FAQs

What Does the Waverly-Belmont PTO Do?

The Waverly-Belmont PTO exists to support our students, teachers, staff, and families. We are a volunteer-led 501(3)(c) non-profit organization that works in partnership with school administration to help strengthen our school community and provide resources that benefit all students.

Our work falls into three primary areas:

1. Fundraising

Public schools receive funding from the district, but there are often important needs that fall outside of what school budgets can cover. One of the PTO's primary responsibilities is raising funds to help bridge those gaps and support initiatives that enhance the student experience.

Our fundraising efforts help fund staff salaries, student services, classroom support and materials, community events, and school improvement projects. We work closely with school leadership to understand priorities and ensure that PTO resources align with the school's goals.

Some of the ways we raise funds include:

  • Leading the annual fundraising campaign (INVEST - more info to come!)

  • Coordinating the Bulldog Bolt Fun Run

  • Securing sponsorships and donations from local businesses

  • Researching and applying for grants

  • Coordinating in-kind donations such as meals and treats for teacher in-service days and staff appreciation events

  • Encouraging community giving through individual donations and matching gift programs

All PTO spending must comply with MNPS guidelines and support the broader school community. Funds are not used to benefit only a specific classroom, grade level, team, or subset of students unless the expenditure aligns with district policies and school-wide priorities.

2. Building Community

A strong school community benefits students, families, and staff. The PTO works to create opportunities for families to connect with one another and engage with the school.

Whenever possible, we strive to make events free and accessible so that all families can participate. While some events may include fundraising components, our goal is to ensure that community-building opportunities remain welcoming and inclusive.

Examples of community-building events include:

  • Popsicle Party

  • Fall Social

  • Bulldog Bolt Fun Run

  • Teacher Appreciation Week

  • Field Day

These events help create the relationships and sense of belonging that make Waverly-Belmont special.

3. Providing Services and Volunteer Support

Many PTO efforts happen behind the scenes. Volunteers help support the day-to-day needs of the school and assist with programs that enrich the student experience.

Examples include:

  • Decorating bulletin boards and common spaces

  • Coordinating room parents

  • Supporting staff-led initiatives such as Field Day and Read Me Week

  • Organizing volunteer opportunities

  • Assisting with special projects requested by school leadership

  • Helping coordinate resources and materials for school-wide programs

The PTO also manages programs that help ensure all students and families can fully participate in school life, including:

  • The Backpack Program, which helps provide food support to families

  • Operation Elf, which helps ensure families have access to holiday assistance and celebrations

PTO Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities?

The Waverly-Belmont PTO is led by a volunteer board and supported by committees and volunteers who help bring programs, events, and initiatives to life throughout the year.

The PTO Board

The PTO Board is responsible for overseeing the organization's operations, finances, and strategic priorities. Board members work closely with school administration to ensure PTO efforts align with the needs of the school and support the broader Waverly-Belmont community.

The board consists of:

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Treasurer

  • Vice Treasurer

  • Secretary

  • Communications Chair

Board members meet regularly throughout the school year to review ongoing initiatives, discuss school needs, monitor finances, and vote on matters affecting the PTO. This includes approving expenditures within the adopted budget, evaluating funding requests, and helping guide the organization's overall direction.

As elected officers of the organization, board members are responsible for governance, financial oversight, and ensuring that PTO resources are used in a manner consistent with the organization's mission, budget, and MNPS guidelines.

PTO Committees

Much of the PTO's work is carried out through committees made up of parents and caregiver  volunteers. Committees help plan events, coordinate programs, and support school initiatives throughout the year.

Examples of committee-led efforts include:

  • Fundraising 

  • The Backpack Program

  • Field Day support

  • School Tours

  • Community-building events

  • Teacher and staff appreciation activities

  • Volunteer coordination

  • Room parent coordination and communication

  • Spiritwear

Committee chairs and members help develop ideas, plan activities, and make recommendations to the board regarding programs and funding needs. Committees play an important role in shaping PTO initiatives and carrying out the work that supports our school.

While committees help lead and execute many PTO programs, budget approvals, major expenditures, and organizational decisions remain the responsibility of the PTO Board. This structure helps ensure consistency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of community resources.

Volunteer Opportunities

One of the best ways to get involved is by joining a PTO committee. Committee members help shape programs, share ideas, and provide hands-on support throughout the year. Most committees welcome new members at any time, regardless of previous experience or availability.

For families who are unable to make an ongoing commitment, there are many opportunities to volunteer on an as-needed basis. Whether helping at an event, supporting a classroom activity, decorating for a celebration, making a donation, or assisting with a special project, every contribution helps strengthen our school community.

We believe there is a place for everyone to get involved. Some volunteers serve on the board, some lead committees, and many help with individual events or projects throughout the year. Every role is valuable, and every contribution helps make Waverly-Belmont a stronger and more connected community.

How PTO Funds Are Managed?

The PTO develops an annual budget that is primarily intended to support the current school year. This approach allows donations and fundraising dollars to benefit current students and staff whenever possible. At the May PTO meeting, open to the school community, the PTO presents the next year’s budget for approval by any/all in attendance.

At the same time, the PTO may carry funds forward for specific purposes, including:

  • Capital improvement projects

  • Major long-term initiatives

  • Directed or restricted donations

  • Multi-year commitments approved by the board

The PTO works closely with school administration when developing spending priorities and regularly reviews financial performance throughout the year.

Who Decides How PTO Money Is Spent?

The PTO works closely with school administration to identify needs, evaluate opportunities, and establish funding priorities for the school year.

Each year, the PTO board develops a proposed budget based on:

  • Input from school leadership

  • Ongoing programs and commitments

  • Anticipated school needs

  • Fundraising goals and projected revenue

  • Opportunities to support students, teachers, and staff

All expenditures must align with MNPS guidelines and the PTO's mission of supporting the entire school community. When evaluating funding requests, we consider whether a project benefits students broadly, supports school priorities, and represents a responsible use of community resources.

While the PTO may occasionally fund pilot programs or targeted initiatives, our goal is to invest in projects, services, and resources that have a meaningful impact across the school.

The PTO board is responsible for approving the annual budget and significant expenditures. Throughout the year, the board reviews requests, monitors spending, and adjusts plans as needed to respond to emerging school needs.

Families are always welcome to share ideas, suggestions, and feedback. Some of our most successful projects have started with input from parents, teachers, staff members, and community partners.

What the PTO Does Not Do?

While the PTO supports the school in many ways, there are important areas that fall outside our role and authority.

The PTO does not:

  • Supervise or manage school staff

  • Tell administrators how to run the school

  • Make hiring or personnel decisions

  • Handle disputes between families and individual teachers or staff members

  • Determine student discipline policies or outcomes

  • Decide curriculum or instructional practices

  • Set the school calendar

  • Manage transportation, enrollment, or zoning decisions

  • Run after-school clubs or enrichment programs 

  • Lead the Student Government Association

  • Override MNPS policies, procedures, or guidelines

Concerns involving classroom instruction, student issues, personnel matters, or school operations should be directed to the appropriate teacher, staff member, or administrator.

Transparency and Communication:

The PTO is committed to transparency and community involvement.

The board holds a minimum of two open meetings each year, where families can learn about PTO activities, ask questions, provide feedback, and hear updates on finances, fundraising, and upcoming initiatives.

We welcome ideas, questions, concerns, and volunteers throughout the year. The PTO is strongest when families, teachers, staff, and community members work together toward a common goal: supporting every student at Waverly-Belmont.

Whether you contribute time, talent, resources, ideas, or simply participate in school events, you are an important part of our community. Thank you for helping make Waverly-Belmont a place where all students can thrive.

Please email us at waverlybelmontpto@gmail.com with any other questions!