Why Join the PTO?
Each year, when you become a PTO member, you help us provide educational programs and family events that benefit the students of Schuylkill Valley Elementary School!
JOINING PTO DOES NOT COMMIT YOU TO DO ANYTHING.
It simply makes you a child advocate. You do NOT have to volunteer. You do NOT have to go to PTO meetings. Although you are very welcome to do both!
10 MYTHS ABOUT JOINING THE PTO:
Myth #1 - IF I JOIN THE PTO, I WILL HAVE TO VOLUNTEER.
FALSE! Every person has a different capacity to give and be involved. And your capacity to volunteer will change from one year to the next. Your decision to purchase a PTO membership (and stay current on what is happening with kids in our area) is significant all by itself.
Myth #2 - THE PTO ALREADY HAS ALL THE HELP THEY NEED.
It's probably no surprise that the more volunteers the PTO has, the better. More volunteers means less work for each person — which means everyone has more time to enjoy events with their families!
Myth #3 - I WILL HAVE TO TAKE A BOARD POSITION— OR LEAD A COMMITTEE— IF I JOIN THE PTO.
NOPE! Some of our most valued PTO friends have never held an elected (or appointed) position. You do not have to be a leader to be an important part of PTO. Your membership support it critical to our success too!
Myth #4 - MY PTO MEMBERSHIP NEVER EXPIRES. I ONLY HAVE TO JOIN ONCE.
PTO memberships are an annual thing— good for one school year. Memberships need to be renewed each year.
Myth #5 - I DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO JOIN THE PTO.
If you are unable to give your time, please consider offering financial support. Joining—and donating if you are able— helps fund events and activities for the children through the school year!
Myth #6 - THE SVE PTO DOESN'T NEED ME SPECIFICALLY.
You have gifts and abilities that are entirely yours to give. When you give yourself to the people around you, all of us become richer for it! The first step is to show up and be willing to engage.
Myth #7 - THE PTO IS ONLY FOR STAY-AT-HOME PARENTS.
Our PTO is made up of men and women who have a wide range of daily commitments. Some work 60 hours a week, some are retired. But most juggle work, bills, household chores, kids, sports, and homework, just like you!
Myth #8 - MY CHILD’S LIFE WILL BE THE SAME — WHETHER OR NOT I JOIN THE PTO.
UNTRUE. For at least 2 reasons.
1 - If everyone felt this way, all the wonderful activities and supports your child enjoys because of PTO would suddenly vanish!
AND
2 - Research shows that parental involvement within the child’s school increases their academic achievements and decreases behavior issues. Not only does membership put you in direct communication with other parents and teachers, it shows your child that you are interested and invested in their educational experience.
Myth #9 - ONLY MOMS BELONG TO OUR PTO.
NOT THE CASE! Moms DO naturally form the backbone of any PTO - BUT the strongest groups ALSO have many dads, teachers, school staff, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors and community leaders who are invested in the youngest members of society.
Myth #10 - I HAVE AN AWESOME IDEA, BUT THE SVE PTO WOULDN'T BE INTERESTED.
Nothing could be further from the truth! New ideas, and new friends keep our PTO fresh and exciting!
Come back next year for our 2023 - 2024 Membership Forms
If you have any questions about joining the
SVE PTO, please contact us through our contact page