Who attends PTO meetings?
PTO meetings are open to the entire WHE community. The Board and Principal come prepared with an agenda and are interested in sharing our thoughts and ideas with as many parents/guardians who can attend. We stagger the times of our meetings and welcome your participation (see schedule). You are welcome to attend PTO meetings with your children if needed. If you do so, please bring quiet toys or crafts for your child’s enjoyment. If you have material that you wish the PTO to address, please submit your requests to woodlandheightsPTO@gmail.com
What is the difference between a PTA and a PTO?
The National PTA is a formal membership organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. School-based groups that choose to belong to the PTA must pay dues to the state and national organizations and abide by state and national group rules. In return, they get member benefits, and they get a voice in the operations of the larger organization. The National PTA maintains a Washington, D.C. office where it pursues a public policy agenda, and most state PTA units advocate at their respective state capitals, as well. The PTA carefully protects its name so that only dues-paying members of the group can call themselves a PTA.
PTO, on the other hand, is a generic term. It usually represents groups that choose to remain independent. These are most often single-school or district-level groups that operate under their own bylaws and by and large concern themselves with the goings-on at their building or in their town only. WHE PTO is actively involved in supporting our parents/guardians and teachers at our school and within the district. Because of the low funding to schools in the state of North Carolina we don’t want to have to pay dues and fees to be a PTA but rather keep our money within our school, for the use of our school. We want to focus exclusively on improving and creating community at our school.
How are schools funded in North Carolina by our taxes?
Low taxes in North Carolina is one of the driving forces as to why people relocate here. Unfortunately, the lower tax rates mean less money is allocated to our schools. In fact, as of June 2018, Iredell-Statesville School District is the 2nd lowest funded school district in NC (114 out of 115 districts) with a per pupil funding rate of $5,417.79. Despite the low state funding, WHE has earned an A+ rating. This is due to our excellent teachers, committed administration, engaged parents/guardians, and the support and fundraising of our PTO. Historically, our parents/guardians have been very generous in participating in our fundraising events so that we can have the financial resources we need to keep WHE in the top schools in NC.
How will I received communication from WHE and the PTO?
From the Principal: Mrs. Spenner, our Principal, uses ConnectEd. This form of communication is required by the district. You will receive a weekly telephone call that includes school wide information for the week. This is followed up with an email that has the same information as well needed links and attachments. Important PTO information is often added into this communication as well.
From Teachers: Each classroom and teacher is unique, so WHE encourages the teachers to communicate specific classroom information and needed reminders directly to parents through email.
Website/Social: Many of the PTO upcoming events and information is published on the PTO’s Facebook page and this website.
