About Our PTO
The Overland Trail Elementary PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) supports our students, staff, and families by sponsoring programs and events that strengthen learning and build community.
Our Mission
The PTO mission is to foster excellence at OTE by sponsoring programs and events for the OTE community. We strive to enhance the educational experience of OTE students while also promoting a connected community.
Board of Directors
The PTO is led by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide leadership, financial oversight, and strategic direction for the organization.
- President — Serves as the chief leader and representative of the PTO, guiding overall strategy, presiding over meetings, partnering closely with school administration, and ensuring alignment with the PTO’s mission and goals.
- President-Elect — Supports the President while preparing to assume the presidency, ensuring leadership continuity and strong collaboration with school administration and the Board.
- Vice Presidents — Four Vice Presidents oversee committee groups (Fundraising, Community Outreach, Special Programs & Events, and Hospitality). They support committee chairs, ensure alignment with PTO goals, and serve as liaisons between committees and the Executive Board.
- Co-Treasurer — Strategic Oversight & Compliance — Oversees long-term financial strategy, nonprofit compliance, budget development, audits, and financial reporting to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.
- Co-Treasurer — Financial Manager — Manages day-to-day financial operations, including deposits, reimbursements, record keeping, and monthly financial reporting.
- Secretary — Maintains official records, prepares agendas and meeting minutes, ensures organizational compliance, and supports effective communication within the PTO.
- Communications Director — Oversees PTO communications including newsletters, website updates, and social media to ensure clear, consistent engagement with families and staff.
- Membership Director — Leads membership recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts, manages the membership roster, and helps connect families with volunteer opportunities.
- Staff Liaisons — OTE staff members (3) who serve as a bridge between school staff and the PTO, helping align initiatives with school priorities and ensuring open communication.
Board members are elected annually and work collaboratively with school administration and committee leaders to support students, staff, and families.
Committees
The PTO’s work happens through committees led by volunteer chairs. Committee Co-Chairs execute events and programs in partnership with their assigned Vice President. Tap a committee name to learn more — descriptions are kept short and optional so this page stays easy to scan.
Fundraising
Carnival
Our Fall Carnival is one of OTE’s biggest family events — games, prizes, food, and tons of Cougar spirit. The committee plans the theme, coordinates volunteers and vendors, and runs event-day logistics.
Trivia Night & Auction
Our signature adults-only spring fundraiser featuring trivia, a silent auction, and community connection. The committee leads planning, sponsorships, auction items, registration, and event execution.
Apex Fun Run
A school-wide fundraising program that builds leadership and school pride while supporting PTO initiatives. The committee partners with the Apex team and helps coordinate communication, volunteers, and event-day support.
Restaurant Nights
Partner nights with local restaurants (Panera, SP!N Pizza, Andy’s, and more) where a percentage of proceeds supports OTE. The chair schedules dates, promotes each night, and coordinates with restaurant partners.
Skate Parties
Quarterly family skate nights at Skate City where a portion of proceeds goes back to OTE. The chair coordinates dates, promotion, and communication with the venue.
Hospitality
Staff Appreciation
Celebrates and supports OTE teachers and staff throughout the year — from conference meals to special treats and Teacher Appreciation Week.
Spirit Wear
Plans and manages limited-time Spirit Wear drops featuring exclusive OTE designs. The committee coordinates with vendors, manages ordering, and supports distribution to students.
Landscaping
Helps keep OTE’s outdoor spaces welcoming through light seasonal clean-up and beautification projects. This is a great option for families who like outdoor, hands-on volunteering.
Room Parents
Supports Room Parents across all grade levels. Room Parents help coordinate classroom celebrations, volunteers, and family communication in partnership with teachers.
Yearbook
Captures the story of our school year by collecting photos, coordinating classroom pages, and supporting production and distribution.
Marquee & Displays
Creates and maintains school displays and celebration signage, including student birthday signs. The committee manages the calendar, design/printing coordination, and installation.
Special Events & Programs
Book Fair
Two fairs each year (fall and spring). The committee coordinates volunteers, works with the vendor, and helps create a fun shopping experience that supports literacy at OTE.
School Supplies
Works with administration and staff on grade-level supply lists and partners with a vendor to offer convenient pre-packaged supply kits for families to purchase.
5th Grade Celebration
Plans a meaningful send-off for graduating Cougars with recognition activities and special events to celebrate their transition to middle school.
Veterans Day
Coordinates our annual program honoring veterans in the OTE community, including guest invitations, logistics, and event support.
Community Outreach
Community Service
Organizes service projects and donation drives that help students learn the value of kindness, leadership, and giving back.
Cultural Night
Cultural Night celebrates the diversity within our OTE community. Families host tables representing countries or cultures, and the evening includes performances, music, and student “passports.” The committee coordinates sign-ups, logistics, and event flow.
Family Nights
Free events for the whole family that build school community. We typically host Bingo for Books in the fall and a Glow Party in the spring.
Support-a-Cougar
Confidentially supports OTE students and families who may need extra help. In partnership with administration, the committee provides supplies, event access, holiday assistance, yearbooks, and more in a thoughtful way.
Giving Back to OTE
PTO fundraising is reinvested into our school community in ways that directly support students and staff. Examples include:
Get Involved
There are lots of ways to participate — whether you have time to volunteer, want to stay informed, or just want to support our school through membership or giving.
- Login or create a PTO account
Visit the OTE PTO website and log in to your account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one for free. (Click “Login” at the top to register.) - Complete directory information
Help us build a more connected community by completing your family directory information and publishing preferences. - Subscribe
Opt in to receive PTO communications so you don’t miss event dates, sign-ups, and school-wide updates. - Purchase a PTO membership
Membership helps support PTO programs and committees. 100% of membership funds stay at OTE. - Volunteer
Volunteer in the way that works for your schedule — one-time event shifts, behind-the-scenes help, or committee roles.
Questions?
Email us anytime at info@otepto.org.
