PTO / PTSO Organizations

The PTO/PTSO will set specific objectives to support each school, each school year, consistent with the general objectives listed below. Exhaustive efforts will be made throughout the year to meet these expectations and accomplish the organization’s objectives accordingly.

1. To establish a home-school partnership that will bring about a spirit of cooperation in the education of our students.
2. To offer volunteer support to the principal, the teachers, other staff and students.
3. To advocate for clear guidelines and reasonable expectations that follow Charles County Public Schools’ (CCPS) policies and procedures, including but not limited to keeping children safe and implementing fair and sound policies and procedures.
4. To help develop cooperative efforts between educators and the community to ensure a quality education is afforded to all students.
5. To foster and support school and student activities that will promote pride and citizenship, through appropriate and approved fundraising efforts. 

The PTO/PTSO’s role in schools centers-around students’ receipt of a well-rounded educational experience from the non-instructional perspective. Their charge is supportive in nature designed to seal any connection gaps between the school and the home, through various communication modes, family activities and fundraising events.

1. To provide and assist in opportunities for extracurricular activities that will augment students’ educational experience as approved by the school administration.
2. To act as a liaison between parents, school staff, and CCPS.
3. To plan and implement procedures to provide better communication between parents, students, and the school staff.
4. To work under the school’s administration/leadership team’s direction in offering recommendations and input regarding issues as requested by the general membership.

The primary focus of this group shall be educational in nature, having been established through dialogues of interest, conferences, committees, projects, and activities, and will be governed by relevant and reasonable policies and practices. PTO/PTSO Rules and Regulations, Revised 9/2020 3

1. The group is a member of the school’s student activity funds and shall follow the policies and procedures specified by Charles County Public Schools.
2. The group may not engage in, nor sponsor other groups or active student-centered agencies, such as 4-H Clubs or boys/girls scout organizations.
3. The group shall remain free of any and all political involvement.
4. The group will work under the direction of the school’s principal and staff to support and enhance the educational and cultural environment in the school. However, it will in no way direct the programs of the administration and staff.
5.  Proceeds of funds received by the PTO/PTSO shall be deposited into the school’s student activity account designated for this group and be distributed by approval of the principal considering the wishes of the general membership. In addition, all purchases and financial processes must be in accordance with the CCPS policy and approved by the school’s principal.
6. Proceeds of fundraising activities cannot be used for the personal benefit of a PTO/PTSO officer, school staff member, or general PTO/PTSO member.
7. The group must receive approval from the principal when planning all functions.
8. The use of the school facilities must be requested through the principal or his/her designee.
9. All items donated become the school’s property and must be inventoried according to fixed asset and sensitive inventory rules, which can be accessed through the school’s financial secretary. Donated items shall be approved by the school administration and meet the requirements of the district’s policies. Once inventoried, donated items may not be taken from the premises and must be pre-approved by the PTO/PTSO for use by another group within the school.
10. Financial donations not to exceed one-time amounts over $500 are acceptable in accordance with CCPS policy.
11. All financial expenditures and revenue practices shall be in accordance with the CCPS “Accounting Manual for Student Activity Funds” and “The Finance, Business and Technology Procedures for Activity SponsorsStudent Activity Fund,” without exception.

Make sure that all volunteers are familiar with the CCPS Volunteer Handbook:

Volunteer Information