Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have so many fundraisers in the Fall?

In the past, our Fall social was our biggest fundraiser. We hold our biggest fundraiser in the Fall so that the money raised can be used during the school year in which it was raised. Last year we tried something new, Bancroft Bucks.  Thanks to your generosity, Bancroft Bucks did very well!  Bancroft Bucks will start in mid-September and the Bancroft social will move to the late Winter/early Spring.  We are in the process of planning additional fundraisers.  We will take our timing into consideration.

How do I get one of those Bancroft car stickers?

Car stickers will be sold at the Spirit Wear table at the open houses in September and October and other school functions throughout the year.  They are $3/sticker.

I’d like to chair an event next year. Who do I talk to?

The PTO is very appreciative for any time that you are able to give.  If you are interested in chairing an event, please come to our first PTO general meeting on September 18, 2012 in the Bancroft Media Center at 7pm.  If you can’t make the meeting, email Lisa Grecoe at lisabancroft.pto@gmail.com and let her know what you are interested in doing .  Many of our chairs would love to have a co-chair if there is something that interests you that is already staffed.  Take a look at our committee directory.  There are several open positions.

I have an idea for a fundraiser for the PTO.  Who should I talk to about it?

Beth Kirn is our Fundraising Chair and the person you need to contact if you have an idea for a fundraiser. Beth keeps a list of all suggested fundraisers and chooses how best to raise money. If you are interested in being part of the Fundraising Committee please contact Beth Kirn at beth.kirn@gmail.com.

What is the policy for giving gifts to our childrens’ teachers?

The policy is detailed on the Bancroft PTO website under forms and documents on the homepage. Principal Forsman should receive a note regarding any gifts given to the class which are to become property of the school so that he can retain a copy for his records.

What is the Curriculum Enrichment Fund?

The Curriculum Enrichment Fund is just a name of the “pool” of money contributed to the PTO through unsolicited donations (not fundraisers). This money is used to help fund various programs and activities for all students throughout the year. This money is also tax deductible.

Are my donations tax deductible?

Yes, donations made in excess of items received are tax deductible. The Bancroft PTO is a 501 (c ) Non-Profit Organization, so you are able to deduct your generous donations. The Bancroft PTO Tax ID# 20-0341257.

Why does the PTO do so many fundraisers?

The PTO is responsible for most of the activities, performances and events that happen at the school for the students. All these activities cost money. In order to pay for them, the PTO needs to raise money through fundraising and donations.

Where does the money go?

At the end of every school year, the PTO sets up a budget for the following year. Money raised through fundraising and donations is “divvied up” among several different programs. Programs include cultural arts, “fun” events (like Pasta Night or Bingo Night), enrichment programs (like the Bancroft Science Fair, Expanding Horizons, or One More Story), as well as capital expenses (like Promethian Boards and additional classroom supplies).

Why does the PTO have a rainy day fund?

Since contributions and expenses vary each year, it makes sense to have a small amount of money saved for scholarships and unexpected circumstances.

Does the PTO give money to the teachers/classrooms?

Yes. Every year the PTO hosts a Staff Holiday Luncheon in December, several events during Teacher Appreciation Week in May, and an End of the Year Staff Luncheon.  In addition, the PTO gives each grade $1,000 for additional classroom supplies, programs and other things that the teachers deem appropriate in enriching our childrens’ learning. 

I want to be involved, but I don't want to chair a committee or hold an office. Can I still be involved?

Absolutely! Just attending meetings and giving opinions is a big help. You can also join a committee (without chairing it) or just help out at an event or activity. The PTO will take any help – a little or a lot!

I have small children. Can I bring them to the meetings?

Children are always welcome at meetings.

Politics make me uncomfortable.  Is the PTO a political organization?

The PTO is not a political organization. The PTO has been set up to organize activities for the Bancroft students. The PTO does not try to influence school or district policy.

I get tired of buying things. Can I just make one donation for the year?

Yes. You can make one (or more) donations to the Curriculum Enrichment Fund. To donate to the Curriculum Enrichment Fund, please make checks payable to “Bancroft PTO” and reference “Bancroft CEF” in the memo line.  Checks should be sent to Bancroft School/Attn:  Treasurer/Montse Rovira I Bru.  You can also make a donation using the DONATE button on the Bancroft School website, www.bancroftpto.org.

My child is in 5th grade. How do I know that money raised is going toward programs to benefit him/her?

Much of the money raised during the year will go to the students enrolled during that year. Of course, some money will be rolled over into the following year. However please remember that your 5th grader has probably benefited from funds raised by the parents of Bancroft graduates.

How do I request to have something posted to the website?

To have something posted to the PTO website (www.bancroftpto.org), contact Lisa Grecoe, PTO president.  If approved, you can forward the information to hborenstein@hotmail.com , our Communications Chair for posting.

To have something posted to the Bancroft school website (www.aps1.net), contact the principal, Dr. Mal Forsman (mforsman@aps1.net) for approval.  If approved, Alice Dorant, in the front office, will post it. 

Sometimes PTO meetings are hard for me to attend. Can I still be involved?

Absolutely!  Please continue to check the Bancroft PTO website for upcoming events and activities. Minutes of the PTO meetings are posted to the PTO website after every meeting. Open positions with requests for volunteers can always be found on the Bancroft website.  Take a look at the open positions under the Committee Directory or contact the event chair.

I have a question about the PTO that’s not mentioned above. Who should I contact for an answer?

Please feel free to contact the PTO President, Lisa Grecoe, or any member of the board for an answer to your question. We may add it to this list!