Our Mission and Objectives
The mission of Mercer Elementary's PTO is to serve parents, students and staff beyond school hours and budgets by connecting and building the Eagle community, giving back to teachers and staff and enriching students’ elementary years. We are an all volunteer, non-profit organization led by parents, funded by family and community donations and aligned with Mercer’s overall school goals.
Connecting and building:
- Boost teacher-student-family relationships and school pride
- Encourage parent engagement
- Partner with families and local businesses on fundraising
- Fund scholarships for student aid
Giving back:
- Host staff appreciation events
- Grant classroom learning and enrichment materials
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Refurbish teacher lounge amenities
Enriching:
- Host arts, STEM and sports events that entertain and educate
- Promote fitness and movement through walk-a-thon and playground improvements
- Celebrate holidays and special occasions
- Model school expectations and participate in learning
Our Board
Our PTO is guided by an Executive Board that sets goals, leads volunteers and partners with teachers and staff to provide valuable and enriching experiences for students.
| Officers | ||
| President | Caroline Keith | mercerpto2600@gmail.com |
| Executive Vice President | Amber Lundsford | |
| Treasurer | Emily Anslinger | treasurer@mercerpto.org |
| Secretary | Johanna Goode | secretary@mercerpto.org |
| Vice Presidents | ||
| Assistant Treasurer | Liz Whitehouse | asst-treasurer@mercerpto.org |
| Marketing | Katie Smith | marketing@mercerpto.org |
| Fundraising | fundraising@mercerpto.org | |
| Community Relations | Courtney Chambers | community@mercerpto.org |
| Staff Relations & School Programs | Laura Kenady | staffrelations@mercerpto.org |
| Student Activities & Events | Jessica Ryan | studentevents@mercerpto.org |
| Forest Hills District Council Rep | Ali Alspaugh |
Meetings
Two general meetings are held each year at which parents and members are welcome to attend. The Executive Board meets monthly.
Our Governing Documents
Bylaws are read and reviewed annually by the PTO's Executive Board and can be amended at any time.
Articles of Incorporation shall be filed with the IRS to legally document the request for tax-exempt status for Mercer Elementary’s PTO upon its founding and shall contain the PTO’s firmographic information at the time of filing for tax-exempt status.
Standing Rules further outline the roles and responsibilities of Executive Board members and the business of the PTO. They may be approved and amended by the Executive Board at any time.
Financial Standing Rules further outline the financial responsibilities and guidelines of the PTO and Treasurer. They may be approved and amended by the Executive Board at any time.
Conflict of Interest Policy is outlined in Article IX of the bylaws and affirmed by each Executive Board member at the beginning of each term.
ALL THINGS MERCER
- Follow Mercer's PTO on Facebook or email us to volunteer for school and grade-level events
- Join the Facebook group just for your child(s) class
- Bell Schedule/Lunch & Recess: https://www.foresthills.edu/mercer-elementary-school/about/bell-schedule/
- Supply Lists: https://www.foresthills.edu/media/user/mercer-elementary-school/Mercer%20School%20Supplies%20List%2025-26.pdf
- Bus routes: https://www.foresthills.edu/departments/transportation/bus-routes/
- School meal accounts: https://www.foresthills.edu/how-do-i/pay-fees-and-lunch/
- Lunch Menu: https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/1938/sites/12382/menus/75454
- District's Calendar: https://www.foresthills.edu/calendar/
- Mercer Calendar: https://www.foresthills.edu/calendar/mercer-elementary-calendar/
Attendance
What are phase-in days at the beginning of the year?
The student population is split in half alphabetically by last name, with half attending the first day and half attending the next day. All students attend on the third school day. This helps all students acclimate to their new classrooms and routines. Phase-in days by the first initial of last names will be communicated by the district before the first days of school.
How do I arrange to bring my child to school late or pick them up early?
Mercer uses gold "school notes" forms to communicate absences, early dismissals, or late arrivals in advance. These notes are available from your child's teacher or the front office.
Are there before- and after-school care options?
Although the district does not promote or endorse any before- or after-school care facility, Mercer's students are eligible for a program offered through M.E. Lyons YMCA for busing to Wilson Elementary for care. Other facilities also provide transportation to and from Mercer via a district school bus or private transportation.
Am I allowed in the building, and how can I get involved?
Parents/guardians are allowed in the building for early pick-up or late drop-off or volunteering. A photo ID is required in the front office. The district's procedures for visiting and volunteering are here. Teachers and staff may also welcome volunteers individually. Mercer's PTO offers many volunteer opportunities with varying levels of time commitment. Contact marketing@mercerpto.org to raise your hand.
Transportation
When will I find out my student's bus assignment?
Bus schedules are sent to parents 1-2 weeks before school begins. For more information on Forest Hills Transportations`.
How does the car pick-up and drop off work at Mercer?
Students may be dropped off between 9:05 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. Parents dropping off students in the morning will turn left at the first driveway and travel in front of Turpin High School until reaching the upper parking lot. Turn right down the 1st lane of the upper parking lot and travel to the dead end. Students will exit the right side of the car onto the sidewalk. Staff members are there to greet them. Students will walk down the stairs and enter the building at the glass doors. Once the students are dropped off, cars will loop around onto the 2nd upper parking lot lane and exit past Turpin. Pick-up procedures are the same. Please idle in the car line or park in the lot and wait at the side entrance/exit for your child.
