providing support to teachers, students and families

The Atwater PTO organizes and sponsors a wide variety of fun activities and fundraisers throughout the year that enhance and support the Atwater community. For the 2008-09 school year, these include:

Atwater PTO Programs
ACE – Arts in Community Education – in partnership with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, a fine arts enrichment program that comes to your child’s classroom several times a year.
Atwater Idol – our own version of this wildly popular family program, Atwater Idol encourages children to perform a special talent before an enthusiastic audience of families and friends.
  • Atwater Times – our monthly newsletter, printed and delivered in Thursday folders.
    • Atwater Wishing Well – a web-based program that shares teachers' wish lists with parents and others in the community who are encouraged to to supplement our childrens' classrooms. a clearing house of information that matches teacher and classroom needs with parents and families interested in making donations for specific needs
  • Beautification committee – organizes events to plant, maintain and clean up the Atwater grounds.
  • Artists-in-Residence.
  • Back to School Picnic – an opportunity for new and returning Atwater families to meet and mingle at the start of the school year.
    • Block Parent/School Safety Committee – addresses school safety concerns and recruits block parents in the community.
    Book Week – scheduled activities to encourage literacy and a love of reading
    Career Day – a day-long PTO event that welcomes professionals to discuss their work and experiences with students.
    Dining ‘Round the World – a celebration of Atwater’s diverse community, families are invited to bring a dish that reflects their own (or a favorite!) cultural heritage.
    Movie Night – an event that features a family-friendly movie and snacks; please note that this event is scheduled for the week after Winter Sing in order to make efficient use of sound and video equipment.
    Monster Mash – a Halloween-themed costume and dance party.
    New Family/Kindergarten Picnic – a special opportunity for families new to the community and to the school to meet.
    Publishing Center – a resource for student authors and journalists that edits, types and produces children’s books.
  • Special Grants program  –approximately $5,000 is given per year to teachers, staff, and parents to enrich the learning experience for Atwater students.
  • Spirit Week – a week-long schedule of fun and creative events that allows students to show their creativity and school spirit.
  • Staff Appreciation – activities and recognition of our awesome Atwater faculty and staff.
  • Turn Off TV Week – a one week program with activities, information and challenges that reward students for eliminating TV viewing.
    Walk To School Day – a national program that encourages the community to join
    together in a walk to school.
    Winter Sing – an annual tradition at Atwater School, this evening program features singing and instrumental performances by each of the grades, under the direction of the music faculty.
    • A Year in the Life – new this year – a unique opportunity for 5th and 6th grade students to chronicle school activities and events using video production techniques.
    Community Services – This year we're sponsoring Mitten Mania, a collaborative effort with Lake Bluff School to make mittens out of recycled wool to benefit the SEED Foundation and children in need.

    Fundraisers (Ways & Means)
    Book Fair – a week of opportunities to buy age-appropriate and educational books and magazines.
    Box Tops 4 Education– part of the national program.
    Pumpkin Sale     – a seasonal fundraiser featuring high-quality pumpkins, gourds and other décor.
    Alterra Coffee Sale – fall and spring sales of Alterra’s high-quality, fair trade coffee.
    Flower and Plant Sale – a spring sale of bedding flowers, hanging baskets and plants.
    Fall Fundraiser – our biggest fundraiser of the year! Extensive assortments of candy, frozen foods, gift wrap, magazines and gift products – all delivered in time for the holiday season.
    Yearbook/Picture Sales – student and class pictures, and yearbook sales to capture memories that last a lifetime.
  • Concession sales – refreshments provided at several of our sponsored events.
    • Retail Sales – Boston Store coupon book for 11/10/7-coupon book includes eight 20% off coupons and one $10 off coupon all for $5 in which the PTO keeps.
    Shorewood Shares – a gift card purchase program that offers gift cards to dozens of local stores, with cash back to support the PTO.
    Family Dinner - a family style menu for families and friends before the exciting Atwater Idol performances.
    Tees and Sweats – sales of Atwater spirit wear, mugs, and other accessories.
    June Fair – a “school’s out” celebration on the last day of school that features games, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
    Palermo Pizza Sale – new this year! – sales of quality frozen pizzas.




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