PTSA changes name to PTSO

What’s in a name? The leaders of the formerly named PTSA have changed their name to the PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) in order to get more control on where they spend the funds and generate more money for the school. It is an organization that links together parents, teachers and students. The PTSO is now independent from the national PTA (Parent Teacher Association).

“PTSA membership meant taking a portion of our membership dues and sending them to National PTSA. National PTA has some great programs, but few were directly applicable to Saratoga High,” said Carolyn Doles, co-president of the PTSO. “With the tight budgets we were working with, those membership fees, we felt, could be used better on campus.”

Although more money will be kept for the school, the PTSO still needs more funds due to rising program costs. In light of this, the PTSO has introduced a program called Just Do It! This initiative helps the entire SHS community by ensuring that all parents pay their fair share to help
support the school programs.

“Just Do It! is imperative, as costs for all programs have increased and we simply cannot cover the costs with membership alone,” said Doles. “At $150 per family ($50 for PTSO membership and $100 for Just Do It!), we can help all our students in all the many areas our high school requires.”

The PTSO funds cover a wide array of student activities, as well as giving teacher grants where teachers request equipment and supplies for their classroom.

Doles said that the PTSO helps cover the costs of The Falcon, Link Crew and the Tutorial Center. Also, there are special programs like “Every 15 minutes” and Career Day.

“PTSO Membership and Just Do It! are everyone’s responsibility at our school,” said Doles. “We hope all our families pitch in by doing their fair share to support our students.”