About PTSO
About
PTSO at Robinson is a volunteer organization made up of parents, staff and students. It sponsors school parties and other student social functions, assists staff and administration, and raises money to fund important technology products for the school.
We are always looking for more members! Feel free to drop in our meetings or contact us for more information!
FAQ
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What are the Robinson PTSO vision, mission & values? Robinson PTSO exists to encourage and empower teachers to more effectively motivate students to reach their potential, and to give students opportunities for socializing and celebrating their successes. We are a network for parents looking to maximize positive input in the lives of our young people, and we have a lot of fun together!
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What does PTSO stand for? Parent-Teacher-Student-Organization
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What are the Robinson PTSO meetings like? We discuss upcoming events we are planning and requests we have received from staff members. Parents vote on matters requiring disbursement of funds, and our principal gives a school update.
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Who are the people involved in Robinson PTSO? We are a group of parents of RMS students, who want to be involved in our kid’s education.
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Who are the Robinson PTSO officers? Please see the RMS website (under Parents>PTSO) for our current officers
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How does Robinson PTSO communicate? Primarily through our Facebook page and email list
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What do the Robinson PTSO funds support? The bulk of our funds are used to support teacher appreciation meals/gifts, school dances, and motivational prizes for students.
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What is the difference between Robinson PTSO and the Robinson Foundation? PTSO funds teacher appreciation and student social events, the foundation funds more permanent items, such as gym bleachers, microscopes, the pickleball court, to name some examples.
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What is the typical time commitment like for Robinson PTSO? We welcome as much or as little as people want to give of their time! Monthly meetings are generally between 60 and 90 minutes.
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Where does Robinson PTSO hold their meetings? In the Robinson cafeteria, unless otherwise notified.
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When does Robinson PTSO meet? 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm for about 60-90 minutes.
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Who attends Robinson PTSO meetings? RMS PTSO officers, our principal, and parents of current RMS students. We also encourage student council officers to attend.
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Who should attend Robinson PTSO? Anyone who wants to be involved in understanding their child’s education and influencing their positive outcomes..
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Why should I attend and contribute to Robinson PTSO? Multiple studies show that parental involvement in schools is correlated to better attendance, better behavior/social skills, and higher academic achievement. Engaged parents are informed parents.
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How many students are supported through Robinson PTSO? All RMS students, approx. 700
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What is the agenda for the Robinson PTSO meetings? The agenda is normally posted on the RMS website, or dispersed at our monthly meetings.
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How can I make donations? We are currently getting a Square account up and running. The link will be found on the RMS website under Parents > PTSO > Achieve-a-thon
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Are my donations to Robinson PTSO tax-deductible? For gifts greater than $200, we issue a receipt for tax purposes.
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Why does parent participation in PTSO decrease when my child enters middle school? Oftentimes, parents feel that their kids do not want them around, as they reach middle-school age. Also, many do not know what is needed or how to help. While it may be typical for less parent involvement, it is no less important. Parent’s expectations for performance doesn’t usually decrease, therefore, continuing to be involved in the schools is just as important, if not more, when you consider the transition our kids go through during these three years of growing.
Achieve-a-thon
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What fundraising efforts does Robinson PTSO coordinate? Typically, our only fundraiser is the Achieve-a-thon, held during the fall of each school year.
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Who does the fundraising for Robinson PTSO? RMS students - themselves!
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I own a business and want to support Robinson PTSO. How can I get involved? We would love to talk to you about scheduling a teacher appreciation meal, donating prizes/experiences for Achieve-a-thon, or any unique ways to support our teachers and students.
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What is Achieve-a-thon? This is our annual fundraiser held in October. Basically, parents collect prizes (gift cards, items, fun experiences) from area businesses. Students collect cash/electronic donations, and are entered into drawings for the prizes based on the dollar amount they bring back. The most popular prizes are experiences - with an RMS teacher/staff member (ex: Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas Cosmosphere, Papa’s General Store, Bearden’s Stained Glass).
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How much time is involved with coordinating Achieve-a-thon? There are two main areas: Preparation (contacting businesses/collecting prizes) and the two week time period when students are collecting donations (during this time really could use parent volunteers at school for just 1-2 hrs/day, 2-3 days).
Events
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What student events does Robinson PTSO help coordinate? We coordinate a 6th grade mixer, a fall dance, a spring dance, and an 8th grade dance.
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How much money does Robinson PTSO need to raise each year? Last year, we raised approximately $5,500. We could
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Are there volunteer opportunities during the daytime with Robinson PTSO? Yes! We sell dance tickets during lunch, the week of the event. Also, during Achieve-a-thon, we need a few parent volunteers to hand out packets/prizes to classrooms. Please let us know if you are interested in helping with this, or watch the Robinson PTSO Facebook page for sign up links.
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What is the right number of Robinson PTSO volunteers to contribute to the student experience? RMS has a proud history of having a large PTSO. Currently, we have a pretty small group. Due to this, we rely on assistance from STUCO, teachers, and administration. We would love to have more parents!
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Is there a list of needs I could view to see how I can help even more? The best way to find out is to come to our meetings. However, if you follow the Robinson Middle School PTSO Facebook page, you can see sign up links, and stay up to date on announcements.
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Is there a committee or task that Robinson PTSO needs assistance with? We would love to have a few more volunteers to help with teacher appreciation meals, school dances, and Achieve-a-thon.
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Are there separate opportunities for 8th grader parents? Yes! Mainly, the 8th grade formal, held each spring.
President: Kellie Newlin
Vice President:
Treasurer: LaNisha Rose
Secretary: Jennifer Keane
202-27 Meeting Dates (subject to change)
- August 26
- September 9
- October 7
- November 11
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
**PTSO meets at 7:00 PM in the RMS cafeteria(immediately following Foundation meetings), during the school year.**
Minutes
August 21, 2024
Robinson PTSO Meeting Minutes - August 21, 2024
In attendance: Megan Monsour, Michaela Tomsen, Ellen Rife, Jennifer Keane, Arta Quam, Ashleigh Marks, Syd Sorensen, Jeff Freund, Kristie Costa, Cliff Bayne, Lexi Michael, Paige Hess, Hosanna Leyba, Adrianne Garcez.
Megan opened by giving a brief explanation of what PTSO is about to the newcomers. The minutes from the May 8, 2024 meeting were reviewed. Arta moved to approve and Paige seconded.
Current officers were introduced:
President - Megan Monsour
Vice President - Megan Betts
Treasurer - Kristie Costa
Secretary - Jennifer Keane
President’s Report:
Discussion of welcome back breakfast. Everyone enjoyed seeing the teachers, lots of positive feedback and good vibes.
Discussion of back to school block party (bookend idea suggested to play off popularity of fine arts block party and format like Big Do at East). Discussion of logistics, best timing, clubs begin Sep 12. Mr Freund suggested moving to October due to clubs getting started and have more participation. Mr Sorensen suggested making it like a trunk or treat, with possibly a dunk tank and food trucks. Kristie is contacting several food trucks. October 11 proposed by Megan and approved by Mr Freund.
Discussion regarding new fundraiser: competition between grades, grade that brings in most gets (party at school - free class hour, Jenny suggested beanie or baseball cap from merch store, need 250. Marketing guy from the foundation meeting may be able to help. Ellen will share contact info. Drawings for gifts cards or experience prizes at the party, Ram costume with mystery person inside. Proposed name: Battle of the Rams vs Ram-a-thon, Stuco will give input/vote on name/prizes, help with promotion. Arta will get envelopes ordered from USD 259 print shop.
Teacher requests: Mr Kist has requested snacks for his mystery wheel. Mr Freund says building will fund. School has popcorn and snow cone machines, these can be used as well.
Ms Ketcherside requested $175 for fabric curtains in classroom, due to need for blocking light/preventing migraines. Mr Freund says USD 259 will cover, due to being a medical need.
Arta asked about when to do teacher gifts - monthly vs quarterly? Will re-visit this at September meeting, due to already giving teachers breakfast and gifts this month. Discussion of cash drawings at staff meetings. Michaela suggested random amounts, due to more satisfaction from unpredictability. Megan moved to approve $100 for September cash, seconded by Paige.
Financial Report: $3200 in account, currently. Gallatin was given $1000, previously, for tardy parties. This was approved via email vote.
Principal’s Report: best start to the year yet! No office referrals at all so far. Discussion regarding dept of justice info, Robinson has been scrutinized, due to having special needs program. Robinson has had no issues. Reason for inquiry is special ed groups disproportionately restrained. No problems with phones. Everyone improved on state assessments last year, 2nd highest % improvement in 259 on ELA section. Majority of teachers retained from last year, good moods, positive attitudes throughout building, first sub of the year today. Kids are excited about new office and lowering of ceilings makes building quieter overall. Great turnout to open house (lots of neighborhood and PIB families).
Michaela asked about behavioral incidents, equitability between ethnic groups…Mr Freund clarified, quality teaching for all, need for kids to learn, pushing AVID for more, equity = making sure all kids are seen and heard, open about biases, partnered with WSU for analysis group last year. Robinson is next to largest bussed neighborhood in Wichita. Teachers learning what behaviors actually need to be written up. Mr Freund shows data to teachers, who is doing what and what they’re getting for it. Poverty data lines up with students of color. Active discussion with teachers about scenarios and being conscious of cultural differences, not just writing up for biased reasons.
End meeting. Arta motioned, Paige seconded.
September 18, 2024
Robinson PTSO Meeting Minutes - September 18, 2024
-In attendance: Megan Monsour, Michaela Tomsen, Ellen Rife, Jennifer Keane, Ashleigh Marks, Syd Sorensen, Jeff Freund, Kristie Costa, Hosanna Leyba, Adrianne Garcez, Lexi Michael, Cliff Bayne
-Megan motioned to approve August minutes, seconded by Kristie and approved unanimously.
-Mr Sorensen informed the group that there is now a Robinson family engagement committee. They are requesting a PTSO representative, and would like to combine efforts for a fall-themed block party. This is planned for November 7.
Battle of the Rams
-Mr Sorensen reported that StuCo has declared the name of our fundraiser, per winning vote, Battle of the Rams. Megan M requested input on changing the time frame to Oct 4-14, in order to have 2 weekends included. This was discussed, Megan M motioned to approve, seconded by Megan B, and approved unanimously.
-StuCo students have requested correlating proceeds of the fundraiser to a specific goal. A suggestion was made to survey students/staff with ideas such as: permanent picnic tables (to match benches purchased last year), permanent outdoor trash cans, new recess balls, and/or another gaga pit.
-StuCo has agreed to help with the kickoff assembly with the addition of a drumline (pending approval from Mrs Volkman), and cheerleaders from East High. A sample collection box was brought by Kristie. Megan M reported that balloon pillars will be donated by Love of Character, and a big “Coming Soon” poster will be hung in the hallway. Mr Freund suggested that PTSO may use the poster maker in the school library. StuCo is planning a spirit week during the fundraiser, as well as several video ads.
-Beanies and hats are still being planned as part of the prize Jenny is following up on the final price. Treats will also be awarded to the winning grade 4x/ throughout the school year. Suggestion was made to include options, as many students have food allergies. Megan B showed a sample flier that will be sent home with students as well as sent electronically to parents/guardians. She will also be posting announcements and ads on Facebook.
-Megan M will be sending out a Signup genius link for volunteers to count funds each day. A poster is also planned, to show daily totals per grade.
Financial report
-The PTSO account balance is currently $4,245.48. There were no funding requests. PTSO plans to donate 2-$50 bills to give away at the next staff meeting in a drawing.
Principal’s Report D
-Mr Freund reported that daily attendance is averaging about 95%, office referrals averaging 2/day (down 90% from last year), club assignments were sent out today, and students are submitting shout outs to teachers weekly. Mr Sorensen won the Young Educators award in the Wichita Business Journal. Mrs Polson won $1000 for her classroom from Charlie’s car wash. Ms May won free Popeye’s for her whole class. There has been some drama at Quiktrip, future ready advocates were present there today, which has shown in the past to help discourage negative behavior. Building construction is progressing well, there has been turf laid in the courtyard. Kids are enjoying the daily announcements, no-tardy prizes are being distributed weekly, as well as agenda check prizes. Ipad check-in/out is going smoothly. The Wind Surge game raised $800 for the school.
-The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:10pm.
Submitted by Jennifer Keane
Robinson PTSO Secretary