Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

The mission of the St. Patrick Parent/Teacher Organization is to advance the welfare of the elementary students in St. Patrick School through the coordinated efforts of parents, teachers, and students, and to provide support in obtaining the necessary tools to aid in the educational and spiritual development of the students.

2008-09 was another amazing school year for the PTO.  Our accomplishments include:

• Granted teachers wish list and purchased over $1,700 worth of supplies/materials for the classrooms
• Hosted the 2009 Catholic Schools Week Breakfast for the school and local merchants
• Purchased gift cards for DK-8th grade teachers to purchase classroom supplies
• Donated $100 to Heifer International  
• Brought in over 25,000 box tops through the student body
• Hosted the 2008-09 Open House in partnership with the Education Commission 
• Hosted Parent/Teacher Conference Luncheon
• Hosted Christmas Luncheon for entire school and parish staff, complete with door prizes 
• Hosted Teacher Appreciated Week Luncheon for entire school and parish staff
• Organized two reward days for the students for reaching their Box Top goals
• Held many activities and organized many 'extras' for the teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week
• Supplied flowers for Grandparent's Day celebration
• Supplied ice cream and toppings for students during Catholic Schools Week 
• Ran a successful Book Fair and donated books to the library
• Held uniform sales throughout the year

The success of the PTO is dependent upon the efforts and ingenuity of our St. Patrick family. One of our main objectives is to increase volunteerism and stewardship within our small organization. Wide arrays of volunteer opportunities are available and parent participation is necessary to reach our goals. YOU can choose your level of involvement and area of interest.

This is your PTO. No contribution is too small. Together we can make a measurable difference for our school. Together we can provide the means for our students and teachers to achieve the quest for quality.  Join our team to help make our group even stronger!

Please complete the Volunteer Form and return to your child’s teacher. If you have any questions please feel free to contact PTO President, Audra Pline at (517) 647-2031.

Audra Pline, President
Kim Schrauben, Vice-President
Doug Smith, Treasurer
Shayla Scheurer, Secretary

2009-10 PTO sub-committees have yet to be determined.  But here is a summary of last year's sub-committees:

• Box Tops:  Ever wonder what happens to all those box tops you send to school?  This group collects, cuts, and mails off those box tops and turns them into cold hard cash.  It's the next best thing to a money tree!  They also set goals for the kids and determines their well earned rewards.
• Luncheons :  Come and get it!  This committee coordinates at least three meals throughout the year for our school staff.  This includes a dinner for the teachers the first night of parent/teacher conferences, a Christmas luncheon, and a teacher's appreciation luncheon.
• Catholic Schools Week:  As you can imagine, this is a special week of celebration for Catholic schools and especially for St. Patrick School.  This group works hard organizing a breakfast for students and staff.  The local merchants are also invited to the breakfast as a way of saying thank you for supporting Catholic education.   
• Christmas Wish List:  This has to be every teacher's dream and a very rewarding committee to be on.  The group obtains a wish list from the elementary teachers then purchases, wraps, and delivers the items to each classroom.   
• Breslin Events:  In order to carry out the great projects for the students and teachers of SPS, we need to secure financial resources.  The MSU Breslin events help provide a large portion of the PTO's income via their concession stands.  MSU gives a percent of concession stand profits back to the PTO.  This committee schedules events with Breslin personnel and takes on the large task of organizing volunteers to work at the MSU events.  This group also coordinates the pop can drive. 
• Teacher Appreciation Week:  A little thank you goes a long way.  The PTO realizes what assets our teachers are to our school community and we carve out a week to honor them.  This group plans events throughout the week and assists the luncheon committee with a teacher appreciation luncheon. 
• Public Relations:  Everyone needs to toot their own horn, right?  And the PTO is no exception.  This group publishes quarterly newsletters about the events and happenings in the PTO, recruits member participation, and co-hosts the school open house/welcome back party at the beginning of the school year.