What does the PTO do?
Short answer - A LOT! Here's a list of some of the activities that PTO either supports financially or directs independently.
Ice Cream Social - Before the school year starts every year, the PTO puts on everyone's favorite event - the Ice Cream Social. It's a chance to drop off school materials and meet up with friends you haven't seen in a while and enjoy some ice cream as well.
Welcoming Committee - Before the Ice Cream Social, the Welcoming Committee is hard at work preparing welcome packets for new families, distributing Welcome signs for yards and spreading the wonderful OLG hospitality.
Field Trips / Assemblies - Students in every grade take at least one field trip a year. While parents might be asked to pay a small fees for tickets or other cost for the field trip, PTO picks up the tab for the buses. PTO also sponsors grade level and whole school assemblies.
School Events - From skating parties to school dances, Veteran's day to Special Guest day, PTO plans and sponsors many events for the students and their families. We are always looking for new events, anything to make our community stronger!
Classroom Items - PTO is proud to support our teachers through reimbursement for their out-of-pocket expenses for things used in their classrooms. Our teacher go above and beyond and we like to show our appreciation for that effort. PTO also surprises classrooms with Christmas gifts to be used by students during indoor recess or on the playground.
Technology - The ever changing scope of education requires ever changing technology to keep up with it. PTO has purchased over $50,000 in computers, smart boards and chrome carts over the last 8 years. This is in addition to what the school purchases with state funding.
Library Resources - Whether replacing old worn out books or acquiring newly published books, PTO is pleased to support our school library by providing funds. The annual Scholastic Book Fair is also a source of new books for individual classrooms as well as the library.
Leadership Council - OLG teachers are training the future leaders of our community through their efforts with select students in Leadership Council. PTO is proud to support those efforts financially.
Junior High Family Program - One unique program to OLG is the Junior High Family program. All students in grades 6-8 are placed in family groups. All year they work on team buildind and mentoring. The fruits of this program are beyond what anyone hoped for, just ask the kids, they love their families at OLG! PTO is thrilled to support this program financially.
Catholic Schools Week - Starting with Open House and filling the week with fun for everyone, PTO takes part by providing refreshments, activities and prizes for students and lunch for our teachers.
Option C - As you may know Option C is the online gradebook and communication system that OLG uses. This system is critical to the academic and community aspect of school, therefore, the PTO is happy to pay for Option C.
Professional Devlopment - OLG teachers are absolutely some of the best you will find anywhere. One thing that makes them so great is their commitment to continuing their own education. PTO supports this effort by offering reimbursement for some professional development courses and activities, approved by the principal. We chose to support professional development when the state cut funding for teachers in this area.
Graduation - There is something truly special about 8th grade graduation at OLG. PTO works to provide for several different traditions including the 8th grade memory book and group photos, 8th grade awards day and the reception and celebration dance after graduation itself.
8th grade Scholarships - PTO is proud to support our graduating students with scholarships to area Catholic High Schools. Each year 4 students are chosen through an application and essay process.
Eagle Walk - You may be thinking by now, how do we pay for all of the things above that PTO supports. The answer is simple - the annual Eagle Walk! This event would probably be voted the best day ever by every student at OLG. Families come together to volunteer, kids come together to walk and exercise while sponsorship is collected from families, friends and area business. This is the one and only time we ask students to participate in a fundraiser for the PTO.