What we support
The Ward PTO generally spends in the range of $200-$250 per student per year. Our projected expenditures for the 2024-2025 year are approximately $40,000. This pie chart shows a general breakdown of expenses. Below are descriptions of the categories. Please be in touch with the co-presidents and/or the treasurer for more detailed information about the budget. Thank you for your support!
PTO Expenses
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Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Newton Public Schools Creative Arts and Sciences, an organization within each school’s PTO, brings high-quality, highly relevant and carefully planned arts and sciences programming to students in Newton’s schools. CAS was founded in 1960 when a group of dedicated parents recognized the need to make quality enrichment programming more accessible to Newton students. In the 55 years since, CAS has provided hundreds of special programs to students in our schools through the combination of contributions from each school’s PTO, a part time director on the NPS staff, occasional grants, and countless hours of parent volunteer time. See more at the CAS website.
Classroom & Curriculum Support
This category includes a classroom set-up allowance for teachers, Principal’s discretionary fund and curriculum enrichment, teacher workshops, and library support (book purchases, etc).
Teacher Appreciation
The PTO is honored to support the teachers and staff at Ward! We assist and support retirement parties, teacher appreciation week, and the teacher luncheon. In addition, parents coordinate monthly teacher appreciation breakfasts.
Community Events
Every year we host a Back to School Picnic and a Spring Picnic with pizza and entertainment provided for all. We also support International Night, the Art Show, and many other smaller events throughout the year.
Technology for Classrooms
The PTO funds technology needs as identified by the Principal and teachers. Examples are smartboards, audio amplification systems, charging carts, iPads, and chromebooks.
School Improvements and Playground
Ward is a quirky old building with more needs than the new school buildings. Over the years, the PTO has funded several projects to help beautify our school, such as painting of new murals, installation of new bottle-filling water fountains, and the addition of new playground equipment.
Safety Programs
Child Assault Prevention Program (CAPP)
Understanding Our Differences (UOD)
Administrative Costs
Website design and hosting, insurance, bank fees, coffee for PTO events…that kind of thing!