How does the Dallin PTO enrich Dallin? Let us count the (many) ways…
Through vigorous fundraising and outstanding support from our community, the Dallin PTO enhances the experiences of our students in so many wonderful ways. The raised funding earmarked for field trips, all-school assemblies, library books and classroom materials, as just some examples, contributes to an enriched school experience for all of our children and students. And, many of the PTO’s annual events are true community builders – creating opportunities for shared fun and bonding experiences.
Field Trips
The Dallin PTO contributes for field trips (or virtual field trips) each year. Not only is this a more streamlined process for the payment of field trips, but it also helps to create an equitable experience for every classroom and every grade. From field trips to Honey Pot Orchards, Butterfly Place, the John F. Kennedy Library, Franklin Park Zoo, and Lowell National Historical Park – every grade benefits from programming that adds a layer of depth to their classroom learning.
Cultural and Science Enrichment
The PTO makes available $250.00 per classroom for grade-level cultural enrichment, and has also made available $250.00 per classroom/per grade for grade-level science enrichment. This enrichment spending is driven by the grade-level teaching teams, and may include in-school programs delivered by museums and zoos in the area, special workshops for students, visitors delivering performances in the arts, and day-long curriculum-based events held at the school, such as Menotomy Day and Japanese Food Day. The funding for cultural and science enrichment also includes all-school assemblies featuring the performing arts and STEAM presentations – programming that is broad enough to be enjoyed by all of our students.
Library Books and Programming
Many families may be surprised to learn that, in the past, our school district has not funded library books for our school library. Across town, school library books have been primarily funded by PTOs, using a combination of funds raised by book fairs and PTO direct funding. The funds the PTO contributes to our school library helps keep our collection current and evolving for enjoyment by our students. In addition, the PTO makes funds available for an annual all-school author visit – which provides students a valuable glimpse into the creative process and the early experiences and development of a writer or illustrator.
Teacher Materials, Classroom Supplies, and Professional Development
The PTO budgets teacher stipends every year to help augment classroom supplies, pays for teacher subscriptions and other teaching materials, and purchases special building and playground equipment – all as needed for the efficient and enhanced delivery of curriculum to our students. In addition, our teachers are able to enjoy special professional development events to sharpen professional skills and stay abreast of new developments in curriculum delivery.
Dallin Community Events
Many of our PTO events serve to bring the community together, and present opportunities for sharing fun experiences and developing lasting friendships. From our annual rummage sale, to our pancake breakfast, to our virtual trivial nights, to our STEAM Night and Science Expo, to our biennial auction, to our teacher appreciation week, to our Fall and Spring picnics – all of these events, and many more, present opportunities for engagement and enjoyment by our families.
Mini-Grant Program
The PTO also delivers a mini-grant program, which allots up to $500.00 per new initiative proposed by teachers and/or parents and geared toward enhancing the experience of Dallin students in novel and exciting ways. Every fall and spring, mini-grant applications are solicited and reviewed by the PTO’s mini-grant committee, with several grants awarded in each cycle. Past grants have included funding for a student-run school newspaper, hoop embroidery for the art room, design software for the library, classroom books, and social-emotional learning.