteers aiding at the elementary school. All parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and guardians are welcome to aide teachers by making copies, preparing for large activities, and assisting in lesson preparations. Volunteers decide what time works for them and how long they can work.
PTO supports the New Franklin R-I district in many ways. Some examples of our recent school improvements include buying a cell booster for the gymnasium, blinking road signs, new signage for the High School, Middle School, and Elementary School, and new playground equipment.