LYME SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

Our Parent-Teacher Organization's goal is to enrich the school community. We are currently using a project-based model for PTO involvement. Volunteers work in small teams, reporting to the PTO leadership for guidance and help.

Parents and teachers who would like to help with annual events, programs, and fundraisers are encouraged to send us an email to find out more. Meetings take place monthly on the first Wednesday of the month (sometimes shifts due to the school or town meeting schedule). 

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY THROUGH ENGAGED INVOLVEMENT AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS THAT ENRICH THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN A WAY THAT REMAINS FUN AND SUSTAINABLE FOR ALL INVOLVED.

The School Directory (October) — A physical book version of the online directory. Typically has advertisements from local businesses to help fund the production and kids artwork to decorate the interiors and covers.

The Artist-in-Residence Program — The Artist-in-Residence Program is a deep dive for Lyme School students into a visual, musical or movement experience or project. The PTO arranges for an artist in either the visual, musical, or movement fields to visit and work with students of all grades, K-8. This hands-on program brings expertise from sources outside the school to engage all of our students for often a whole week. Past artists have included a mosaicist, an African drummer, a muralist, + many more.

Box Tops for Education — Support the PTO every time you shop. Scan your receipts with the Box Tops App. You can still turn in unexpired clipped box tops.

Lyme School Garden — Installed in Spring 2022, Lyme School now has 3 raised garden beds on the playground. Check out the link for more information.

Spirit Wear — School spirit Wear sponsored by the PTO.

First Day Welcome Boo-Hoo Woo-Hoo Breakfast (August-First Day of School) — Breakfast specifically geared to Kinder parents, but all are welcome to join in first day jitters and joys. 

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Lunches (December and March) — Parent-volunteers sign up to make a crockpot soup/chili, sandwich or dessert tray for the teachers during conference day (when teachers meet with parents).  

Virtual Giving Tree (December) — The Giving Tree was started in 2019  to help kickstart the season of giving. The Giving Tree is used as a way for families to show their gratitude and give back to the school community. It is also used as a way to support families in our school community who may need a helping hand over the holidays. 

The Giving Tree features a wishlist of items that will be made available through a Sign-Up Genius and a Charity List through Amazon Smile. Families can then choose to donate to the school or families in need

Bike/Walk to School Day (Spring) — A day in the spring when the Lyme School Community is encouraged to bike/walk to school. The PTO provides snacks.

End-of-school/Start of Summer Post Pond Pizza Potluck (June) — An end of the year event to welcome summer and celebrate another successful year. Like the Back-To-School picnic potluck, all members of the school community including Lyme families (both current and alumni) and Lyme School teachers and staff are invited to attend. We will encourage all to bring a dish to share. To create a sustainable event, participants will be encouraged to bring picnic blankets, picnic supplies, and their own beverages. Pizza will be provided by the PTO.

Lyme School Rummage Sale (Spring) — Spring cleaning rummage sale to benefit the PTO.

Lyme School Mud Run (Spring) — Lyme School version of a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.

Back to School Swap and Shop — Held conjunction with the CCL Back to School Potluck. The PTO organized a used children's clothing pay-what-you-wish sale.

LymeFest (September) — A music festival featuring local Lyme musicians of all ages. An opportunity to hear local talent and support the Lyme School's Artist in Residence Program. 

Holiday Shop (December) — A fun way for Lyme kids to do their holiday shopping. The shop is part of CCL's Jingle and Mingle celebration. Donated items are sold at kid friendly prices and local volunteers help with gift wrapping.

Trivia Night (January or February) — A fundraiser for the Artist-in-Residence Program and also a forum for the classes to auction items in order to raise funds to offset the cost of each grade’s trip to Washington DC, when they reach 8th grade.

Barn Dance (June)— An end of year school celebration with music (contradance/caller) and a pie auction, open to the Lyme community.