The Burr PTO raises and distributes approximately $45,000 annually into our school and community. These funds provide additional educational programs, supplies, teacher support, and events to create a welcoming and supportive community at our school. Last year, the Burr PTO spent $125 per student.

 

The Burr Wolf Fund campaign is the primary source of funds for the PTO’s annual budget, and every dollar raised through the Wolf Fund goes directly to the school. The remainder of the annual budget is fundraised through other events such as the annual online auction, book fair, and indirect fundraisers like Dine Out nights and other partnerships (e.g. Mabel’s labels).

 

The PTO fully funds the Creative Arts & Sciences program at Burr, a mandate from Newton Public Schools, which supplements the curriculum at Burr. This program enhances and enriches students’ academic experience with a variety of in-depth subjects and many interactive learning sessions. The Creative Arts & Sciences programs include opportunities like writing and illustrating stories and poems with published authors, experimenting with electromagnetism, dancing with trained performers, and holding ocean creatures. These programs are chosen with the teachers to integrate with each grade-level curriculum.

 

Overview of Major Expenses in 2023–2024:

Education: There are many curriculum-enhancing programs funded by the PTO. The PTO provides funding for Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS), Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), Understanding Our Differences, Garden Classroom, library, and other educational programs.

Teacher Supplies: The PTO provides each full-time classroom teacher with a $175 gift card, which enables them to purchase classroom supplies. Part-time teachers and specialists will also receive gift cards for supplies funded by the PTO.

Community Building: Throughout the year, are many opportunities to build our Burr community through events like the Back-to-School Picnic, BooFest (Halloween), World Cultures Day, and May Fair. Additionally, the PTO funds the STEM Fair, Movie nights, bake sales, the Book Fair, and supports the 5th grade graduation activities.