The Indian Creek PTO is an unusually successful organization of its kind. A number of years ago, it became evident that the traditional format for a parent support organization was no longer a viable one. Parents have busy schedules and the old pattern of one meeting a month was not an effective one. The Development Office and a group of parent volunteers worked to redefine the organization.

At Indian Creek, the PTO has an executive body that meets regularly to develop budget, schedule activities, define standing committees and recruit volunteers. Committees for various activities meet as needed around the completion of their own activities. They may meet in the early morning, during the school day, after school or in the evening as the schedules of the people involved dictate. These activities may involve fund raising, or they may take the form of parental contributions of time and talent. Enrichment of the academic program, arrangement of cultural arts programs, support of the music program by completion of time consuming routine tasks, organizing of class social events, and supervising class trips and camping activities are all "people tasks" that are vitally important. Equally important are the jobs associated with running the various fund raisers approved by the executive board in conjunction with the development office of the school.

The PTO sets its own budget and raises money to support the activities that it plans. The gift wrap sale in the autumn and a large school fair in either the spring or the fall are the two primary fund raising activities that the PTO conducts. The PTO also supplies volunteers to support the many activities of the development office.

The PTO gives direct support to a number of worthy causes. The Cultural Arts program is run completely by the PTO which auditions groups, applies for grants, pays for the arts programs and schedules them for the student body. The PTO supports two activities that directly support the teachers. They fund a "Wish List" where teachers can request funds for classroom equipment or special activities that would not otherwise be possible. The PTO also supports the Faculty Enrichment Fund. This fund is intended to provide faculty members with educational opportunities that they might not have under the operating budget. The Faculty Enrichment Fund makes it possible for a faculty member to put in a proposal and receive the funds to travel to another state for a conference or other educational opportunity. This fund is also used to recognize longevity of faculty members and to bring in outstanding speakers or workshops that can be held on our own campus.

The PTO is a very vital part of our Indian Creek community. We deeply appreciate the time and energy of the many volunteers involved in PTO activities. Absolutely, the school would not be the same place without the PTO.