Proposed Bylaw Updates – Vote on December 2
Emerald PTO • November 5, 2025
At our November 4 meeting, the Emerald PTO presented several proposed updates to our bylaws. These updates were introduced for member review and will be voted on at our next meeting: Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m.
All members are encouraged to attend and participate in the vote! These updates aim to strengthen transparency, clarify financial policies, and ensure our mission reflects our inclusive school community.
Summary of Proposed Changes
1. Updated Mission Statement (Article I, Section 3)
Adds a statement affirming our commitment to inclusivity:
“The PTO is committed to an inclusive environment where all families and staff are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.”
2. Officer Attendance & Participation (New Article III, Section 4)
Establishes expectations for officer participation:
Officers are expected to attend scheduled Board meetings or submit updates in advance. Three or more unexcused absences may be considered a failure to fulfill duties.
3. Electronic Voting Between Meetings (Article IV)
Allows the Executive Board to vote electronically between meetings for urgent matters, with all votes recorded in the next meeting’s minutes.
4. Revised Financial Policy (Article VI)
Completely rewritten for clarity on how funds are used and how reserves are managed:
- Fundraising efforts will align with the PTO’s mission and benefit Emerald students, staff, and community during the same school year whenever possible.
- The number and type of fundraisers may vary each year, as determined by the Executive Board and approved by membership. (This replaces the previous limit of two fundraisers per year.)
- The PTO may maintain an operating reserve of 20–30% of the previous year’s expenditures for stability.
- Funds may be earmarked from the prior year’s balance for early-year events like the Fun Run.
- Unused funds beyond the reserve limit must be used to benefit students or staff within the following fiscal year.
- Money raised for specific projects (e.g., playground or technology improvements) will be tracked separately and used only for that purpose unless members approve otherwise.
5. Banking and Reporting Updates
Adds provisions for electronic payments and a year-end treasurer’s report.
6. New Conflict of Interest Policy (New Article VIII)
Introduces a clear policy ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of the PTO and school community.
These proposed updates were presented according to our bylaws and will be voted on by the membership at the December 2 meeting.
The full text of the
proposed bylaws is available here.
💚 We hope to see you on December 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons to cast your vote!
We’re still collecting photos for this year’s yearbook and would love your help. If you have pictures from school events, field trips, class activities, or everyday student memories , please send them in. These moments help us create a yearbook that truly reflects the school year. You can email them to yearbook@emeraldpto.org or submit them right here through the website.
Come Support Our Otter Entrepreneurs!
We’re excited to invite all 5th grade students to participate in this year’s Yearbook Cover Design Contest ! This is a special opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and leave a lasting mark on their final year at Emerald Elementary. One winning design will be selected as the official front cover of the 2025–2026 yearbook, with additional designs featured inside. Contest Guidelines To ensure all entries can be considered for printing, please follow these requirements: Designs must be created on standard 8.5" x 11" paper (vertical orientation) Artwork must be 100% original No tracing No clipart No AI-generated images One entry per student Each design must include: Emerald Elementary School 2025–2026 Students should not write their name on their artwork. A submission form will be attached instead. Tips for a Strong Design Encourage your student to think about what makes Emerald Elementary special. Strong designs often include: School memories, activities, or traditions Elements that represent our school community Creative use of bold, bright colors A few practical tips to keep in mind: Keep important artwork at least ½ inch from the edges to prevent it from being cut off during printing Use materials like markers, colored pencils, or crayons for the best results Most importantly, let their personality shine through Theme Ideas (Optional) Students are welcome to create their own concept or use one of these ideas for inspiration: Otters Stick Together at Emerald Highlight teamwork, friendships, and school spirit Growing Together at Emerald Elementary Show growth from kindergarten through 5th grade Our Otter Journey — From K to 5 Celebrate this class’s full journey at Emerald How to Submit Complete the submission form provided Attach it to the artwork using a paperclip or staple Turn in to your student’s teacher by: 👉 Friday, May 1 What Happens Next? One winning design will be featured on the front cover of the yearbook Runner-up designs may be included inside the yearbook Winners will be announced in early May Let’s Celebrate Our 5th Graders This contest is a meaningful way for students to reflect on their time at Emerald and contribute something lasting to the school community. We can’t wait to see the creativity, personality, and school pride our 5th graders bring to their designs!
Our next PTO meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 15 at 5:30 PM in the Emerald Commons , and all Emerald families are welcome to attend. PTO meetings are a chance to hear what is happening around the school, learn how funds are being used to support students and staff, and share ideas that help strengthen our school community. Whether you are a regular volunteer, brand new to the PTO, or just curious about what we do, you are welcome to join us. There is no long-term commitment required to attend a meeting. Come when you can, listen in, and participate at whatever level feels comfortable. Meeting Details Date: Wednesday, April 15 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Emerald Commons We hope to see you there and appreciate everyone who takes time to stay connected and involved at Emerald Elementary PTO .
Friday, March 27, 2026 5:30-7:30 pm
Do you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader who loves to create, design, or come up with big ideas? The Emerald Student Business Fair is coming on Friday, April 24, 2026 , and we are now accepting applications. This special event gives students the opportunity to design, launch, and run their own small business in a supportive school environment. Students will create an original product, set their prices, and sell to real customers during the event. This is not a competition. It is a hands-on learning experience focused on creativity, problem-solving, responsibility, and confidence. Participation is free!
It’s chocolate time at Emerald. Our See’s Candy fundraiser will run March 9th to March 20th , and it’s one of the sweetest ways to support our school community. If you already buy See’s Candy for Easter, spring celebrations, or just because you love it, this is the perfect time to stock up. Orders will arrive in time for Easter, so you can check one more thing off your to-do list while helping Emerald at the same time. Why This Fundraiser Matters Fundraisers like this help the PTO support: Classroom needs Community events like Otter Family Night Student-centered programs Staff appreciation efforts Every purchase directly supports the experiences that make Emerald more than just a school. It helps build the kind of community our kids get to grow up in. And the best part? You are not selling wrapping paper or something that ends up in a drawer. It is chocolate. Good chocolate. Easy to Share Sales are open March 9-20th, you will be able to share the ordering link with: Family members Friends Coworkers Neighbors Many people already buy See’s Candy in the spring. When they purchase through our fundraiser, Emerald benefits. That small shift makes a big difference. Mark Your Calendar Sales Open: March 9th Sales Close: March 20th Delivery: In time for Easter! We will share ordering details as soon as the sale goes live. Thank you for helping us make Emerald a strong and connected community.
It’s almost chocolate time at Emerald. Our See’s Candy fundraiser will run March 9th to March 20th , and it’s one of the sweetest ways to support our school community. If you already buy See’s Candy for Easter, spring celebrations, or just because you love it, this is the perfect time to stock up. Orders will arrive in time for Easter, so you can check one more thing off your to-do list while helping Emerald at the same time. Why This Fundraiser Matters Fundraisers like this help the PTO support: Classroom needs Community events like Otter Family Night Student-centered programs Staff appreciation efforts Every purchase directly supports the experiences that make Emerald more than just a school. It helps build the kind of community our kids get to grow up in. And the best part? You are not selling wrapping paper or something that ends up in a drawer. It is chocolate. Good chocolate. Easy to Share Once sales open on March 9th, you will be able to share the ordering link with: Family members Friends Coworkers Neighbors Many people already buy See’s Candy in the spring. When they purchase through our fundraiser, Emerald benefits. That small shift makes a big difference. Mark Your Calendar Sales Open: March 9th Sales Close: March 20th Delivery: In time for Easter! We will share ordering details as soon as the sale goes live. Thank you for helping us make Emerald a strong and connected community.
Our next PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 PM in the Emerald Commons , and all Emerald families are welcome to attend. PTO meetings are a chance to hear what is happening around the school, learn how funds are being used to support students and staff, and share ideas that help strengthen our school community. Whether you are a regular volunteer, brand new to the PTO, or just curious about what we do, you are welcome to join us. There is no long-term commitment required to attend a meeting. Come when you can, listen in, and participate at whatever level feels comfortable. Meeting Details Date: Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Emerald Commons We hope to see you there and appreciate everyone who takes time to stay connected and involved at Emerald Elementary PTO .
Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss Spring is full of energy at Emerald, and we have so many exciting things coming up. Mark your calendars and join us in supporting our students, staff, and school community.