The PTSO is an organization comprised of parents and teachers who are committed to enriching the lives of the students at Val Jackson Elementary. The primary purpose of the PTSO is twofold: to provide a communication link between the parents and staff at the school and to offer a vehicle for funding enrichment programs for our students. Particularly in times of tight budgets, the time and energy devoted by PTSO members makes the difference between an average educational experience and a superior one.

Why get involved?
The number one reason to join and participate in the PTSO is to benefit your child and his/her classmates at our school. Studies have shown that children receive a tremendous boost of confidence when they see that their parents and members of their community invest in their education. By signaling to your child that his/her school is important to you, you send a message of pride in your child’s achievement. Even during times of academic struggle, knowing that parents and community members care about their progress and development makes a big difference to our students.

The benefits of PTSO involvement include:
Being connected: There is no better way to know what is happening at our school. We try to begin each meeting with a report from our Principal, Mrs. Evans or our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Flisram. Advance notice of fundraisers, enrichment opportunities, special events, testing and overall classroom needs is provided through the PTSO monthly meetings. Perhaps one of the most important benefits is that involved parents understand the challenges schools face and become part of the solution. They support improving education, both locally and legislatively. By developing a closer relationship with parents, student achievement improves, and the school develops a positive reputation in the community.

Being Heard: The PTSO is a forum for allowing the parents and teachers to become directly involved in shaping the education our children and the culture we wish to establish on our campus. The PTSO can be a way for you to more effectively suggest and effect change at your child’s school.

What do we do with the money raised through fundraisers?
Staff Appreciation Luncheons - During Teacher Appreciation Week and Parent/Teacher Conferences, we provide lunch for the staff of Val Jackson Elementary. PTSO supplies the entree, plates, napkins and cutlery. Many wonderful volunteers supply salads, appetizers, desserts and beverages.

Class Trips - PTSO funds buses for the 4th and 5th grade classes to travel to places like Oklahoma City or Topeka for their class trip at the end of the year.

Book Fair - PTSO runs the book fairs with all profit going to the school library to purchase books and other needed items.

Teacher Requests - PTSO purchases items requested by teachers which they feel would enrich the students and the classroom, but are not in the school budget. We have helped with many items such as food items for the 5th grade D.A.R.E. graduation and Valentine’s Day class parties, as well as purchasing t-shirts for the TechKnowCats Technology Team. We have also helped purchase rewards for the Reading Counts program.

If you are interested in helping to make a difference in our students educational experience, please come to a meeting. Our meetings are held in the library on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings begin at 5:00 pm and usually last about an hour.