If you’re looking to be more involved in your student’s education and have fun, then the Parent-Teacher Organization of Wylie ISD may just be the right fit for you. According to PTO President Andrea Fulmer, the PTO creates connections and cultivates positive opportunities for its stakeholders.
“We are a district-wide organization that supports parents, teachers and the community,” said Fulmer. “You get to love on your educators! We help out with campus events and get to know the faculties and other parents. Field days and AR parties; book fairs and food trucks – there are so many fun ways to engage in your child’s campus.”
Lisa Salmon, principal for the Early Childhood campus, relies on her PTO parents for all different events on her campus.
“We love our PTO parents,” said Salmon. “They help our teachers organize and coordinate fun holiday parties and they jump at the chance to volunteer to help us with campus events. Our PTO campus coordinator Lindsey Giacobello is amazing! She is in constant communication with us about event ideas for our campus, and she brings us treats and drinks. We appreciate the support we get all year from our PTO.”
Not “Your Mom’s” PTO
Fulmer says serving in the PTO looks differently for different people. Fulmer, who is the stepmother to two sons, says PTO isn’t what it was years ago. It is more diverse.
“I think there is a misconception about who is a PTO parent,” said Fulmer. “All volunteer opportunities are open to any parent, stepparent or guardian. It is not just for stay-at-home parents. There are a lot of opportunities to be involved for everyone that offer flexibility.”
Fulmer says she understands there are seasons of serving and when and how can vary depending on work and family obligations.
Volunteer opportunities range from serving a couple hours at an event to more hands-on roles like room parent, campus coordinator and board members. However, Fulmer suggests that even quick tasks like sharing information via social media or donating items are also important ways to help. “Serve when you can,” she said. “We’ll take it all!”
PTO Pivot
In recent years, the growth at Wylie has pushed the organization to evolve. An organization that supported five campuses serving students pre-K to eighth grade, now supports eight. Fulmer said shifting perspective on how to provide support was necessary.
“We used to do district-wide events, but we have learned as the district has grown, they are not as successful,” says Fulmer. “Each campus has their own personality and culture and that uniqueness drives what type of events they host.”
Each campus has several PTO coordinators who partner with campus leadership to organize special events specific to the student interests of that campus; the funds earned by those events support that campus. Fulmer said partnership and commitment are key to success.
“Partnership happens with parent support, and success is based on campus buy-in,” said Fulmer. “For example, the silent auction held by East Intermediate offered fun teacher-student activities for parents to bid on during an open house. Such activities included a plant party with Mrs. Turner and being coach-for-a-day with Coach Mock.”
Fulmer said other successful events this past year include the Powder Puff Football Tournament at West Junior High, the Teacher Vs. Student Volleyball Meet at East Junior High, the “Touch a Truck” event at East Elementary, and a lunchtime “concession stand” at West Intermediate.
“Campuses and coordinators teamed up on these—parent coordinated and campus driven,” said Fulmer. The PTO also hosts its spirit shirt sales at the beginning of each school year, in December and then again in spring. Fulmer said funds from these go into a general account that supports the individual campus events and monthly treats they provide at each campus to recognize teachers’ hard work.
“Because of our amazing PTO, we are able to focus more on our students and feel truly supported. From making copies and preparing materials to coming each month to cover classrooms for teachers to get a treat at the coffee truck, your kindness has made a lasting impact,” said Wylie East Intermediate teacher Morgan Parvin. “Each time PTO visited our campus, they brought a smile, a positive attitude and a reminder of how much we are valued. Thank you for lifting us up in every way.”
Fulmer says joining PTO is ongoing, but they hold focused membership drives when school starts at the campus open houses. For more information or to join, check out Wylie ISD PTO on Facebook or wyliepto@wyliebulldogs.org
By Kristen Johnson