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WELCOME to Mason-Rice. Every year, the Parent-Teacher-Organization (PTO) organizes programs and events to build our community spirit. We meet a critical need in our school by providing funding for programs, initiatives, and supplies that are not available through the Newton Public Schools. (The PTO is not allowed to fund the following: teachers, classes, school building related enhancements or maintenance, except annually on Newton Serves, or school building operations.).
We look forward to working with everyone. Please don't hesitate to contact one of us to offer feedback or to volunteer - your skills, time, and talent make the difference in our children's experience and our PTO spirit. Please contact us at
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~ Eydie Balsam, Sunwoo Kahng and Kim Thurmond (2012-2013 PTO co-Presidents)
PTO Goal and Purpose
The Mason-Rice Parent-Teacher-Organization (PTO) - to which all parents of Mason-Rice students belong - is a vibrant and important component of school life. Our primary role is to foster COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
- To learn more about the programs and committees that the PTO organizes in order to achieve these goals, view Committees and Fundraising.
- To see a more detailed description of where the money raised is allocated to PTO programs, view Dollars at Work.
- To see a copy of the PTO's Budget and other financial statements, view Treasury.
PTO Board Meetings. PTO Board meetings provide an opportunity to build, maintain, and nurture the sense of community at Mason-Rice School. PTO Board meetings are held monthly, and are open to everyone. Each meeting begins with PTO Committee reports and progress reports on upcoming PTO programs and events. Reports are followed by lively, reflective discussions on relevant school-related issues.
Any member of the PTO is welcome to attend the PTO Board Meetings. You can also suggest topics for the Board to review by contacting any of the co-Presidents or email
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. Click to view the schedule of PTO Board meetings for the school year. All Board meetings are held at 8:35 am or 7:30pm. Locations of the Board meetings, and any last minute changes of times or dates, will be posted in the Mason-Rice School Calendar. Click to view PTO Board Meeting Minutes
PTO Membership & Dues. All Mason-Rice parents, faculty and staff are members of the PTO. The only membership requirement is that you have enrolled a child in the school year, or you teach one. Annual dues contributions are voluntary, as with all PTO events and activities. Historically, the PTO Dues Campaign has been one of the major fundraising sources for the PTO. The PTO budget for each school year for the last few years has been averaging approximately $150 per student. However we are aware that every family has different resources and obligations and we ask that you contribute any amount that is comfortable for you. All donations are confidential and every dollar makes a difference!
The Dues campaign is our first fundraiser of the year and is crucial for the PTO to provide a wide range of important programming and classroom support. Donations made by November 1st are helpful in managing cash flow however donations can be made at any time. Read more about Dues Donations. To make a dues contribution, click to contribute with PayPal securely or download and complete the Dues Donations Form and send a check made payable to the "Mason-Rice PTO," and leave the form and check in the PTO Treasurer's box located in the front of the lobby.
PTO Officers and Board include:
- PTO Co-Presidents (3) - There are typically three PTO co-presidents that serve two-year terms in office. Historically this is arranged on a rotating basis so that there will always be one experienced co-president at the beginning of every year. The co-presidents are volunteer positions which are approved by a vote at the year end PTO general meeting, along with the slate of executive support committee members.
- PTO Treasurer (1 or 2) -The PTO treasurer manages the funds for the PTO, keeps track of the budget, approves requests for reimbursement, issues checks, helps to file annual tax statements, and produces the year-end budget proposal for the next fiscal year. The treasurer also regularly files with the state to maintain the PTO’s 501-c3 status.
- PTO Secretary (1) - The PTO secretary records notes from PTO meetings, helps to schedule and track all PTO events, and coordinates with the school calendar to avoid conflicts.
- PTO Board - The Board acts as a board of directors for the PTO Co-presidents and meets monthly to discuss issues such as how to assemble volunteers, organize fundraisers and community events, and get a general read on all kinds of issues from the Mason-Rice parent body at large.· There are 8 positions at-large, as well as ex-officio members representing major programs such as the MR Notes Editor, the chairperson of the Spring Fundraiser (Fools' Folly), Room Parent Coordinator, Creative Arts & Sciences.· Vacancies for the at-large positions are announced in the Mason-Rice Notes and are 3 year positions.· All attempts are made to fill these positions so that there is representation across all the grades.
- PTO Legal Consultant (1) - The attorney willing to occasionally consult with the PTO to review contracts and agreements and amend bylaws as requested by thePTO officers and Board.
PTO Incorporation and Bylaws
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