What We Do

In middle school, fewer volunteer opportunities allow direct interaction with our students, but great things still happen! Thanks to the generosity of our families and local businesses, who give of their time and talents, our strong Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) does an amazing job of creating community.

Newton Initiatives

In the past, we have provided monetary support to the principal to fund a big-ticket item that will positively impact all students. In recent years, donations to the PTO have helped pay for the laptop updates, student heart rate monitors, and the funding of a partial FTE to staff an additional full-time psychologist.

Staff Appreciation

Since middle school students have many teachers, it can be challenging for families to show appreciation for each of them. The PTO simplifies the appreciation process by organizing various fun (and usually food-filled) events throughout the school year, reimbursement for supplies purchased with personal funds, and grants for big-ticket items and/or professional development.

Student Services

We also support our students in a few ways. The PTO pays for the school-wide independent reading program, provides some supplies for student rewards at the CODE Shop, and works with our school social worker to sponsor families anonymously identified as in need during the Book Fair and the December holiday season. The PTO will be sponsoring student events this year; sign up to help coordinate the fun!

Operating expenses

Even though PTO is a volunteer organization, it does cost a little to keep us running smoothly. We pay for our accounting software, website maintenance, required fidelity bonds, checks, stamps and a few other miscellaneous office supplies.

District Events

All LPS PTOs contribute some of their funds to special District events. Newton PTO puts together a coveted gift basket each year for the LPS Foundation's Spirit Celebration and silent auction. The funds raised are used within the district, so this comes back to us. In addition, in collaboration with many other LPS PTOs, we host appreciation events for the staff at Options Secondary Program since they don’t have a PTO of their own.