Parent Teacher Volunteer Organization (PTVO)

Parental Involvement

Part of the vision of Mountain View Montessori is a belief in the active involvement of parents in the ultimate success of their student at MVM. Many opportunities for parental involvement will be created by both the staff and operating board members. MVM strongly encourages volunteer parental involvement to assist in the daily operation of the academy. Training may be provided for volunteers as needed. MVM will distribute a family handbook at the beginning of each year that will include a volunteer request form enabling parents to sign up for service in areas of expertise or interest. Some of these areas could be:

• School Council –this is a strategic planning and monitoring body comprised of parents with students at MVM.
• Management Committee – Comprised of the principal, deputies and year level coordinators (teachers), it manages the operational (day-to-day) matters in the school.
• Parents & Citizens Association – Comprised of the parent body of the school, it has a major focus of fundraising and general support for the school.
• Program Managers – Teachers identified for each key curriculum area who hold responsibility for developing an annual operational plan (including a budget). To meet curriculum needs.
• Curriculum Committees – Comprised of teachers, these work with program managers.
• Class Parent Forum – Comprised of parent representatives identified from each class to provide an informal exchange of ideas and information and identifying issues.
• Community Review Forum – Comprised of parents usually not represented on the bodies above. This group meets once a year with the aim of providing additional opportunities for parental input, particularly to program managers.

This will allow parents to provide the most meaningful service, to be part of the decision making process and simultaneously provide MVM with the ability to coordinate parent service with DMA’s needs. Other specific volunteer opportunities and needs may also be published in MVM’s newsletter and on MVM’s website as needed.

At the end of the academic year, MVM will send out a survey to all school families asking for suggestions and input concerning items such as classroom management, extracurricular activities, elective courses, and volunteer opportunities for consideration of the Director. This allows for parents/guardians to influence school programs. MVM will advertise the monthly Board meeting place and time to parents and the public. Parents will have the opportunity to attend the meeting and make public comment if they desire by completing a request to be added to the meeting agenda in advance of the meeting.

PTVO Position Descriptions

Mission of the Parent, Teacher Volunteer Organize

PTVO is organized for the purpose of supporting the education of children at Mountain View Montessori by fostering relationships among the school, parents, teachers and the community.

Stakeholder Expectations

To all stakeholders, Board of Directors, all staff, parents and the community at large, schools and particularly charter schools need the valued support of its stakeholders. There are many ways to support your child’s school. One of the most important ways is to volunteer your time in supporting the Parent, Teacher Volunteer Organization (PTVO).

Stakeholder Standards

• Be a Volunteer
• Be Energetic
• Be Positive
• Be Enthusiastic.

PTVO Volunteer Positions

Officers

The School Director shall serve as a liaison between the school and the Board.  She/he shall approve all fundraising projects of the PTVO and shall be an authorized signatory for all PTVO checks, contracts, and other documents. The Director shall act as a consultant to assure that meetings and processes are conducted in accordance with best practices, advise on meeting procedures using Robert’s Rules of Order.

The President shall serve as leader and key contact for the PTVO; preside at all PTVO meetings; ex-officio member of most committees; appoint chairpersons for special committees; coordinate the work of the officers and committees so that the PTVO’s objectives can be met.

The Vice President shall act as an aide to the President; perform the duties of the President in the absence or inability of that officer to serve; assume other responsibilities as assigned by Director; coordinate the general activities of any Special Committees created by the Director. Ideally – is willing to serve as President in the future.

The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of all general meetings and all meetings; prepare correspondence and perform all other duties assigned; maintain master documents;  help recruit committee chairpersons for all vacant standing committees of the board; keep the calendar of events for the PTVO.

The Communications Secretary shall manage communications and marketing for the PTVO, including but not limited to PTVO newsletters, email broadcasts, website, bulletin boards, etc.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds; make requests for disbursements as properly authorized; be present at all PTVO events where money will be collected; assure that PTVO school policies and best practices are followed with regards to funds; prepare financial reports for each meeting and as needed; prepare the books for an annual audit.

The Faculty Representative shall serve as a liaison between the PTVO Director and Staff.  She/he shall perform other duties as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time.

Standing Committees

The Donation Sponsorship chair is responsible for gathering donations from restaurants and businesses throughout the year for PTVO functions.  Ex. t-shirt sponsors, food donations for events, student incentives, etc.  Ensures that sponsors receive thank you cards and recognition in the PTVO newsletter, website, etc.  Works with the Hospitality Coordinator.

The Fundraising chair shall manage the coordination of the PTVO’s fall and/or spring fundraising activities.

The Finance Sponsorship chair is responsible for gathering financial donations from businesses and community members to help sponsor events at school.

The Hospitality chair shall coordinate any hospitality activities, including welcome program and documentation for new families and kindergarten families.  Responsible for purchasing and mailing all thank you, get well, sympathy and birthday cards for DMA Staff and PTVO Board Members and for sending flowers or gifts approved by the PTVO Board in the event of birth, wedding or death.

The Lead Volunteer Coordinator shall coordinate volunteers for PTVO events and school activities. Collect list of general volunteers at beginning of year and for special events. Assure that volunteer data is recorded and available to both the Board and teachers. Work with teachers, staff, and leaders of committees to assure volunteers are recruited for programs. On-going dialog with Grade Level Coordinators as to class and grade activities. (Effort: on-going, year round; time peaks with a few big events. Average: 3 hours per month; could range from 0 to 8 hours per month during major events.)