Throughout the year the PTO sponsors a variety of programs and events designed to improve the educational experience of our children. Perhaps the most significant of these is the Creative Arts Program in which parents and teachers collaborate to identify and then sponsor a variety of curriculum-based musical and dramatic performances and scientific workshops for each
grade. In addition, parent volunteers enrich the educational experience of our children through classroom activities coordinated by the room parents and the art appreciation, environmental aide, and understanding disabilities programs. These are all great ways to gain “hands-on” classroom experience and to assist the teachers.

The PTO also supports a number of events designed to celebrate our sense of community. New Families’ volunteers warmly welcome Schofield newcomers in the fall. Then, throughout the year, a number of fun events are planned for
Schofield families through the Social Committee. The Summer Readers’ Celebration and the birthday party groups organize eagerly awaited school-day events for the children. To express our deep gratitude to the teachers for their tireless work with our children, PTO volunteers host a Teachers’ Appreciation Luncheon in the spring. Finally, in recognition of Schofield’s ability to make larger societal contributions, the PTO also sponsors a community service program, participates in UNICEF, and recycles its paper,
bottles, and cans.

Schofield’s campus is enhanced through the dedicated efforts of the Courtyard Committee which as designed, maintains, and seeks to further improve our outdoor space to support curriculum goals and our general enjoyment. Our
state-of-the-art playground, which was installed in 2001 as a result of PTO funding, is managed by the Playground representative. Finally, our
children’s physical affects are husbanded by the Lost and Found volunteer.

To enhance communication between parents and staff, the PTO sponsors monthly PTO/Room Parent meetings, informational sessions, and outside speakers. These are a great vehicle for staying informed and are open to the Schofield
community. Also furthering this goal is Schofield’s monthly newsletter, the Schofield Connection. Please plan on reading this carefully. Of vital
importance to all families is the Schofield Handbook/Directory which provides one central location for school calendars, policies, and all the school-related telephone numbers and addresses you will likely require. The essentials of this packet are distilled into the Family Information packet for new families.

The PTO also facilitates communication with other groups in town. The Schofield PTO president and vice president participate in monthly meetings
with representatives from the other PTOs in town as well as the superintendent and school committee representatives. Please let us know your concerns. PTO representatives serve as liaisons with a number of community organizations such as Kids’ Time, METCO, PAC, WISE, and World of Wellesley. Throughout the year, PTO representatives also submit articles to the Townsman about Schofield School happenings.

 

Provide Financial Support
The PTO activities are supported in part by membership dues to the PTO and supplemental donations. Contributions are voluntary and very much appreciated. Our goal is 100% family participation.

Most of the financing for the PTO results from single-event fundraisers that are organized by dedicated parent volunteers. The fall begins with the Gift Wrap and Book Fair efforts that benefit the Schofield PTO while assisting families in their preparation for the holidays by providing them with high quality merchandise. The school’s biggest fundraiser is the Schofield 5K Road Race, 1K Fun Run, and Family Day celebration which last year included carnival games for the children and a silent auction. This is sponsored in June and requires widespread volunteer support from the Schofield community to be successful.

Operating throughout the school year, and also quite important to the PTO’s financial well-being, is Shopper’s Corner. This is a consignment shop that has been in operation since 1954 benefiting not only the PTO, but also the community by making available at very reasonable prices slightly used children’s, women’s, and men’s clothing and accessories. Finally, the PTO participates in the General Mills Box Tops for Education program with a fun classroom-based, coupon-collection and rewards program.