Question: Inpact ideas for PTO funds

We recently had a very successful fund raiser, raising over $30K. Some of this money is already earmarked for upcoming expenses. We want to get ideas on how to use the balance of the funding so to impact as many kids as possible, and for parents to realize our efforts as a volunteer organization.

Asked by vceder

Answers:

Community Advice

firefighter464 writes:
If like many schools your school has completely eliminated the arts, how about $ to buy songbooks and fund a once a week music teacher who will teach all kids to see, read, follow music, separate into sopranos and altos, understand harmony, etc.? Reading music benefits the brain in so many educational ways. And touches all skill levels among kids. Builds cooperation, etc. Our school's idea of music is kids singing along to a tape recorder and it's not just karaoke, there is a voice also singing on the tape so the end result at assemblies is he tape singing louder than the kids anyway and offers no appreciation of musical instruments. If not singing and songbooks, maybe the old fashioned standby flutophones. Pick a grade level where you will do it, say 4th grade and from that moment on, every child in the school who passes thru that grade will benefit.

Community Advice

vceder writes:
Thank you firefighter464. That is a great idea. The Arts are definitely in need of additional funding at our schools. I may take this idea and broaden it thru the balance of the Arts programs.
Thank you!

Community Advice

firefighter464 writes:
Thank you, vceder, for your kinds words and thumbs up and for wanting to provide wise caring leadership in your school. Sure all here would be glad to read, as well, how you eventually implement your ideas. ...and what was that $30,000 successful fundraiser?? :)

I only wish my own school saw the value in the arts. Been fighting that battle for 6 years...

Community Advice

vceder writes:
We have just under 1000 children in our k-5 classes, and for 2 years, we were able to raise that kind of money with ONE fundraiser. We spent $45 for a program thru www.ptoideas.com. The program name is "Budget Bashes Educational Challenge. The author is Vicki Blazejowski. The program is successful as long as you have enough people to volunteer. Good luck to you!