ByLaw Proposed Updates 03/20/2024
At the 03/20/2024 PTO Meeting, it was proposed to make an edit to the bylaws in regards to Executive Board Positions.
It was proposed to add the following roles to better manage workload:
Fundraising Director
Spirit Wear Director
Please see the attached document at the button below, on page 3, to review changes before the vote at the next meeting,
April 17, 2024.
Our Mission
1. To provide the best possible education for all our children, by encouraging the community to provide the maximum feasible support for, and involvement with, our schools.
2. To foster good relationships between teachers, staff, parents / guardians, students, and administrators, by providing varied opportunities for positive interactions.
3. To enhance the educational and cultural growth of our children by sponsoring activities and programs, as well as raising funds to be appropriated and distributed on a documented request basis.
4. To strive to communicate with every student's family to promote a network of assistance and outreach.
Goals for This Year
■ Support the VDV and SMS school community, including children, parents and teachers
■ Continue to improve VDV playground space
■ Promote and increase parent/guardian involvement through volunteer opportunities to benefit students
■ Add additional free events to foster family relationships in the school community
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the PTO? The Somerville NJ Pre K - 8 PTO is a Parent & Teacher Organization at Van Derveer Elementary School and Somerville Middle School.
Who is on our Executive Board? Our executive board for the 2023-2024 School Year can be found on this page!
What do we do? We work together to build a nurturing and engaging school community to contribute to a better educational environment for our children. We hold fundraisers, such as VDV Spirit Wear, Dine to Donate, Holiday Sales, and hold events such as Trunk or Treat, Scholastic Book Fair, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Holiday Shop.
What do I need to do to become a member? Go to THIS LINK to join now. A $10.00 membership fee is required per family. A $5.00 membership fee is required per school staff.
What are the benefits of becoming a member? All VDV and SMS familes and staff are welcome to meetings and events. However, membership ensures you get all of the upcoming information, events, and volunteering by email. You must be a paid member of the Somerville NJ PreK-8 PTO and have attended 2 meetings (in-person or virtual) in order to vote on budget, event plans, or for the board elections.
Where do we meet? We will meet monthly at the VDV Media Center at 7:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month, with a virtual option. Stay tuned for meeting reminders in email and on Facebook and Twitter. A Google Meet link will be sent a week before the meeting, as well as posted on the website.
Be sure to follow us on Social Media!
Please email info@somervillenjpto.com if you have any questions.