- How do I join the PTO?
- What does PTO stand for?
- What's the difference between PTA and PTO?
- Where and when are the PTO meetings held?
- What happens at PTO meetings and why should I come?
- I have a question for a PTO board member. Who’s who?
- What does the PTO do?
- How can I help in my child's classroom?
How do I join the PTO?
Every fall the PTO sponsors a membership drive, but you can join PTO anytime
during the year - just fill out a membership form. Contact Jody Gilchrist,
(jhgilchrist@charter.net), VP of membership. She will be happy to assist. As a
member of the PTO, you join a group of individuals and families
who care about and support the education of their children at Cahaba
Heights. You will gain the right to vote at general membership meetings.
What does PTO stand for?
"PTO" typically stands for "parent-teacher organization" and is
the general acronym for the approximately 75 percent of parent-teacher
groups that choose to remain independent of the National PTA. Many
independent groups refer to themselves as a PTO; others have acronyms
such as HSA (Home and School Association), PCC (Parent Communication
Council), or the like. In the typical PTO vs. PTA discussion, all
independent groups—those not affiliated with the National PTA—fall
under the general PTO umbrella.
What's the difference between PTA and PTO?
In a nutshell, PTAs are local groups that affiliate with the National PTA.
These groups pay dues to their respective state PTAs and to the National PTA,
and they receive benefits from those organizations. "PTO" is the general
acronym for the many groups (PTOs, PCCs, HSAs, etc.) that choose to remain
independent. PTOs are free to write their own bylaws, and they can either
charge no dues at all—a nice touch to encourage involvement—or keep whatever
dues they do charge at their school.
While "PTA" is the most well-recognized acronym to the general public,
perhaps because of the Harper Valley song and movie, these days approximately
75 percent of K-8 parent-teacher groups are actually independent PTOs. Of the
more than 112,000 K-12 schools in the United States, only about 25,000 of
those still have formally affiliated PTA units.
Where and when are the PTO meetings held?
The VHECH PTO meets from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the library,
generally on the first Thursday of the month. All meetings
are listed on the VHECH website. Anyone can attend. Join us!
What happens at PTO meetings and why should I come?
The VHECH PTO strives to make our school the best place it can
be. The PTO committee chairs, PTO board members, and parents
attend meetings to communicate with VHECH faculty, staff, and
administration. At every meeting, the PTO is making a decision
that affects your child.
You will be entitled to vote at all meetings. More importantly
you will be joining in with others who share a common goal: Enhancing
Our Children’s Educational Experience. You can attend a few meetings
or all of them. You may be very active or help out only once. Either
way you will always be an important member with an equal place in
the group.
I have a question for a PTO board member. Who’s who?
See PTO Board tab.
What does the PTO do?
The PTO holds monthly meetings and publishes a monthly newsletter
that is distributed to the entire school. Through our newsletter
we keep you informed of meetings and activities. The PTO sponsors
a variety of fundraisers, and events.
The objective of the PTO is to promote interrelationships with
parents and staff for the purpose of organizing fundraising, social,
and cultural events throughout the calendar year in support of the
educational curriculum.
How can I help in my child's classroom?
Gretchen Messer is the Room Parent Chair and she can get you in
touch with your child's Room Parent. Contact her at gretmess1@att.net.