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Made possible by PTO:
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School plantings beyond grass
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Quarterly weeding/grounds cleanup beyond OPS provided mowing
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School spirit wear
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Wildcat logo design oversight
Student Planners for grades 1-6
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Conference dinners for teachers
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Teacher appreciation week gifts
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Gift cards for classroom supplies
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ELMO projectors
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Gym floor logo
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New gym speakers (2023)
Commemorative brick sales
All East playground equipment
All-school Directory
Transportation & Admission fees for student field trips
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Various library donations
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Computer Lab Smart Board
Seasonal classroom party snacks
Annual college scholarships for two graduating 6th graders
Halloween Boo Bash!
Spring Carnival!
Family Fun events: Bowling, Roller Skating, Ice Skating, Bingo Nights, etc.
Washington presence at Dundee Day Parade (with candy from PTO)
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO
Washington PTO college scholarships: Jessica Prince & Sophia O'Hara, joining other past Washington alumni who have won on the basis of written essay submissions
Field Day: T-Shirts for all students & Elmwood Park Pavilion rental
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Spring Carnival hosting with pizza, popcorn and cotton candy provided by PTO
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Carnival game updates
WHAT IS P.T.O?
The Washington PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer organization with the purpose of bringing together parents, teachers and staff to enhance the student experience at Washington Elementary and to support teachers in trying to provide the best education possible to our children.
The PTO fundraises through various programs such as catalog sales in the fall and typically a more arts, health or educationally-focused activity in the spring. Through those efforts, we’ve been able to provide daily planners for every child, conference and teacher appreciation lunches, classroom treats and supplies for holiday celebrations, “Green Team” grounds cleanups, arts enrichment programs and most years, the school carnival. We’ve also been able to fund larger projects such as playground equipment and graphic design services for the school mascot on our new gym floor.
Every year, our mission is to welcome and engage as many new parents as we can into Washington’s Parent Teacher Organization, so that we can continue the great tradition of supporting students, teachers and staff both inside the classroom and out. Our goal is for the PTO to be representative of the rich diversity of our student body, which is what makes our school the wonderful place that it is. We’d like to ensure the PTO remains focused on what is truly valuable to as many families as possible.
Please know that being involved in PTO efforts, in whatever capacity you are able, does not mean huge time commitments, pressure, or cost. We have one meeting per month – most months – but a recap of each meeting is available from the "meeting minutes" tab of this website, so you can stay updated on our plans even if you are unable to be there.
There are also many “small” jobs that help make a big impact at Washington Elementary because as you know, many hands make light work. Without the time and the talents of our wonderful parents, it would be difficult for the PTO to accomplish all that we do.
Please consider getting involved in the PTO in the coming year(s). We would be happy to share the joy of supporting our school with you!
Go Wildcats!
WHAT DID P.T.O. DO LAST YEAR?
Washington's Parent Teacher Organization is a group of volunteers who have provided additional support to the Washington Wildcats each school year since 2006. Here are some of the ways PTO supported Washington during the 2023-2024 school year.​
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Kindergarten Picnic hosting & dinner for kindergarten families
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Back to School Night Treats
Refreshments and cups for Washington's 100th Anniversary celebration
Student Planners for grades 1-6
Dundee Day Parade presence
with candy from PTO
School grounds cleanup events, native perennial garden around Washington sign, three new trees
Commemorative benches (in progress)
& native ornamental grasses at east playground
Gaga ball pit for east playground
Two additional adjustable basketball hoops (one on each playground)
Portable video screen for school
PTO-sponsored Enrichment Club Guide publication meeting OPS standards. PTO is looking for enrichment club leaders! (i.e. sign language club, etc.)
School directory publishing
Boo Bash hosting with pizza provided to families
Cricut machine for school
Robotics Team funding
Inflatable Washington Wildcats Arch
Painted playground games
Transportation & Admission fees for all grades student field trips
Spirit wear design, investment, and administration
School Fundraiser Organizing
Harvest & Valentine's Day Party snacks for all students
PTO website hosting and domain name: wildcatspto.org
Family Fun event hosting: Roller Skating, Ice Skating, Bowling
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Fall & Spring dinners for teachers on parent/teacher conference nights
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A week of Teacher Appreciation: Stocked Teachers’ refrigerator, Surprises in mailboxes and classrooms, Catered luncheon for all teachers/staff, Fresh fruit and donuts
Commemorative brick coordination
WASHINGTON P.T.O. LEGACY
In our years of service since 2006, volunteering parents and teachers of Washington PTO have supported the students in countless ways. Below are some notable projects and events led and funded by the PTO.
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Teacher Gift Cards for Classroom Supplies
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Transportation & Admission Fees for Fileld Trips
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School Planners for Grades 1-6
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Snacks for Seasonal Classroom Parties
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College Scholarships for Washington Alumni
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Principal's Fund
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Safety Patrol
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Exterior Landscaping (Hydrangeas, trees and other plantings in 2006, 2019 and 2021)
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Play Structures for East Playground (2008)
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ELMO Projectors (2010)
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Computer Lab Smart Board (2013)
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Library Donation (2014, 2016)
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Genius Grants to Teachers (2015)
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Kindness T-Shirts (2016)
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Chess Club Donation (2017)
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Graphic Design Services for Wildcat Logo on Gym Floor (2017)
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Dancing Classrooms (2018)
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All School Directory
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Spirit Wear Design & Sales
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Commemorative Bricks at Entry
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Grounds Maintenance
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Conference Dinners, Luncheons & Snacks for Teachers & Staff
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Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts
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Kindergarten Picnic
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6th Grade Graduation & Picnic
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Washington Presence at Dundee Day Parade (+ parade candy)
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Family Fun Nights: Boo Bash, Bowling & Bingo
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Spring Carnival
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Other Events: Readathon, Walkathon, Art Night
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New gym speakers and microphone (2023)