About the PTO

OUR PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Countryside Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is to support and enhance the educational programs at Countryside Elementary and to strengthen the relationship between home and school. We achieve this mission by helping pay for educational programs (Raz Kids, Scholastic News, etc), supporting scholarship needs, providing staff support, and hosting events that help bring our community together outside the school day hours.

 

Unfortunately, we cannot meet the needs of our school based on our small fundraisers (Dine Out nights), and our annual PTO membership donations. Therefore, we look to the PTO and other Countryside families to help us fund Countryside School programs and activities through our biggest fundraisers: Bash (parent-only party - hosted in the fall), the Book Fair, and the Countryside Carnival (hosted in the spring).

The fundraising efforts of the PTO are dependent on volunteers like YOU. We are grateful for all of our volunteers and are looking for ways to involve more parents in our activities. Without parent volunteers, essential fundraising efforts and PTO sponsored events can’t happen.

2024-2025 EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President: Nicole Ollhoff
President Elect: Open

Vice President: Steph Pullen
Vice President Elect: Open

Treasurer: Charlotte Lefebvre
Treasurer Elect: Open

 

Secretary: Shaama Chahoud

 

Member at Large/MTK: Jenny Klone
Member at Large: Becky Peterson
Member at Large: Leah Berkland
 

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE PTO:

How is the PTO structured?
Our PTO includes an Executive Committee, which includes: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and other committee/event leads. This structure may vary year to year to best support our goals and purpose.

What does the Executive role commitment look like?

  • Executive team members attend monthly PTO meetings that are held on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30-7 between August and May. These meetings are discussed and scheduled at the start of the year for consistency, but can change.

  • All members are asked to attend PTO events and volunteer to ensure the events run smoothly.

  • Plan to serve at least 2 years in an Executive role. Ideally PTO members start out in Elect roles to shadow and learn about the PTO, then transition into the Exec role the following year. Co-roles are an option, as they are a way to share responsibilities.

What does the Committee or Lead role commitment look like?
Each of these roles vary pending on the event or committee. More information about these roles can be found here. Committee or lead members are welcome to join the monthly Executive PTO meetings, and will be asked to attend the applicable month based on the events they are overseeing. Time commitment varies pending on the team assembled. We also ask team members to: 

  • Promote and encourage growth of the Countryside community.

  • Advocate for Countryside and the greater Edina Public Schools district.

And last but not least...
Joining the PTO, either in an Executive role, or committee/lead role, allows you to get more involved with not only Countryside, but the Edina Public School district. Parent volunteers, in any capacity, are needed to support or encourage change within the school and district. Participation also allows you to be "hands on" with your child's education and community. It also allows you to have a voice on how the funding should be used - more events? more support for an educational program? 

 

It is also a great way to meet other parents, caregivers and families especially if you are new to the school or district. Finally, joining the PTO or taking on a committee role is a great way to start teaching your own kids about why community involvement is so important. Their input and help are welcome any time, as some of our kids love to pop into the Google Meet to say hello or volunteer at the events as well.