The Ashaway Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to extend a warm welcome to new and returning families. The Ashaway PTO is a group of parents, guardians, teachers and staff who are interested in helping to better the education of our children. The PTO gives parents an opportunity to stay informed of what is happening in the schools, share ideas, and become active participants in their children's education. Working together we can truly make a difference.

“Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to earn better grades, ..., have better social skills, ..., be more positive in their attitude toward school, ..., graduate and continue their education” reports PTOToday.com.

We encourage and welcome new faces and ideas. No matter how much or how little time you are able to give, all help is greatly appreciated. Getting involved is easy. We meet once a month on Monday evenings at 6pm at the school in the library. If you can't make the meetings, that's okay; there are many other ways to get involved and help out. We always need help during the year coordinating, preparing for, and running the various events. Simply answering the call to provide a baked good or shop for an event is a tremendous help.

In the past years, the PTO has raised funds to provide additional money for various educational programs, cultural arts assemblies, technology equipment for school, to host family and community activities and to fund the Ashaway Elementary School Scholarship that is awarded to a graduating Ashaway alumni senior each year.

And, it's not all work; there is plenty of fun to be had. This past year we hosted many fantastic family fun events: a Fall Festival, a Holiday Bazaar, Movie Nights, a Family Game Night, a Book Fair & Ice Cream Social, a Father-Daughter Dance, a Mother-Son Halloween Dance and many more. We also put together a float for the Columbus Day Parade, had a booth at Swamp Yankee Days, hosted a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and undertook a Kids Grow gardening program that feeds families in need. We have similar events and activities planned for this year, in addition to some new ones. We do hope you'll join us in the fun!

For more information, please explore this website. Here you can contact us, find information about the organization, the latest events and activities, meeting dates and times, and sign up for the PTO e-Newsletter. This year, we also have a Facebook page, you'll find a link to our page on our website. It is just another way to keep in touch.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you. Please join us in making a difference.

The Ashaway Elementary PTO

PTO Bylaws

PTO Executive Board 2011-2012

Sara Clark (President) Rebecca Moody (Vice-President) Sue Chester (Treasurer) Janice Palmer (Secretary)

Lisa Snyder (Fundraising Coordinator) Wendy Pugh (Member at Large)

Steven Morrone (Principal) Clare Ornburn (Teacher Liaison)