Walnut Grove
PTO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of PTO?
The purpose of the WGES PTO is to promote the welfare of our children and to enrich their school environment by:
Providing school volunteer programs.
Participating in fundraising activities as determined by the PTO General Membership in order to provide support for the educational and recreational needs of WGES students.
Promoting open communication between administration, teachers, and parents.
Why do we need a PTO?
In addition to providing volunteers and supporting communication, the Walnut Grove PTO purchases, help supplement state funding. As Carroll ISD is required to submit a significant portion of tax funding to the state under “Robin Hood”, the PTO helps fill this void so that our students and teachers can continue enjoying the outstanding learning environment we may take for granted.
How can I support PTO?
Join the PTO
Membership is $30 per family and includes access to our new online student directory app. Membership forms are part of the WGES Registration and Homeroom Dues Form which is available during the Carroll ISD annual student verification or on our home page. We ask that you complete the Registration and Homeroom Dues Form even if you do not join, volunteer and family sponsor opportunities are available.
Come to PTO Meetings
PTO meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30am. All PTO members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion about important issues concerning our students, staff, and school. During the meeting we will share information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, class needs and other topics related to WGES.
Typical meetings include an update from the principal and PTO president, a financial update, details on ongoing events and fundraisers and, in some meetings, a vote on proposed purchases. Exact dates are on WGES subscribe calendar.
Volunteer
We have ways for EVERYONE to help! This includes moms, dads, grandparents, etc. both in home and at school. Simply fill out a Background Check as required by Carroll ISD. When you fill out your Registration and Homeroom Dues Form, volunteer signups are included.
Participate in Fundraisers
PTO funds are crucial to our school in a variety of ways. We will be making some updates for the 2025-26 year so stay tuned!
WGES PTO Spirit Shop
Come get your Dragon gear and support the school. Follow our Spirit Shop page on Facebook. All proceeds benefit the PTO.
Or visit The Spirit Shop directly.
How can I learn about PTO news and information?
Join our Facebook page.
Subscribe to our Newsletter. It is delivered via email every Sunday and contains important info for the coming week.
When completing your Registration and Homeroom Dues Form ensure that you share your information with your class homeroom parent and elect to receive emails from the class representatives. They will make sure you know what is happening with class parties and events.
What has PTO done for our school and kids in recent years?
Fundraising
PTO spent over $300 per WGES student in program-related expenses. These purchases included playground equipment upgrades, teacher training, classroom workbooks and reading materials, technology improvements, educational software, and enrichment programs.
Some of our largest fundraising efforts have included a large turf field on the playground and adding an outdoor classroom.
Volunteers
PTO is the primary source for WGES volunteers. PTO volunteers spend countless hours at the school and at home helping with teacher projects and planning, making copies, supervising lunch times, reading to students, helping in the library, planting and maintaining educational gardens, planning class events, helping kids recycle, coordinating parent-child activities, preparing and serving teacher appreciation meals and snacks, coordinating and executing student service projects, and much, much more!
How can I stay informed on what's happening at WGES?
We work hard to communicate with parents through multiple channels and methods. Here are our main methods of communication:
· Subscribe to the PTO Newsletter.
· Subscribe to the WGES calendar
· Follow us on the WGES Facebook Page and WGES PTO Facebook Group .
· Follow @WGESPTO and @WGESdragons on Twitter. Many teachers also have Twitter accounts .
· Follow @wges_pto on Instagram.
· Our Principal, Dr. Davis, will send periodic emails to all the parents registered through the Skyward Family Access.
· You will also receive periodic flyers in your child’s folder with information on current events.
· Check out the latest updates on the School Website
How do class parties work?
Each class will have at least 3 class parties – Winter/Holiday party, Valentines party and the End of the Year party.
In addition to these 3 parties, 1st grade will have a Pumpkin Spin party at Halloween.
There is no need to bring anything for these parties. The classroom donations from the PTO Registration and Homeroom Dues Form will cover these. You will receive information about parties from your class party coordinator or from your teacher.
What should I know about lunch at WGES?
We usually have two Lunch Volunteers every day for grades Kinder. You can volunteer to help with lunch on your PTO Registration Form or, later in the year, on the volunteer link
You can view the lunch menu on Carroll ISD webpage.
Parents/guardians may deposit money into the student’s account via MySchoolBucks .
Do you have a list of helpful CISD links?
WGES webpage: https://wges.southlakecarroll.edu/
Parent Remind (Attached)
CISD Website https://www.southlakecarroll.edu/
CISD Calendar: https://www.southlakecarroll.edu/school-information/calendar
Background Check: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MzUwOmVuLVVT