ABOUT THE PTO
What does the Spencer PTO do?
Our goal is to create a sense of community within the walls of Spencer Elementary by working together to accomplish common goals. As a Spencer parent, you are automatically a member of the Parent-Teacher Organization. The Spencer PTO is active throughout the entire school year. Together with the teachers and staff, we provide fun, interesting and educational programs and events.
Who can join the PTO?
Every Spencer parent, teacher and staff member is a member of the PTO. You do not have to formally join the organization. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, make suggestions, volunteer for events, and participate in whatever way works for you. We do not charge dues.
What events does the PTO sponsor?
The PTO sponsors events year round. In addition to monthly PTO meetings, we host one family night per month, support in-school events, district-wide efforts, staff appreciation, and more. See below for a list of events we will sponsor for the 2024-25 school year:
PTO participation allows you to be "hands on" with your child's education. Our children love to see us in their environment and there are many events and committees that could use your help!
Whether volunteering on a committee, chairing a committee, engaging in school projects, attending events, fundraising, baking or donating items, all the time you can give is appreciated! We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this year, as the Brighton community continues to work together to enrich the educational experience of every child. The PTO is your opportunity to get involved and keep Spencer the AMAZING school it is!
Where does the PTO's money come from?
Our primary fundraisers are the Roadrunner Run in October and the Spring Carnival and Annual Auction in May. We also earn money from ongoing fundraising programs like Box Tops, Kroger rewards and other passive fundraising efforts. Our goal each year is to raise $30,000 to support all of the programs, events and enrichment activities the PTO sponsors. What we don't spend, we gift back to the school in some form.
What specific things have PTO funds been used to support?
In addition to the events listed above, the PTO also funds cultural enrichment programs, field trip scholarships and assemblies for our Spencer students. Several after school clubs are sponsored and a $200 donation is made to each teacher every year for classroom supplies. Larger expense items, such as playground equipment and maintenance have also been covered by PTO funds.
How do I get involved?
The PTO holds meetings throughout the year. All meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month right after school (around 4pm). Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. These meetings are an opportunity for leaders to provide event updates. We discuss requests from teachers to purchase materials or support classroom projects with PTO funds. We discuss ideas for new programs or improvements to past programs. We also hear updates from the school principal. The meeting minutes will be available here, as well as on the Spencer PTO Facebook page.
Where else can I go to find out what's happening?
We work hard to keep you in the loop, even if you can't attend the meetings. As events approach information will be sent out about how you can get involved. Flyers with information about major events will be sent home in students' folders. Look for weekly updates and announcements in the Spencer Scoop!
As you can see there are lots and lots of ways to be active in our school. The PTO is here to help coordinate but it is only through the efforts of the entire community that we can make our children's years at Spencer the best they can be.
Contact any Board member if you have questions, ideas or comments.
Our goal is to create a sense of community within the walls of Spencer Elementary by working together to accomplish common goals. As a Spencer parent, you are automatically a member of the Parent-Teacher Organization. The Spencer PTO is active throughout the entire school year. Together with the teachers and staff, we provide fun, interesting and educational programs and events.
Who can join the PTO?
Every Spencer parent, teacher and staff member is a member of the PTO. You do not have to formally join the organization. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, make suggestions, volunteer for events, and participate in whatever way works for you. We do not charge dues.
What events does the PTO sponsor?
The PTO sponsors events year round. In addition to monthly PTO meetings, we host one family night per month, support in-school events, district-wide efforts, staff appreciation, and more. See below for a list of events we will sponsor for the 2024-25 school year:
- Family Picnic: Kick-off the new school year with family & friends and play on the playground!
- Pink Week/Coins for a Cure: District-wide event that the PTO supports. Money is raised for local cancer care.
- Roadrunner Run: *FUNdraiser* School-wide run that the entire school participates in. The class who raises the most money wins an amazing prize (TBD) which is enjoyed by all at a school assembly.
- Halloween Event: Not a fright-night, but a family fun night!
- Talent Show: Kids can showcase their talents!
- Community Engagement: Things like decorating bags for Meals on Wheels, Food and/or Winter Gear Drives for local shelters, and more.
- Holiday Shop: A unique shopping experience where kids can shop on their own for family members. Volunteers help the kids stay on budget and wrap the gifts they choose.
- Game Night: Family game night! Spend a couple hours playing board games with your friends.
- STEAM Day: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Media abound!
- Book Bingo: Come for an evening of BINGO where everyone is a winner! Win a book (or two or three!) before heading home.
- Recess Run: A month of fun running during recess.
- Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week: A week of gifts and food to thank our teachers and staff for all they do.
- Spring Carnival and Annual Auction: *FUNdraiser* Fun filled day of carnival games, entertainment, food and a live and silent auction.
- Ice Cream Social: Ice cream on the playground, served by some of our favorite Spencer Family members!
- Fourth Grade Farewell: A day dedicated to the 4th Grade class as they finish up their elementary years and head off to Maltby.
- Field Day – A full day of outdoor play, games and snacks at the end of the school year.
- Popcorn Fridays - $0.50 bags of fresh popcorn for sale at lunch.
- Assemblies and/or Author Visits - The PTO supports in-school events both financially and with volunteers!
PTO participation allows you to be "hands on" with your child's education. Our children love to see us in their environment and there are many events and committees that could use your help!
Whether volunteering on a committee, chairing a committee, engaging in school projects, attending events, fundraising, baking or donating items, all the time you can give is appreciated! We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this year, as the Brighton community continues to work together to enrich the educational experience of every child. The PTO is your opportunity to get involved and keep Spencer the AMAZING school it is!
Where does the PTO's money come from?
Our primary fundraisers are the Roadrunner Run in October and the Spring Carnival and Annual Auction in May. We also earn money from ongoing fundraising programs like Box Tops, Kroger rewards and other passive fundraising efforts. Our goal each year is to raise $30,000 to support all of the programs, events and enrichment activities the PTO sponsors. What we don't spend, we gift back to the school in some form.
What specific things have PTO funds been used to support?
In addition to the events listed above, the PTO also funds cultural enrichment programs, field trip scholarships and assemblies for our Spencer students. Several after school clubs are sponsored and a $200 donation is made to each teacher every year for classroom supplies. Larger expense items, such as playground equipment and maintenance have also been covered by PTO funds.
How do I get involved?
The PTO holds meetings throughout the year. All meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month right after school (around 4pm). Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome to attend. These meetings are an opportunity for leaders to provide event updates. We discuss requests from teachers to purchase materials or support classroom projects with PTO funds. We discuss ideas for new programs or improvements to past programs. We also hear updates from the school principal. The meeting minutes will be available here, as well as on the Spencer PTO Facebook page.
Where else can I go to find out what's happening?
We work hard to keep you in the loop, even if you can't attend the meetings. As events approach information will be sent out about how you can get involved. Flyers with information about major events will be sent home in students' folders. Look for weekly updates and announcements in the Spencer Scoop!
As you can see there are lots and lots of ways to be active in our school. The PTO is here to help coordinate but it is only through the efforts of the entire community that we can make our children's years at Spencer the best they can be.
Contact any Board member if you have questions, ideas or comments.
