The Valley Forge PTO is an all-volunteer organization of parents that exists to support the administration, staff, faculty, and students of VFMS. By offering programs, raising money, and providing volunteers at school and PTO events, we work to enhance every student’s experience at VFMS. We offer quality cultural arts programming, classroom enhancements, community outreach, and social events that are not included in the district-wide budget. Fundraising events take place throughout the year, including the sale of spiritwear and sporting events tickets, local restaurant fundraisers, calls for direct donations, and more.
We enhance the school experience
The bulk of our funds go toward quality cultural arts programs, and we work closely with our teachers to provide author/illustrator visits, grade-level assemblies, and occasional artist-in-residence programs for our students. The PTO also oversees and awards Golden Apple Grants to support outstanding and innovative programs, ideas, and materials to enrich the educational experiences for the students at VFMS.
Twice a year, we help parents show your support for teachers and staff. Before the winter break, we collect money that is directly turned around into gift cards for teachers and staff. In the spring, we collect money that is once again directly turned around into treats for teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week in May and an end of the year luncheon.
We build community
We offer annual social events such as the New Family Breakfast, a Parent Social, as well as informative and educational sessions for our parents. Some of our fundraisers, such as sporting events and restaurant events, also bring together VFMS families. The PTO also helps to organize the 8th grade graduation reception to make it a memorable experience for our graduates and their families.
We keep you informed
The VFMS PTO creates and distributes a weekly Blast (e-mail newsletter) that contains important information about upcoming events, school and district news, as well as relevant community events and information. It’s the best way to stay up-to-date about what’s happening in the school.
We meet once monthly. All VFMS parents and teachers are invited to attend. Most meetings are held virtually and take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. Click here for the schedule and meeting link.
The PTO also maintains the school directory, allowing parents to find contact information for the families of their child’s friends.
How to support VFMS PTO
Volunteer: There are some volunteer opportunities throughout the year with various levels of commitment. Consider filling one of the vacant positions or join a particular committee. We have leadership positions of varying time commitments, so you can participate when your schedule allows. You can find out more information about the open positions and committee assignments here. If you have questions about what positions would best fit your skill set or time availability, feel free to ask.
Donate: As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, we rely on donations to support our activities and programs. Consider making a donation at any time through the PTO’s Direct Donation program. It’s our biggest fundraising vehicle, and please don’t forget about the employer match program.
Share your ideas with us: Do you have any cool and creative ideas for enriching your child’s educational experience at VFMS? We developed the Golden Apple Grant program to encourage parents, teachers and students to submit an application for funding towards a classroom project or activity that they want to get off the ground!
Stay in the loop!
We invite you to browse the many areas of our website to learn more about the events we host, the ways we help the VFMS community, and ways you can help us. To always stay “in the know” about everything happening, we encourage you to read our PTO News and Announcements regularly, sign up for the PTO Blast, and follow us on our social media channels.