Van Ness Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization

Children families and educators come together to create an inclusive community that provides authentic experiences and engages the whole child. Our aim is to cultivate critical thinkers and develop a generation of confident curious and compassionate members of society.

We are a 501c3 non-profit open to any current Van Ness teacher parent or guardian. All current families are automatically part of the PTO. The PTO is guided by a board of elected parents guardians and appointed teachers who work together to support our school foster connections between families and raise money for teacher support field trips and community-building events. Our work focuses on the following: CONNECTING: Providing community building opportunities for families to get to know each other through efforts such as new parent outreach community events like Fall Festival and forums such all-parent PTO meetings newsletters and maintaining a community listserv. SUPPORTING: Supporting Van Ness through organizing to meet the schools volunteer needs making sure teachers and staff know they are appreciated and providing administrative support. FUNDING: Supporting Van Ness through raising money at fundraising events building partnerships with local businesses,