1.  What does it mean to be a member?

That depends on you. You can be a member in name only or you can become an active member. We invite you to become an active participant in your student’s education by being an active participant in the Forestville Central School Parent Connection. Parents, grandparents, neighbors, and siblings, we need your help! Being an active participant, being involved, is not synonymous with being “sucked in”. The level of involvement is up to you! Check out some of our events and learn more about how a small amount of time translates into a huge amount of involvement.

2. Why should I be a participating member?

Participation through volunteering allows you to be “hands on” with your child’s education. All research indicates that when families are involved, a child is more apt to get higher grades, be more likely to graduate, and go on to college. Our children love to see us in this environment where they spend seven hours a day. You get to know your children’s teachers and your children’s friends.

Participation through attendance at Parent Connection meetings gives you a voice. You help decide what we do as a group. You help decide where the money should go. If you are new to Forestville Central Schools, the established families are available to answer questions and ease your transition into becoming a school family. If you are new to our community, we’re always happy to help wherever possible. An added bonus is that you have the opportunity to meet wonderful people who can become great friends. FREE childcare is provided at every meeting.

3. What are the benefits of membership?

The benefits of membership are very rewarding. You have the knowledge that, with your participation and involvement, the educational and social experiences of all students at Forestville Central Schools have been greatly enhanced.  That is in addition to the benefits listed above.

4. Is there another level of membership?

The next level of membership is to be a voting member. Discussion, ideas and suggestions are always welcome from all members, but our bylaws allow that only members, who have filled out the volunteer form of the current school year, are allowed to vote during meetings or hold office on the board.  This Parent Group Contribution is kept local and in our schools. Voting takes place on the budget, changes in fundraising or programs, bylaws, events, and for board members. 

5. Isn’t the PTO only about fundraising?

 Parent Connection is more than just fundraising. Fundraising is really just a necessary evil as school budgets are requiring more and more cuts. It is our privilege that we are able to provide the supplies, equipment and activities that our school budgets can no longer cover. We are only able to do that through each family’s willingness to participate in our fundraisers. The Fall Festival & Crafts Show, and the Fall  & Spring Fundraiser and Sale are some of the ways we raise money for items such as classroom supplies,  supplies and equipment for the staff workrooms, elementary yearbooks Assignment planners for the middle /high schools.  It also helps in funding our PTO programs such as Haunted Locker Room, Talent Show, Field Day and our FREE Family Fun Events.