The Williams Community is an amazing, diverse, warm, welcoming group of families who are all committed to educating their children at one of the best elementary schools in Newton. The PTO works to support this sense of community while raising money for programs and technology that best support our teachers and educational goals.
We have several PTO members who are leaving their positions next year, many due to their children graduating, and as a result, we are looking for people to step up to fill these positions. Truly, we are down to a skeleton crew and fewer programs and activities will take place next year without people filling these roles.
The main message is that we would all benefit from having every Williams School parent involved in some way with the PTO. Whether you work on the website or help run a program or simply donate to the annual campaign, we can’t do it without you.
Please consider helping out your PTO by taking one of these positions:
Co-President: The PTO presidents oversee all of the PTO activities and help coordinate between families and Dr. Connolly, the school principal, and her staff. Presidents serve a two year term, overlapping with the incoming president(s) in the second year to help with continuity. Next year’s incoming president(s) will work with Erin Giesser, who will be serving her second year. The presidents ensure communication with Williams families, help the treasurer to prepare and execute an annual budget, and meet regularly with Dr. Connolly and with other PTO presidents in Newton on the PTO Council. This position requires a weekly 45 minute meeting with Dr. Connolly and perhaps an additional hour/week for other responsibilities.
Treasurer: The treasurer oversees the revenues and expenses of the PTO and works with the presidents to prepare and execute the annual budget. The treasurer is responsible for expense reimbursements and yearly tax returns. Familiarity with Quicken is necessary. A fabulous framework has been developed for this position; its responsibilities require 1-2 hours a week.
Vice-President(s) for Fundraising: The fundraising chairs oversee the PTO fundraising goals with the presidents and coordinate with the chairs of individual fundraisers. The major fundraisers each year are the annual campaign in the fall and the online auction in the spring. This is a great job to be shared.
Communications: The PTO maintains a database using Constant Contact, which is used to compile an annual directory of Williams’ families as well as to send weekly email blasts and a monthly newsletter. This position will require 2 hours a week.
Website: The PTO also maintains a website ( www.williamspto.org) with a calendar and information about the school, the PTO and upcoming events. WilliamsPTO.org is run on WordPress the world’s most popular and easy to use web publishing platforms. Weekly it will only take an hour or so to publish new posts, depending on the amount of content being published that week. A typical week will only be the Week at Williams and a community listings post. The WordPress platform only takes minutes to learn how to use. There is a robust collection of books, online user guides and support forums to help you. No technical expertise is required.
We have a great team and your child will truly benefit. Contact us at [email protected] Thank you!
