The mission of the VFMS PTO is to enhance the school experience at VFMS for students, staff, and faculty. We do that by bringing events, assemblies, artists, and authors to VFMS, and by making purchases to improve student life within the classroom and school. Everything we bring to the school costs money – so fundraising is a necessity.
We host many fundraisers throughout the year, but quite simply: direct donations to the PTO are the easiest way to help us meet our goals. We love our social events, and the fun events that we put on for students that help us raise money – and they’re not going away! But frankly – these events only cover a portion of the programs and services we want to bring to VFMS.
Direct donations are just that – a straight donation to the PTO. No involvement of time, no need to purchase something that you didn’t really want. Direct donations, and matching gifts from employers, are essential to our success.
How Are Donations Used?
Cultural Arts Programs: The VFMS PTO funds 90% of the Cultural Arts expenses each year. We sponsor assemblies for each grade level, and author visits, to benefit the entire school population. Learn more about our Cultural Arts program on the Cultural Arts page.
VFMS Improvements & Student Life: We work closely with Mr. Gibson and the staff to fund requests for student programs, and to improve the building facilities. Some recent examples include new library furniture and a Tower Garden. We have raised money to fund much-needed technology upgrades for the Audion and Auditorium. The Audion is a heavily used room often for combined classroom meetings, student and parent presentations, and a meeting room for clubs and athletics.
Golden Apple Grants: Some of the funds raised by the PTO are awarded in the form of grants through our Golden Apple Grants program. This program provides money to members of the school community (parents, teachers, staff, students) who have great ideas of ways to enhance the school experience. Learn more on our Golden Apple Grants page.
How to Donate
You can make a donation online using the form below. If you prefer to donate by check, please print our donation form and send it to the school, attention PTO. Before making a donation, please check if your employer offers an Matching Gift program – your donation could be as much as doubled or tripled if so!