Fundraising at Roberts is critical to the success of the school. Parents, friends, and the community give money, time, and talent to provide essential support for the programs that make our school so successful. Roberts is one of a handful of public elementary schools in Houston that does not qualify for Title I funding. Title I funding is federal money for schools in which 40% or more of students come from low-income families. Without Title I funds, Roberts must rely heavily on money generated from parents and friends.
Property owners pay taxes that help support the public school system. Renters help “pay” for property taxes through their rent. With the recent state budget cuts and more possible in the future, fundraising is more important than ever. The concept of raising private money to help support public school is nothing new, but at Roberts, we try to make it fun and something everyone can participate in throughout the school year.
When you give to Roberts through our fundraisers, you are helping to provide for:
Educational Materials: PTO funds are used to supplement educational programs and materials used by teachers in all content areas. Without this support, teachers would be forced to use materials provided by the District exclusively.
Technology: The PTO supports updating technology for all grade levels. HISD does not have the funding to support replacements and upgrades on a consistent basis. As a non-Title One campus, much of the federal government funding is not available to us. The use of computers, Smartboards and other technology helps our students develop critical thinking and keep pace with our changing world.
Professional Development: PTO funds help supplement our teachers’ continuing education. This includes extensive teacher training to maintain our IB program.
Fine Arts Enrichment: PTO funds supplement our visual and performing fine arts program. PTO funds cannot pay for teacher salaries, but the funds can pay for other necessary programs and supplies.
School Event Support: We work hard to balance our fundraising events and free community building events. The International Festival and Community Nights are two of the largest free events supported by the PTO.
School Maintenance: Our wonderful school is over 80 years old and is the heart of our neighborhood. PTO funds enhance and beautify the building and grounds and keep our school a safe and pleasant learning environment.
How do I help?
As you can see from the list above, PTO fundraising is truly important to the daily work of Roberts Elementary. The school has several major fundraisers throughout the year. We encourage you to become involved with all of them! The dates for each are listed in the PTO School Calendar, but here is a quick overview:
100% PTO - Culture of Giving: This membership drive is the first fundraiser you will encounter at Roberts during the school year. It takes place at the beginning of the year and is simply an opportunity for everyone involved at Roberts – parents, guardians, grandparents, staff, teachers and community – to contribute money to the school. Classes “compete” against each other. The membership drive helps the PTO support events that occur later in the year and is essential to our fundraising. Please give what you can – this is great way to feel invested in your child’s school. We encourage 100% participation!
Book Fair: Roberts hosts a book fair each year during which children and their families can purchase books, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the school. The book fair is a great opportunity to purchase books for donation to the library and classrooms. Watch the newsletter and website calendar for dates.
Fun Run: Every child at Roberts can participate in the Fun Run. It is a great way for every child to help support the school. The fundraising portion takes place over a two-week period and culminates with a Fun Run during school hours. It is a great event for students and easy for extended family to support Roberts.
Roberts Auction: The Roberts Auction is an adult-only event held annually. This is a great opportunity to socialize with other parents and bid on fun parties and other items.
Roberts Carnival: The last fundraiser of the year is our carnival. The entire Roberts community comes together for this event. Children and their families enjoy food, games, and fun in celebration of the close of another successful school year.
Other opportunities to support the school throughout the year include:
Class funds: At the beginning of the year, you will receive a request from the room parent to provide some funding for the classroom fund. The classroom fund helps support the teacher in the classroom, provide classroom-specific needs, class parties, and celebrate teacher birthdays. This fund is different from the 100% PTO Membership Drive but is also collected at the beginning of the year.