Originally delivered on 10/16/2025 8:01 am

SUBJECT: PTO Newsletter Oct 2025

Orono PTO Newsletter
Letter From the President

Dear Orono K-5 families,


On behalf of the Orono K-5 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Board, I’d like to extend a heartfelt greeting to all returning families and a special welcome to those joining our community for the first time. As parents of K-5 children ourselves, we’re thrilled to volunteer alongside you and look forward to an exciting year ahead. I do realize that this greeting is a bit late, as we’re already well into the month of October (where did the time go?!?).


The PTO is here to support our students, teachers, and staff by fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether it’s organizing events, funding enrichment programs, or simply lending a helping hand, our mission is to enhance the educational experience for every child.


Thank you for your continued generosity to our schools. Whether you’ve donated your time, contributed financially, or simply shown up to support our efforts, we are deeply grateful. Your involvement directly impacts the quality of our children's education and helps build a stronger, more connected school community.


We've been hearing growing interest from parents who would like to learn more about what we do as a board. I love this enthusiasm and am committed to creating an open and transparent environment. Join us at a PTO Board Meeting on October 24, from 9:15-10:30 a.m., at the Orono Activities Center, room 28/29. During the meeting, you’ll have the chance to observe the board as we work through the day’s business. 


Keep an eye out for other opportunities to connect with us going forward, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions in the meantime. Let’s go Spartans!


Sincerely, 

Melanie Strei

25-26 President, Orono K-5 PTO

oronomnpto@gmail.com

Field Trips

Our field trips are off and running this school year! Our students have visited educational programs at The Arboretum, U of M AppleHouse (birthplace of the Honeycrisp Apple), and Lowry Nature Center so far! Field trips happen all year long, so keep an eye out for opportunities to chaperone!

Your Contribution

Did you know the average field trip costs approximately $2,700 with funds going to unique teaching programs at amazing Minnesota locations including safe transportation for all students?  Thanks to your Run-a-Thon donations, every student gets to explore and learn all year long!  THANK YOU!

Open House

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open House at the beginning of the year! It was SO wonderful to be together again! We're looking forward to a fantastic year.

Kindergarten Orientation

We hope our Kindergarteners had as much fun as we did at Kinder Orientation.  Our newest students had a chance to meet their teachers and see their classrooms before the big day. Thanks to our parent volunteers for sharing the joy with popcorn, chalk art, and popsicles, too!

Book Fair Update!

The Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner and will be happening November 10-14 in the Media Center with a whole week of events and activities to attend!

We are now accepting Book Fair volunteers! Please click the link HERE to sign up for this amazing school event.

More information will be sent out on PeachJar and our Socials next week, so keep an eye out for that information!

Thank you!

Thank you so much for donating to our Class Party Fund and for Opting-In for PTO communication! If you know someone who is missing our PTO or Room Rep emails, please send them to the link HERE

And in case you missed the Class Party Fund the first go around, don't worry! There's still time to contribute-just click the link HERE! We appreciate you so much!

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

 Volunteer Opportunities-check out our website to sign up:

Future Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Class Parties (see Room Rep emails)
  • Bus Driver Appreciation - coming in January
  • Run-A-Thon-coming in February
  • Staff Appreciation Week - coming in April
Open PTO Meeting-Join us!

Join us at an Open-to-the-Public PTO Board Meeting on October 24, from 9:15-10:30 a.m., at the Orono Activities Center, room 28/29. During the meeting, you’ll have the chance to observe the board as we work through the day’s business. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events/Milestones:
  • October through December: Fall parties

  • Oct. 16-17: MEA, no school

  • Oct. 24: Open to the Public PTO Meeting

  • Nov. 7: Professional day, no school

  • Nov. 10-14: Book Fair

    • Nov. 10: Book BINGO

    • Nov. 13: Spaghetti Dinner

  • Nov. 18: Prospective Student Open House

  • Nov. 24-25: Conferences

  • Winter Class Parties

  • Feb. 6: Run-A-Thon

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