Why do we need a PTO?
The role of the Donald Leonetti Elementary PTO is to support our student learning needs and build a strong community between teachers and families. PTO membership is open to parents, guardians, teachers, staff members, grandparents, and friends.
What does the PTO do?
The goal of the Donald Leonetti Elementary PTO is to provide meaningful opportunities to build community, support student learning needs, connect teachers and families, and have fun at DLE! PTO membership is open to parents, guardians, teachers, staff members, grandparents, and friends. To earn voting privileges within the PTO, you must pay dues of $10/year which can be conducted through our fall fundraiser, Palooza.
Why do we fundraise?
State funding is very minimal and budget cuts have made it very difficult for the school to offer any “extras”. This is where the PTO comes in! We are lucky to have the opportunity to spoil teachers through staff appreciation celebrations, enjoy classroom parties filled with snacks, games and crafts, and embark on educational field trips throughout our community. The PTO strives to have some relaxed fun through family nights on the playground and educational events like Campfire Reading and Learning Around the World.
The best part is that a portion of our fundraising is also given back to the school in the form of a grant, and the teachers and administration can identify needs or desires!
Who can join PTO?
PTO membership is open to parents, guardians, teachers, staff members, grandparents, and friends.
How do I become a member?
You can purchase your PTO Membership by paying dues: $10.00 per family that can be paid at any time during the year. The most convenient time to pay membership dues is by making a contribution during Pride Palooza, our fall fundraiser. One hundred percent of your contribution stays at DLE!
Do I have to pay dues for each child?
No. Your dues cover all children in your immediate household.
What are the benefits of membership?
First, it gives you a voice! Your membership entitles you to vote at all meetings on PTO business. (There is one vote per household.) You may also desire to volunteer to help with our many events throughout the year. Volunteering is encouraged but NOT required. One of the best ways to know what’s happening in your child’s school is by joining the PTO. You will also be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.
What programs does PTO fund and support?
Funding both in-school and off-campus field trips
Designing and Selling the Yearbook
Designing and Selling Spirit Wear
Providing one FREE Spirit Shirt to each student and staff member
Raising Funds for Campus Improvements
Organizing Family Events on campus
Operating the School Store
Organizing and Funding Holiday Parties and Valentines Parties
Organizing and Funding 5th grade End of Year Party
Staff Appreciation throughout the year
Selling and Distributing Pre-packaged school supplies
All Pro Dads
Organizing volunteers at the school
Providing supplies for Room Parents and Grade-Level Coordinators
And more!
How does the PTO sponsor so many projects?
Fundraisers and donations. The Pride Palooza Check Writing Campaign and Boosterthon are our biggest fundraisers. We also raise funds through the options listed above. Your support of these events is vital to our success as a PTO!
When and where are the PTO Meetings?
The PTO Executive Board convenes monthly. The PTO General Body meets twice during the school year: once during fall semester, and again in the spring semester.
The PTO Board meets at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month in the DLE Extended Day Room or Virtual
Everyone is welcome and invited to join us. It is a great opportunity to hear what the PTO is doing and share ideas with us; however, only PTO Voting Members and Board Members can vote on motions that are on the agenda.
Why should I come to PTO Meetings?
Your Child’s Education. The number one reason to attend PTO meetings is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help our school. The PTO is a great opportunity to become involved in your child’s education at DLE.
To get connected. There is no better way to get involved in what is happening, or is going to happen, at DLE.
To stay informed. By getting involved at DLE, you will be part of the team helping to make positive changes.
Tap into a network. Come and share ideas, concerns, and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PTO functions are an opportunity to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport, and be informed.
Be a role model. By becoming active in the PTO, you will be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. Studies show children do better in school when parents are involved.
Speak Up. PTO offers a forum for exchanging ideas, as well as making suggestions.
How can I make a difference at DLE?
Joining the PTO is a great way for you to support your child and ensure he or she receives the best education possible.
There are many things that you can do to help. Perhaps what works best is to show your support through making a financial contribution. Maybe you can dedicate several hours to volunteering at a special event or fundraiser. Or, your contribution can be as simple as staying informed by attending PTO meetings. The amount of time you spend participating in PTO activities is at your discretion. Please consider helping in any way that fits your schedule. Any of our PTO Board Members or Chairs will gladly help you find the perfect place on our team. Even if the school year is underway, it is never too late to get involved. DLE needs you!
How can I help support DLE through fundraising?
There are several easy ways to help.
Make a donation.
Support our Palooza Fall Fundraiser and Boosterthon in the spring. These are our largest fundraisers of the year, so we need your support!
Scanning grocery receipts for Box Tops
Kroger Share Card
Participate in Spirit Nights. This is a fun time to socialize with other DLE families as well as raise money for DLE.
Be a PTO Business Sponsor
What happens to the money raised by the PTO?
Each year a budget is created and voted on by our members. From this, we decide where the funds will go. Each year the PTO strives to raise at least enough funds to meet some of the items on the school administration’s wish list. While fundraising is not our primary goal, it is an important aspect of the PTO. Money raised by the PTO-sponsored events helps purchase supplemental materials for DLE students and staff. One hundred percent of the money raised through PTO directly benefits DLE students. PTO’s role has become even more critical as we raise funds to supplement the cost of the school’s needs. The PTO gladly works to provide some of the extras that our students and teachers receive. In the past, some of these extras have included social events, Family Nights, classroom parties, Teacher Appreciation Week, Open House/Family Literacy/Math Night, recess equipment, and field trips (in school and out of school).
How do I become a PTO Board Member?
All positions are for a two-year term. In order to be eligible for board nominations, one must currently have a student enrolled at Donald Leonetti Elementary School who will still be a student at our campus during the entire two-year term. Nominees must also have a completed FBISD Volunteer Criminal Background Check on file with the school district and be able to attend the Board Meetings.
If you meet all of these requirements, simply complete the Officer Nomination Form that is available in the spring. Once all forms are submitted, the Nominating Committee will select a slate of officers to be presented and voted on at the PTO Spring General Meeting.
Don’t see what you were looking for?
Feel free to contact us at:
Email: president@dlepto.org