Q. How do I become a member of the PTO?
A. All families, teachers, administrators, and staff of District 73 are automatically members of the PTO.
Q. Why does the PTO participate in fundraisers that sell seemingly over priced items?
A. The PTO’s goal is always to provide a broad selection of fundraisers. We do not expect everyone to participate in each fundraiser but hope that with the variety we offer, there is something that appeals to everyone. In addition, while we do not expect you to sell to family and friends, we appreciate the extra funding if you wish to spread the word. When we choose a fundraiser where goods are sold, please keep in mind that not only does the PTO need to make a profit, but so does the company selling the product. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in the price for the goods sold.
If you have any recommendations for new fundraising ideas, we’d love to hear from. you. Please contact our PTO President at president@hawthornpto.org
Q. I am a first-time user of the Online PTO Dial but I don’t know how to get access.
A. The Online PTO Dial for the current school year becomes available to families in late September once the PTO receives data from the District Office database. Once that information is received, you will receive and email with your login credential and a link to access the Online Dial. If you have questions about your Online Dial purchase, please contact our PTO Store Administrator: orders@hawthornpto.org
Q. Is there a paper copy of the Dial available?
A. In PTO’s ongoing effort to go “green”, there is no paper copy available. However, there is an option to download your child’s class list to a CSV file.
Q. What communication channels does the PTO provide so that I can remain up to date and aware of upcoming events and programs?
A. The PTO has its own Website and Facebook accounts, online newsletter (the Pipeline) and includes updates in the Hawthorn Highlights. The district calendar that is provided to each family in their class assignments also includes PTO events for the school year and our Pipeline and PTO home page has a section for “upcoming events/dates. If you wish to receive the Pipeline and our direct email campaigns, please click here to register. If you have questions, contact our PTO Marketing Committee:
Q. How can I financially support the PTO if I don’t want to purchase any products or goods?
A. By visiting our PTO Online Store you can make a donation in any amount that you wish.
Q. What am I expected to donate toward the PTO Teacher Appreciation events?
A. The PTO asks that you simply give what you can toward the district teacher appreciation events, whether it’s a food or monetary donation.
Q. I have shared some of my frustrations and opinions with the PTO and I feel that they have not been dealt with well.
A. Please be aware that we have a very large and diverse school community in our district. We are volunteers who raise money for the district, support our teachers and staff and provide our students with “extras”. We try our best to weigh decisions based on how they will best help our staff, schools and students. If you have suggestions or ideas on how to better help us accomplish these goals, we welcome you to contact the PTO President president@hawthornpto.org. Or, attend one of the PTO meetings. The meeting schedule is on the home page of our Website: http://hawthornpto.org/ You will need to scroll to the bottom of the Web page.
Q. What is the difference between the PTO and the Family Alliances at each school?
A. The Family Alliances were put in place to provide social events within each school and to encourage a sense of community. Some of the events that take place are Back to School Bashes, Family Fun Nights and ice cream Fridays. The PTO is the primary fundraising arm of the district for monies that go directly back to our schools and students. Given that families may have students in more than one of our schools at any time, our PTO is district-wide. This allows us to pool our resources and ensure equity across our programs, fundraising and schools. By keeping our fundraising centrally located, we avoid “nickel and diming” our parents with different fundraisers at each of our schools. Please visit the PTO website to learn more about our fundraisers and programming.
Q. I’d love to volunteer, but I don’t know how to get involved.
A. There are numerous ways big and small to get involved. For more information, you can start by contacting your school’s PTO Vice President (VP). Visit our PTO Website Home Page Executive Board listing for your VP’s contact information: http://hawthornpto.org/. We also post requests for volunteers in our bi-weekly Pipeline eNewsletter, and on the webpage for each committee. In addition, we now have a 2 Hour Power program, which is perfect for those who want to be involved with a limited time commitment. Please visit the 2 Hour Power web page for more information: http://hawthornpto.org/programs-events/2-hour-power-you-make-a-difference/ You can also sign up to volunteer through our PTO Store. If you are interested in a leadership position or in chairing a committee, please contact the PTO President at president@hawthornpto.org.
Q. How do I know what the PTO funds are being used for?
A. At the end of each school year, the PTO distributes monies raised to the District Administration at one of the June school board meetings. The district provides monies to each school on a per capita basis. Those funds are used at the discretion of the Principal for educational extras within the school. The PTO does not decide how the funds are used. For a summary of how those funds are being used for the most current school year, please see the summary in “Where Do The Funds Go”