Frequently Asked Questions??
Q: What does the PTO do?
A: That is a big question, but if we were to sum it up in one simple sentence: We make school FUN! We host in-school and after-school programs that bring magic to the kids' school experiences. All of our fundraising money goes toward the goal of creating memories for the kids. A short list of some of the experiences we provide:
Q: What is the difference between a PTO and a PTA?
A: PTA is a national organization that is involved in a local level as well as a state and national level, including lobbyists at each level. PTAs require local chapters to invest money into the larger organization. PTOs are independent organizations that do not need to pay for membership fees. The biggest difference is with our PTO, all parents and guardians are automatically members, whereas in a PTA, typically a fee is involved in becoming a member.
Q: Where can I find out more information about the PTO?
A: The best place to interface with the PTO online is via our Facebook group. You can also email the officers here.
Read the By-Laws to learn more about our organization.
Q. I want to volunteer. Do I need all of my clearances?
A. There are two levels of volunteers - Limited Contact and Substantial Contact. Most parents fall into the Limited Contact category.
Limited Contact volunteers visit a specific school less than ten times during the day throughout the entire school year. They are typically parents who help with classroom parties and occasionally volunteer at in-school events. If you have children at both McAnnulty and Whitehall, you have less than ten visits at McAnnulty AND less than ten visits at Whitehall - it's not combined for the two schools. The Limited Contact Volunteer Form must be completed at the time of your first visit to the schools each year. You will not need to complete it again for subsequent visits.
Substantial Contact volunteers are typically PTO officers and other parents who visit the school ten times or more during the day throughout the entire school year. These volunteers are required to complete the Substantial Contact Volunteer Form, complete all background checks, and have their application approved by the school board.
For additional information please visit the Volunteer Page on the BWSD Website.
Q. I am interested in running an open committee. Who do I contact?
A. Please reach out to Laura Mae Benestelli or fill out the form at the bottom of our Committees page
Q. I am a committee chairperson and need to request start-up funds, submit an expense, or deposit money into the PTO account. How do I do this?
A. Cash Advance, Expenses/Check Request, and Deposit forms can be found here. Please complete these forms in their entirety before submitting anything to the Treasurer. Cash advances MUST be completed 3 business days prior to an event. Checks will be written prior to the PTO meetings and distributed at the meetings. Deposits should be turned over to be deposited by the end of your event.
Q. I am a parent with a special skill or profession (e.g. musician, police officer, party planner, etc.) that the kids might be interested in or could be a part of an event. Who do I contact?
A. You are welcome to come and share your ideas at a PTO meeting! This is the best way to get your ideas in front of all of the PTO officers, committee chairs, and parents in attendance. You can also email the officers here.
Q. I have an issue with school curriculum, policies, or staff. Can the PTO help me?
A. The PTO does not have influence over these matters. All of these issues are determined at the district level. We encourage parents who have concerns like these to first reach out to their child's teacher, principal, or other school administrators. You can also attend school board meetings.
Q: Where can I find the school calendar?
A: http://www.bwschools.net/our-district/calendars
Q: Is there a supply list available?
A: There are grade level supply lists available on the district website. However it is strongly recommended that you wait until you get a list from your child's teacher as they will have their own classroom-specific list. To find the supply lists, visit the district website, click your child's school, then click Parents, and finally Supply Lists
Q: How do I connect my Giant Eagle Advantage Card to earn money for the school?
A: Check out our Fundraising page for this and other easy ways you can contribute.
A: That is a big question, but if we were to sum it up in one simple sentence: We make school FUN! We host in-school and after-school programs that bring magic to the kids' school experiences. All of our fundraising money goes toward the goal of creating memories for the kids. A short list of some of the experiences we provide:
- Yearly Field Trip
- Assemblies
- End of year "Fun Days"
- Family Nights
- Science Fair
Q: What is the difference between a PTO and a PTA?
A: PTA is a national organization that is involved in a local level as well as a state and national level, including lobbyists at each level. PTAs require local chapters to invest money into the larger organization. PTOs are independent organizations that do not need to pay for membership fees. The biggest difference is with our PTO, all parents and guardians are automatically members, whereas in a PTA, typically a fee is involved in becoming a member.
Q: Where can I find out more information about the PTO?
A: The best place to interface with the PTO online is via our Facebook group. You can also email the officers here.
Read the By-Laws to learn more about our organization.
Q. I want to volunteer. Do I need all of my clearances?
A. There are two levels of volunteers - Limited Contact and Substantial Contact. Most parents fall into the Limited Contact category.
Limited Contact volunteers visit a specific school less than ten times during the day throughout the entire school year. They are typically parents who help with classroom parties and occasionally volunteer at in-school events. If you have children at both McAnnulty and Whitehall, you have less than ten visits at McAnnulty AND less than ten visits at Whitehall - it's not combined for the two schools. The Limited Contact Volunteer Form must be completed at the time of your first visit to the schools each year. You will not need to complete it again for subsequent visits.
Substantial Contact volunteers are typically PTO officers and other parents who visit the school ten times or more during the day throughout the entire school year. These volunteers are required to complete the Substantial Contact Volunteer Form, complete all background checks, and have their application approved by the school board.
For additional information please visit the Volunteer Page on the BWSD Website.
Q. I am interested in running an open committee. Who do I contact?
A. Please reach out to Laura Mae Benestelli or fill out the form at the bottom of our Committees page
Q. I am a committee chairperson and need to request start-up funds, submit an expense, or deposit money into the PTO account. How do I do this?
A. Cash Advance, Expenses/Check Request, and Deposit forms can be found here. Please complete these forms in their entirety before submitting anything to the Treasurer. Cash advances MUST be completed 3 business days prior to an event. Checks will be written prior to the PTO meetings and distributed at the meetings. Deposits should be turned over to be deposited by the end of your event.
Q. I am a parent with a special skill or profession (e.g. musician, police officer, party planner, etc.) that the kids might be interested in or could be a part of an event. Who do I contact?
A. You are welcome to come and share your ideas at a PTO meeting! This is the best way to get your ideas in front of all of the PTO officers, committee chairs, and parents in attendance. You can also email the officers here.
Q. I have an issue with school curriculum, policies, or staff. Can the PTO help me?
A. The PTO does not have influence over these matters. All of these issues are determined at the district level. We encourage parents who have concerns like these to first reach out to their child's teacher, principal, or other school administrators. You can also attend school board meetings.
Q: Where can I find the school calendar?
A: http://www.bwschools.net/our-district/calendars
Q: Is there a supply list available?
A: There are grade level supply lists available on the district website. However it is strongly recommended that you wait until you get a list from your child's teacher as they will have their own classroom-specific list. To find the supply lists, visit the district website, click your child's school, then click Parents, and finally Supply Lists
Q: How do I connect my Giant Eagle Advantage Card to earn money for the school?
A: Check out our Fundraising page for this and other easy ways you can contribute.