Many of you participate in the PTO with your time and your money, and we want to thank you for your support! Through your effort, as well as your fundraising, we have been able to accomplish so much in support of our children and our school. As a result of your both, the following are the programs and events we have been able to run and fund for the benefit of Yantacaw.

Where do PTO funds come from?

1. Boosterthon - Our first fundraiser of the year. This character building program is lead by a Program Chair and a hired Boosterthon Team to support the event. Parents make pledges throughout the week and the children run a "fun-run" in the gymnasium at the end of the week. Classes take turn running laps at specific times throughout the day.
2. Tricky Tray – Our second (and final) fundraiser of the year! A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of volunteers. The committee works over several months soliciting vendor donations, shopping, wrapping, and coordinating a vast number of moving pieces to create this event. And our wonderful parents always turns out for this event in full force.
3. Online fundraisers - Online programs such as Amazon Smile, Box Tops, Stop & Shop, Shoprite. The Executive Board Standing Chair - Fundraising, along with the Treasurer, manages these programs.

How PTO funds are used.

PTO Programs

Membership Activities - The Executive Board Membership Standing Chairs create and mail out a welcome letter to new parents at the beginning of school, coordinate class parent selection, help with the PTO Membership drive and hosts an Ice Cream Social program during the summer to welcome incoming kindergarten classes. Membership chairs also attend the April kindergarten orientation where they introduce the PTO to incoming parents.

The BooHoo Breakfast - The PTO funds the Boo Hoo Breakfast for Kindergarten parents on the first day of school. .  

Welcome Back to School Gift Cards and Teachers Breakfast - The PTO funds a gift card for the teachers return to school to assist with their classroom supply purchases. A teacher breakfast is also provided during the first few days of classroom set-up. The Executive Board Hospitality Chair hosts this event for the PTO.

The Pumpkin Patch – The PTO funds and volunteers set up an mini-pumpkin patch for children, the kids come down for a snack and the children get to pick their own pumpkin to take home with them. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

The School Dance – The PTO funds the DJ and decorations; class parents volunteer their time and treats for the dance. A Program Chair hosts this event along with Class Parents.

Winter Holiday Boutique – The PTO purchases items and volunteers run a “market” so the children can shop for their family for the holidays. Each child receives a voucher for a free item, funded by the PTO. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

Scholastic Book Fair – The PTO runs an in school book fair through Scholastic Books with volunteers available to help children shop. A PTO Program Chair works along with the School Media Specialist to host this event. A committee of PTO volunteers assist with the shopping! PTO uses Scholastic Credits earned through the book fair sales to purchase media supplies for the school.

Talent Show – The talent show allows Yantacaw students to show off their special talents to their friends and family. Although this program is not designed as a fundraiser, it does usually generate a profit, so it not only funds itself but ends up raising money that goes back into the general PTO fund. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

Earth Day - The PTO funds supplies to help promote an Earth Day event at school. 

Plant Sale – The PTO purchases plants and volunteers create a market where children can come shop for plants for Mother’s Day. The PTO also provides each child with a voucher for a free plant. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

Junior Olympics – The PTO purchases T-shirts for the 4th – 6th grader spectators and participants, as well as provides pizza/water lunch when the children return to school. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

Battle of the Books – The PTO supports and funds the 5th Grade Battle of the Books, a school program that encourages reading and team building, by purchasing books, T-shirts, and Barnes & Noble gift card prizes. The PTO Treasurer handles the purchases of the books.

Field Day – The PTO funds hospitality refreshments for the children, and the volunteers to distribute them all. A Program Chair hosts this event along with a committee of PTO volunteers.

In-School Assemblies – The PTO organizes and funds the various in school assemblies that happen throughout the year. A Program Chair hosts this event. Presentations at PTO meetings are also coordinated.

Kindergarten and 6th Grade Promotion Receptions – The PTO purchases refreshments and volunteers hosts a small celebration after the promotion ceremonies. Kindergarten Class Parents host this event.  

Yantacaw Walks – The PTO funds the cost of printing banners and other materials and any prizes associated with this effort to improve student body health and the environment by encouraging kids to walk to school. Executive Board Standing Chairs Green hosts these events.

Random Act of Kindness Program -  This character building program is run in school by Nurse Flannery. The PTO funds gift cards to support winners selected by Nurse Mrs. Flannery. The PTO Treasurer purchases these gift cards.  

Membership Toolkit – The PTO funds Membership Toolkit which is a software program that allows us to communicate via email, a website, provide online sign ups, and provide online payment all in a secure environment. An Executive Board Standing Chair - Information Technology supports this function for the PTO.

Class Events – Executive Board Membership Chairs oversee the Class Parent Program. We would like to take a moment to thank our class parents for donating their time, snacks, and coordinating class party/events with their teachers and the rest of the parents in their class for holiday parties and events.

Campus Beautification - The PTO funds plants and seasonal decorations for the front entrance of the school throughout the year.

Gifting

1. School Gifts – Every year the PTO “gifts” the school with needs determined by the Principal and not necessarily covered by the regular district budget. Gifts are determined and announced at the May PTO meeting. New for 2019/2020, teacher "wishes" are also collected and reviewed by the principal throughout the year. These gifts are presented to the Executive Board via the "Teachers Wishing Well" during the course of the year and voted on for approval and expenditure as needed. Examples of teachers gifts include scholastic books, seat sacks, new carpets, instruments, classroom supplies and club needs (STEAM, creative writing, Drama). 
   
   
2. Scholarships – Your child’s relationship with Yantacaw doesn’t end when they graduate. Nutley High School seniors who are Yantacaw graduates are eligible to apply for two different scholarships toward college funded by the Yantacaw PTO. The Executive Board Recognition Chair also handles PTO member of the month and any various scholarships and recognition awards that are determined at year end (patrols, essay contests, etc.)

Graduation Year Savings

Allocation for 6th Grade Promotion Activities Expenses – Each year the PTO allocates funding to every grade to be saved for expenses associated with 6th grade promotion activities. These expenses include: yearbooks, 6th grade apparel, the 6th grade dance, the 6th grade trips, 6th grade talent show performance, and the 6th grade legacy gift to the school. The funding, when possible, is saved across all grade levels with a minimum of $500 per grade and a maximum of $3,000. This amount is approved by the Executive Board and determined based on fundraising activities.  

Finally, the Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and Standing Chairs) work together to ensure all of the activities of the PTO are managed with full inclusivity and transparency. Together, the Officers work on communications, room reservations, contracting, membership meetings, gifting, program  and presentations, executive board and membership meetings, gift procurement, PTO nominations and elections and coordination with teachers, PTO volunteers, the Yantacaw School Principal and Board of Education to ensure a smooth and fun PTO year for all parents, teachers and students!

The breadth and depth of what the PTO is able to do with your support is enormous. Thanks to all of our parents and students for your participation this year and we look forward to your continued support and involvement!!