Frequently Asked Questions 

 

 

What is the Lake Bluff PTO?

PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. The Lake Bluff PTO is a nonprofit group comprised of parents, guardians, teachers, and staff dedicated to improving the educational experience of all students at Lake Bluff Elementary School. Our goals are to encourage interaction between family and school, serve as a source of support, and work with teachers, staff, and the community at large to improve our children’s educational experience. The PTO works closely with the school administration to meet this goal. Our bylaws can be found here. 

A Parent-Teacher Group has been active at Lake Bluff school since it opened its doors in 1924!

 

What does the PTO do, exactly?

If you look up “PTO” in the dictionary, you might find words like organize, support, help, and volunteer. The PTO organizes special events such as Walk to School Day, Hot Dog Day, All-School Read, Beagles on the Move, Scholastic Book Fair, Staff Appreciation Week, Screen-Free Week, and more.

 

We also compile and manage the Family Directory for you (Suggested $10 access fee per family).

 

We rely on fundraising to make these events happen. Our biggest fundraisers of the year are the Scholastic Book Fair and the Original Works Art-based fundraiser. Additional fundraisers include monthly Dining Out nights, Anodyne Coffee Sale, Milwaukee Pretzel, Milwaukee Makers, Spirit Wear, and the popular Fall and Spring Plant Sales. We are in the process of researching new fundraisers that will continue to fund programs to strengthen and support the Lake Bluff Community.

 

What does the PTO do with the money raised?

  • The LB PTO provides every classroom teacher with a $100 grant at the beginning of the school year.

  • We purchase books for the classrooms through the Scholastic Book Fair.

  • We help fund the Artist-in-Residence Program.

  • We provide one book for every family to participate in the All-School Read Event.

  • We provide events throughout Screen-Free Week.

  • We host events such as the 5-6 Dance Party, Walk to School Day, Community Dance Workshops, 6th Grade Celebration activities, Hot Dog Day, Summer Camp Information Night, Movie Night, and others.

  • We provide $5,000 plus in annual Staff Education Grants.
  • In addition, we purchased 50 new chairs for the band/orchestra room in 2022 for $4,000. 

Who can join PTO?

Any parent or guardian of a current Lake Bluff Elementary student and all current faculty and staff are already members, which means YOU are a member!

 

Fees

There are no fees to join the PTO. 

 

Meetings & Volunteering

We encourage and invite you to our meetings! First, we need your voice. Second, we’d love to have you volunteer. This year we have several officer and committee chair positions to be filled. And these chairs NEED your support. Many hands create light work! We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to help out. You don’t need to attend PTO meetings to volunteer. Learn more about the events we host. 

 

Meetings will be held in person. Dates will be posted on the Events page of this website. 

 

Meetings for the 2024-2025 school year will be held on 10/23/24 at 8:15 am on the Lake Bluff front lawn, 1/16/25 at 7:30 pm in the Lake Bluff Library, and on 4/17/25 at 8:15 am on the Lake Bluff Front Lawn and 5/22/25 at :8:15 am on the Lake Bluff Front Lawn.

 

 Why should I come to PTO Meetings?

  • The number one reason is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help our school. The PTO is a great opportunity to become involved in your child’s education at Lake Bluff Elementary.

  • Get connected! There is no better way to get involved in what is happening at Lake Bluff.

  • Stay informed. By getting involved at Lake Bluff, you will be part of the team helping to make positive changes.

  • Tap into a network. Come and share ideas, concerns, and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PTO functions are an opportunity to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport, and be informed.

  • Be a role model. By becoming active in the PTO, you will demonstrate to your child the importance you place on education. Studies show children do better in school when parents are involved.

  • Speak Up. PTO offers a forum for exchanging ideas and making suggestions. It can be a way for you to express change more effectively at Lake Bluff.

 

Questions, comments, or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. LakeBluffPTOpresident@gmail.com

 

   


  

 

Have a question or suggestion?

The 2024-2024 PTO Officers are ready to help!

Tracy Yothsackda, President

lakebluffptopresident@gmail.com

 

Anne Storck, Treasurer

lakebluffptotreasurer@gmail.com

 

Nicole Toerpe Mason, Secretary

lakebluffptosecretary@gmail.com

 

James Norris and Reva Garcia, Co-Communications

lakebluffptonews@gmail.com

 

Catie Boon, Website Manager

helloLBPTO@gmail.com

 

 

2024-2025 Room Parent Listing

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