Welcome and Thank You!

1. WelcomeandThank You! Palmer Way PTSO

2. Did You Know? • Parents have a significant effect on their children’s education • Good education isn’t just about teachers and school – what you do as a parent really counts! It’s True!

3. Did You Know? • Kids at schools with a broad base of involved parents perform markedly better on all kinds of key school measures: • Grades go up • Test scores rise • Behavior improves • More likely to pass their classes • More likely to graduate • More likely to further their education

4. Did You Know? When lots of parents get involved, It helps teachers and the school as a whole!

5. You Can Make A Difference! Your Parent-Teacher-Student Organization Palmer Way PTSO

6. What is PTSO? PTSO stands for Parent-Teacher-Student Organization. The mission of the Palmer Way PTSO is to provide support for the educational needs and academic enrichment of Palmer Way students. This is done by: • Stimulating an interest in sound education • Promoting cooperation between home and school • Supporting the school, its teachers, staff, and students in the achievement of educational goals • Promoting a positive and safe environment for learning and recreation

7. PTSO Objectives The objectives of the Palmer Way PTSO are to: • Establish and maintain a working relationship among parents, school and community. • Support school improvement teams and promote the finest education possible for the students at Palmer Way Elementary School. • Expand technology and supplement equipment and supplies. • Increase student safety and security. • Develop programs and projects that will support or enrich the curriculum. • Enhance the quality of education by raising funds for school supplies or programs that fall outside the school budget.

8. The PTSO does NOT • Run the school • Force parents to participate in PTSO and/or school activities • Set policy regarding school programs • Define the school’s curriculum • Dictate the technology platforms and/or software used by the school • Define or interfere with the school’s security program and policies • Control the school’s budget • Set the educational goals, testing requirements, or compliance factors • Have jurisdiction or authority over school staff, teachers, and other employees • Endorse a particular political candidate or commercial concern • DO EVERYTHING ! ! !

9. The PTSO DOES • Support the educational programs and extracurricular activities of the school • Encourage parents’ involvement in their individual children’s lives, education, class, and school • Provide feedback and suggestions for school programs • Coordinate programs and projects that will support or enrich the curriculum • Encourage/fund the increased exposure of students to technology • Provide feedback/assist with increased awareness of school safety and security issues • Organize fundraising efforts to support some additional programs, equipment, and services not covered in the school budget • Support the educational goals of the school and assist with attaining those goals through parent and community volunteerism • Recruit volunteers and coordinate volunteer efforts to staff PTSO functions and assist with school programs • Stay aware of legislation and political issues that may impact education and schools • A LOT ! ! !

10. Why PTSO? The PTSO Program • Is a creative way to connect all families to their children’s school and education. • Provides ideas to strengthen home-school-community partnerships • Is a resourceful community to keep parents, students, and teachers motivated.

11. PTSO Needs You! Are you interested in working with a dedicated group of parents to make key decisions and plan events for Palmer Way Elementary School? The Palmer Way PTSO is looking for volunteers to help make a difference at Palmer Way for the 2008-2009 school year. The only qualifications you need are a “can-do” attitude and a willingness to contribute. We welcome everyone’s participation at whatever level is comfortable.

12. 10 ReasonsTo Get Involved • Your Child Benefits • We Make A Difference • We Pledge To Honor Your Time Constraints • We Have Fun • Meet Nice People Who Share Your Concerns • There’s A Lot To Be Done • We Can Match Jobs To Your Interests And Abilities • We’re Welcoming • We’re About Parent Involvement, Not Fundraising • This Work Is Very Rewarding

13. Just 2 Hours • If we can get every Palmer Way parent to commit Just 2 Hours to helping out, we can do amazing things for our kids and our school. • As you’ll see from the Volunteer Interest Form, we’d love to help you get involved in any way that works for your schedule and interests. • We’d love your 2 Hours, and -Really! We promise! – there’s no obligation beyond helping out in this small, but important way. • Together, we can make a huge difference at our school!

14. Carnival? Movie Night?

15. How Do I Join? Membership All parents/guardians, students and faculty connected with Palmer Way Elementary School are considered ‘members’. Get Involved! Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form today. Contact Us Check us out online at http://palmerwayptso.wordpress.com/ Come to the 2008-2009 Open House Attend our General Meetings

16. 2008 – 2009Palmer Way PTSO Officers Please get involved!

17. Check Us Out Online Link to us online from: http://palmerway.org Or link directly at: http://palmerwayptso.wordpress.org

18. Questions?Suggestions? Thank You!!