Where Does the Money Go?

While fundraising is often looked upon as a hassle, the money raised by the Brown PTO efforts are necessary to maintain many of the wonderful programs and events that are provided to our children. These programs and materials directly benefit each and every student at Brown Elementary. Each year presents us with a new need or endeavor and the PTO is flexible in how it helps the staff provide the best educational experiences possible.

The PTO improves the amazing learning environment of Brown School by:

• Providing more than $10,000 annually in arts and science enrichment programs;

• Facilitating acquisition of technology to support 21st century learning;

• Paying for the cost of field trips to eliminate family contributions;

• Giving the principal and all classroom teachers monies to enhance school and classroom learning;

• Providing grants to teachers on an as-need basis;

• Contributing a portion of book fair proceeds to the school library;

• Providing additional funding to the Music program for new musical instruments;

• Providing additional funding to the Art program for art supplies and materials;

• Awarding an annual Brown School Alumni scholarship to a Natick High Senior;

• Supporting Step Up Activities.

Cultural Arts & Science Enrichment Program

Brown School, in conjunction with Natick's Cultural Arts Committee brings outstanding performing arts programs to the school. Performances are announced in the weekly Brown School Blast and volunteers are always welcome to help with the events. Cultural Arts Programs are funded primarily through the PTO. Previously sponsored programs have included: Mad Science and slime making for Kindergartners, Nutcracker performance for 1st graders, Birds of Prey studies for 2nd graders and the 4th grade theater field trip to see Robin Hood. School-wide visits have also included visits by Ball in the House (a Capella group), Poet Ted Scheu, illustrator John Stevens Gurney, and Celtic Bells, family of Irish music performers. Each program makes a unique contribution to our children's education and is designed to complement the curriculum.

Technology Purchases

In previous years, we have purchased iPads for each classroom. These purchases are evaluated on a year by year basis with requests coming from the Brown School Principal and Teachers.

Field Trips

Field trips add a lasting value to the classroom experience for students at Brown. The PTO raises funds to subsidize the cost of these trips which lowers the cost for students to participate in these trips easing the burden on families. Some recent and upcoming field trips include a trip to an apple orchard, Southwick Zoo, Plimouth Plantation, & the Discovery Science Museum.

Teacher and Principal Stipends

Each year teachers, staff and the principal spend hours of hard work and money to get their classrooms and the school ready for their students. The PTO tries to ease the financial burden of this preparation by offering stipends to each staff member.