Most teachers send home a list with the students of things they need. Some things are supplied by the school. We give each teacher $100-200 each year to get things they need. In addition, the PTO holds the welcome back parties, the kindergarten things and anything else where parents are involved, this way it is not a problem giving our pitch at any event. A lot of money goes to the kids as it should be, we are the only school in our district that pays for 100% of field trips including buses, we spend about $3,000 on enrichment programs bringing people to the school as well as paying for field day, family fun nights and other activities.

Our PTO does not supply these items. Most teachers ask on their list if parents can supply extra. So far we've never had a request. I know I always just buy two of everything and give it to my daughter's teacher on the first day of school. Most of the parents at our school do this. As for breakfast's etc., we have not done this. Most of our budget currently is spent trying to bring a very out of date playground back into shape. Not to mention buying computers each year at about $5000 each. Our PTO was asked last year to buy paperback dictionaries for our fourth graders to use at home and it was declined. Since the items would not stay at the school for the next year, we felt it was the parent's responsibility and so the request went out and all the parent's bought the dictionaries. I think if you request some things parents are fine with supporting it on their own.

Hi...we are only two years old but each year we have supplied teachers with basic supplies to help with students who come without. we keep a large amount on hand and they can get it as they need it. If supplies are for thier use the school principal pays for it. She pays for 5th/6th grade agendas and take home folders for k-3. We don't pay for orientation food...we give each K student a school shirt . Our old PTA use to buy lunch but they did alot more fundraising than we do.We do strongly believe to keep most money spent oriented on family fun nights, student events. we are the only school in our district that donates general supplies for needy kids.

Teachers are looking to the PTO to buy pencils,glue, crayons and pouches for students to carry reading assigments home in. Does any other schools PTO pay for this or is this something that the Principal at your school pays for? I personally feel that if this is what the teachers need then shouldn't the principal being paying for it? Also do other PTOS pay for teacher appreciation breakfasts or welcome back lunchs or snacks at kindergarden orientation? We do and I think the money should being coming out of the principals budget and we should be buying the kids other things. So how is your money spent?