PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization. Like the more common PTA or PTSA, a PTO is an organized way for parents and the community to work with teachers and the school to add to educational experience for students. The main difference between a PTA and a PTO is simply that PTAs are part of a national and state organization. They collect membership dues in order to below to those organizations and access their resources. Bryant has opted for a PTO model, which is independent of any larger organizations.
The Bryant Montessori PTO is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates under its own bylaws and does not charge a membership fee. Rather, we encourage each member of our community to contribute however they can. For some, this is volunteering to hold a board position, volunteering for events, or donating money. We work to build a wonderful experience for the entire Bryant community, so we want to hear from you!
The Bryant PTO works to support an engaging learning environment for students and build community among everyone connected with Bryant. We do this many ways, from fun events at school like Popcorn Fridays, to community gatherings like STEAM Nights and Friday Night events, to financially assisting students so they can participate in field trips.
Meetings are held online every third Tuesday at 7:00 PM. Meeting links will be posted on the website homepage, the PTO and Bryant Community Facebook pages, and in Principle O'Brien's Sunday Email the week of the meeting. We will be posting meeting notes on the website as well because we know weekday meetings can be tough for parents to attend.
2023-2024 Bryant Montessori PTO Board
President
Clesont Mitchell
president@bryantpto.com
Vice President
Sarena Van Horn
Treasurer
Mahroo Keshavarz
Secretary
Melissa Mitchell-Martin
Garden Team Leader
Sarah Holm
Clesont Mitchell - President
Clesont is the PTO president and grandfather to 5 Bryant students, from Children’s House up to Middle School. He’s been involved with the school system for over 35 years as the parent of two public school graduates, parent leaders, advocate, school staff, and PTAs/PTOs. He believes in collaboration between parents, the wider community, and schools.
He has been a parent advisor for the New York Urban League, presented workshops for parents, community based organizations, and educational groups around the country. He is a member of the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, the National Coalition for Parents of English Language Learners, and the board of Citizens for Effective Schools.
In his spare time (ha!) he loves camping, building around the house, and gardening. He has also trained Olympic fencers, helps build tiny homes for the homeless, and runs an anti-racism alliance.
Sarena VanHorn - Vice President
I began getting involved with the PTO last year when my girls transferred to Bryant. This year Scarlett is an 8th grader and Brooke is in 2nd grade. I'm excited to support our Bryant community and continue to get to know the families here. Some of my favorite things are spending time with family and friends, nature and learning new things!
Sarah Holm - Garden Team Leader
The outdoors is important to our family, we’re always searching for a natural space to explore with our kids, ages 3-9.
I serve as co-chair of The Garden Team (a sub-committee of PTO), a parent and teacher led advisory team that manages the Bryant Montessori School Outdoor Garden Classroom. We provided student access to the outdoors via an outdoor classroom that is made up of three types of gardens: habitat, food growing and sensory gardens.
Previously our garden was lost to construction of the new school; our community established a temporary garden at our interim location, where parent volunteers provide student access.
Together we’re building a new Outdoor Garden Classroom in Fall 2024! For now we need help funding and facilitating student access to the garden.
Want to Get Involved with the PTO? Here's How:
PTO meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month. Anyone with an interest in Bryant is welcome and encouraged to attend. Meetings are held online through Google Meet. A link to the meeting will be posted on this website, sent out in Principal O'Brien's Sunday email, and posted on the Bryant PTO Facebook page.
Volunteer
The PTO has plenty of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and we’d love to see as many people as possible help out. Volunteer opportunities will be posted on the website and the Bryant PTO Facebook page.
In order to volunteer at events on the Bryant campus, you must complete a volunteer form and background check. Just complete the form and bring it, along with a copy of your driver’s license or valid ID to the front office at Bryant.
Volunteer Form is available online here.
Join the Garden Team
The Garden Team is always looking for more parent volunteers. No gardening experience is necessary; just a desire to help out. The Garden Team volunteer form is available here.
Not Sure Where You Fit in the PTO?
If you have any particular skills you’d like to put to use with the PTO, or even if you aren’t sure how you can contribute, we’d love for you to get in touch. Send an email to info@bryantmontessoripto.com and we’ll chat!
PTO Fundraising
Following are examples of donation amounts and what they provide for the school and students:
$10 – a scholarship for a student to go on a field trip
$15 – send a student to Bryant Night at the Tacoma Rainiers
$50 – the cost of 1 Popcorn Friday (there are 9 a year)
$100 – covered the cost for two benches for students to enjoy in the school garden
$150 – contributes toward the End of Year celebration, enjoyed by the entire Bryant community
$200 – Disc Golf for the middle school students to enjoy at recess
$250 – Covers the month Friday night events at the Bryant Neighborhood Center
$300 – Raz Kids for two classrooms
$400 – Teacher Appreciation gifts and fun
$500 – Sponsorship for the Bryant Day of Service
$600 – Field Day supplies, including treats
A very generous donation of $6,000 would help stock and support teacher libraries and students during the Fall and Spring Book Fairs
How do I contribute?
Money can be dropped off at the Main Office or donated through Pay Pal at treasurer@bryantpto.com.
Thank you for any support you're able to provide! From the students, teachers, parents, and everyone invested in Bryant. Together, we build and support the Bryant community.