Communication is very important to the Babler Elementary community.  In an effort to provide you with some initial information, we have created this FAQ sheet. We hope you find the information provided to be beneficial. Feel free to contact a member of the PTO Board at anytime.

What is the PTO’s mission?

• The Babler PTO is the bridge between home and school, sharing a common goal of educating our children. Our mission is:
• To promote, enhance and maximize the education of every child at Babler.
• To promote open communication and understanding within the Babler learning community.
• To provide a voice for the Babler learning community and a nonbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our children.
• To supplement the district budget for educational materials and experiences.
• To foster a strong sense of Babler pride, community, and belonging by supporting school and family social interaction.
• To provide support to students, parents, staff and the entire Babler learning community.

What is the PTO all about?

We are about men and women working together toward a common goal.  That goal, simply stated is creating a better school and a better educational experience for our children by building a diverse, welcoming community of actively involved parents and teachers. In support of this primary goal, we hope to:

1. Increase parent involvement in all Babler activities.
2. Provide financial support as requested by the teachers and staff.
3. Provide increased opportunities for community involvement.

What exactly does the PTO do?

The PTO raises funds to support a wide variety of enrichment activities at Babler Elementary school. The PTO funds school field trips, teacher reimbursements, various artistic and cultural performances, family events, and a variety of special presentations and workshops. The PTO also plays a vital role in providing feedback, information, and guidance to the principal and other staff.

What happens at PTO meetings, and when are they held?

Meetings are generaly held the first Wednesday of each month at Babler, in the teacher’s lounge (the former strings room). Meetings start at 9:15am. Each meeting follows a specific agenda, which typically includes reports from major committees, a report from the Principal, and a report from each PTO Board Member. Time is also allotted for special visitors and to suggest and discuss new ideas/activities. Refreshments are provided.

What is a General Meeting and what is a Board Meeting?

Both are PTO meetings and everyone is invited to attend both. The distinction is in who is permitted to vote. There are two General Meetings per year, and everyone is allowed to cast one vote. The other PTO meetings are Board Meetings, and only the Board can cast a vote.  Again, both General and Board meetings are open to everyone. Meetings are typically the first Wednesday of each month. Check the schedule for more details.

How does membership in the PTO work? How do I become a member?

If you are the parent or guardian of a child attending Babler Elementary school, you are already a member of the PTO! There are no dues to pay, no membership forms, and no secret handshakes. Come to a meeting and find out how you can help make your child's school even better than it already is.

How can I get involved? How can I volunteer?

Review the PTO volunteer handbook and find the committee/activities that fit your interests and schedule. Contact the committee chairperson regarding your interest. Opportunities will also be listed monthly in the PTO newsletter, the Babler Bark. Also, at any time during the school year, please feel free to contact one of the PTO board members to let them know you would like to volunteer.

What are Friday Folders?

The blue Friday Folders are distributed each Friday (or last school day of the week) to all children. This folder contains all of the communications from our school office, PTO, and your child’s teacher. Information that pertains to everyone will be sent home with the oldest or only child in each family. This practice should avoid families getting duplicate copies.  Be sure to return the folder the next school day.

How can I get information about the school during the summer months?

We are very proud of our school website and use it to communicate a variety of information to our families. Newsletters, calendars, supply lists and other invaluable information about school are posted on this site. We encourage you to bookmark the site and visit it often for the latest information. http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/schools/Elementary/babler.htm

What is the difference between a PTA and a PTO?

A local PTA - or parent teacher association - is associated with the national PTA, a formal membership organization. Local PTA groups receive various types of support from the national PTA, but must also pay dues to the national organization and abide by state and national group rules. A PTO, on the other hand, is an independent, unaffiliated group. Each PTO has its own set of bylaws which govern the organization's activities. A PTO does not pay dues to any national organization. According to the magazine PTO Today, about 25% of all local parent-teacher groups in the U.S. are affiliated with the National PTA.

What does it mean to be a member?

That depends on you. We invite you to become an active participant in your student’s education by being an active participant at Babler Elementary. The level of involvement is up to you! To become involved with PTO, check out our committee handbook. Whether your involvement is chairing a PTO committee, participating on a committee, volunteering in the classroom, reading with your child at night, or visiting to eat lunch with your children, you play an essential role at Babler Elementary.

Why should I be a participating member?

“When schools, families, and communities work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” That’s one finding of a January 2003 report from the National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. Other research shows that It Pays to Get Involved. Participation through volunteering allows you to be “hands on” with your child’s education. Our children love to see us in this environment where they spend so many hours a day. You get to know your children’s teachers and your children’s friends.

What are the benefits of attending PTO meetings?

Participation through attendance at PTO meetings gives you a voice. You can provide valuable input that will help decide what we do as a group. You help decide where the money should go. You have the knowledge that, with your participation and involvement, the educational and social experiences of all students at Babler Elementary have been greatly enhanced. If you are new to the Babler family, the established families are available to answer questions and ease your transition into becoming a school family. If you are new to our community, we’re always happy to help wherever possible. An added bonus is that you have the opportunity to meet wonderful people who can become great friends.

Isn’t the PTO only about fundraising?

The Babler Elementary PTO is more than just fundraising. Fundraising is really just a necessary task as school budgets are requiring more cuts. It is our privilege that we are able to provide the supplies, equipment and activities that our school budgets can no longer cover. We are only able to do that through our Babler family’s willingness to participate in our fundraisers. Our primary fundraiser is Blue's Club.

Other questions?

Do you have a question that isn't listed here? We love questions! Please email a PTO Board Member with your specific question.