ISLA PTO 5-Year Strategic Plan
7/1/2008 to 6/30/2013
ISLA PTO MISSION
- Promote communication and cooperation
between parent(s) or guardian(s) and school staff.
- Enhance the educational and social experiences that our children
have at ISLA by enriching the curriculum and providing the school community with social activities.
- Raise funds and
promote involvement in school activities through the following means:
- Providing annually budgeted and PTO
sponsored activities and additional programs and materials.
- Supplementing annual ISLA budget for additional equipment,
materials and activities.
- Evaluating requests for financial support for special activities, resources and supplies.
ISLA PTO VISION
The ISLA PTO will strive to be a progressive organization regarding
parent participation, fundraising, enrichment programs and services to encourage the educational experiences for all students.
ISLA
PTO VALUES
The ISLA PTO will operate according to its bylaws, focus on the best interests of the students, communicate
with openness and candor, and strive to excite students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
PREAMBLE
Intended Purpose of this Strategic Plan
The
intended purpose of this Strategic Plan is to provide strategic guidance to the ISLA Board and Membership it executes its
Mission, Vision and Values in support of ISLA.
Process for Developing the Plan
The ISLA PTO Executive
Board serves on the ISLA Strategic Planning Committee. The Executive Board drafts its recommendations the ISLA PTO Strategic
Plan in support of the overall ISLA Strategic Plan. The ISLA PTO Strategic Plan is then presented together with the
proposed Budget for the upcoming school year to its membership. Opportunity for open comment and discussion is provided
to the Membership during its May meeting.
This Strategic Plan is intended to be an inclusive and open working
document, continually reflecting the consensus opinion of the PTO Membership. It provides guidance to the Board, Committees
and Membership about performance expectations while not dictating how any specific goal is to be implemented.
Intentions
for Review and Monitoring
This Strategic Plan will be reviewed whenever operational conflicts arise and updated
at least annually by the ISLA PTO Executive Board.
The ISLA PTO Executive Board will present the
Membership with an annual progress report each May when it presents its budget proposal for the upcoming school year.
The ISLA PTO Plan will also be reviewed whenever any change is made to the ISLA Strategic Plan.
Table
of Contents
Section | Title | Page |
A | Historical Background of ISLA and the ISLA PTO | 4 |
B | Parent Enrichment Goals | 6 |
C | Curriculum Goals | 7 |
D | Extra-Curricular Goals | 8 |
E | Social Enrichment | 10 |
F | Communications | 13 |
G | Fundraising Goals | 16 |
H | Continued Strategic Planning Goals | 17 |
I | Summary of Annual
Goals for Duration of Plan | 18 |
A. Historical Background
of ISLA and the ISLA PTO
ISLA
ISLA is a public school choice for elementary students living
in Minnesota. ISLA opened its doors to grades K-4 in September and plans to build to K-6. ISLA's mission is
to empower the whole child by nurturing the development of personal growth, strong character, academic excellence, and global
vision.
During the first year, grades K-2 received an immersion experience, with grades 3 & 4 receiving instruction
in Spanish and English. By combining Spanish immersion and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme,
ISLA offers a challenging elementary program for all learners.
ISLA PTO Origin And Organizational
Structure
Groups of ISLA parents started meeting in June of 2007. In their July meeting, these parents selected
a PTO Board. By August, the ISLA PTO had approved its Bylaws, a Mission, Vision and Values statement, and launched its
official http://www.isla-pto.org/index.html website. ISLA PTO has obtained an EIN number. We have registered and incorporated our organization with the State
of Minnesota. We qualify as a non-profit. We have a pending 501(c)3 status and will officially become a 501(3)(c)
tax-exempt organization upon completion of this step.
2007 ISLA Events and Fundraisers
By
the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, the ISLA PTO had established its on-going McDonald's night fundraiser.
We also set up associations with various retailers, to tap into some of the school money they give back to the communities,
including the Target RedCard, SchoolPop.com, and Lands End.
In October, the ISLA PTO coordinated the Dia
De Los Muertos event, raising $679 for the PTO. This was a great start!
In February
our Scholastic Book Fair raised nearly $400, plus over $250 in books donated to both classrooms and the library. We
also were able to raise enough money through the ‘change for books' effort to donate 131 books various children's
charities.
At our January PTO meeting we invited several local legislators to attend and were very pleased
with the interest and attendance. We held an informal discussion that was very informative. We were able to share
the reasons why we chose ISLA, and discuss why the charter school option is necessary. We also heard from them as to
the issues in the legislature that ISLA may face in the future.
We formed a committee to tackle the job
of writing applications for grants. Along with that we have formed a Teaching Assistant acquisition group.
We concluded the 2007-2008 school year with evening party for the Adults of ISLA on May 31st.
This summer we hope to hold a few other events, including one to welcome our new families. We also are putting together
a uniform exchange process, and over the summer, a garage sale and one other event.
The ISLA PTO Board
began work on this Strategic Plan to determine and develop our future goals, and beginning to plan a calendar of events for
the 2008 - 2009 school year. In its initial draft, the ISLA PTO Board identified 6 key focus areas:
The ISLA PTO will promote communication and cooperation between parent(s) or guardian(s) and
school staff.
Enhance the educational experiences that
our children have at ISLA by enriching the curriculum.
Enhance
the experiences that are available at ISLA by providing the school community with Extra-Curricular activities.
Enhance the social experiences that our children have at ISLA by providing social opportunities
for our students within the school community.
Create
opportunities for our students to build ties with our local community and the global community.
Facilitate
communication between the ISLA Board, ISLA staff and parents
Raise
funds and promote involvement in school activities
This draft, in coordination with our 2008-2008 ISLA
PTO Budget, represents our first organizational attempt at this ongoing process.
Section
B: Parent Enrichment Goals
The ISLA PTO will promote communication and cooperation between parent(s) or
guardian(s) and school staff. Specifically, the ISLA PTO will:
- 1. Work with ISLA to recruit
family members and promote opportunities for them to participate.
- 2. Provide opportunities
for Parents to share knowledge in support of their child's educational success.
- 3. Provide
opportunities for Students to demonstrate their academic achievement and bilingual fluency to their Parents and the Community.
- 4.
Communicate additional services Parents want and need to support their Student's success at ISLA.
- 5.
Educate Parents about the conflict peacemaker program and Responsive Classroom techniques used within the school so they can
support the success of their child's participation in it.
ISLA PTO Goal 1:
Work with ISLA to recruit family members and promote opportunities for them to participate.
Specific:
Increase family member participation at ISLA
Measurable:
1) 2008-2009: Document % of family participation in ISLA volunteer activities
2) 2009-2013: Establish an annual % increase
goal
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Volunteer Coordinator
Time:
Establish baseline data by end of 2008-2009
school year. Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
ISLA
PTO Goal 2: Provide opportunities for Parents to share knowledge in support of their child's
educational success.
Specific: Provide networking
opportunities for Parents to share knowledge in support of their child's educational success on the ISLA-PTO website,
at Family Nights and PTO meetings.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: Number of networking opportunities provided
2) 2009-2013: Based on 2008-2009 data, establish an annual % increase goal
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Vice-Chair
Time: Establish
baseline data by end of 2008-2009 school year. Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
ISLA PTO Goal 3: Provide opportunities for Students to demonstrate
their academic achievement and bilingual fluency to their Parents and the Community
Specific:
Provide Opportunities for Student Demonstration at Family Nights and other community forums
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: Document number of opportunities for student demonstration at Family Nights and other
community forums.
2) 2009-2013: Based on 2008-2009 data, establish an annual % increase goal
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Vice Chair
Time:
Establish baseline data by end of 2008-2009 school year. Report progress monthly at PTO meetings
and PTO website
ISLA PTO Goal 4: Communicate additional
services Parents want and need to support their Student's success at ISLA
Specific:
Annually survey Parents
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009 survey distributed and results collected
2) Report results at November PTO meeting and PTO website
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
October 1, 2008
ISLA PTO Goal 5: Educate Parents
about the conflict peacemaker program and Responsive Classroom techniques used within the school so they can support the success
of their child's participation in it.
Specific:
Provide at least one Educational Family Night dedicated to this purpose
Measurable: 1) 2008-2013 provide at least 1 Education Family Night
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Chair
Time:
Complete by end of each school year.
Section C . Curriculum
Enhance
the educational experiences that our children have at ISLA by enriching the curriculum.
Students
need to have access to Activities that allow for diverse and challenging experiences to complement their ISLA classroom learning
experience. The ISLA PTO will:
- 6. Recruit and provide funding for one or more International
Teaching Assistant positions.
- 7. Supplement annual ISLA budget for additional equipment, materials
and activities.
- 8. Evaluate requests for financial support for special activities, resources
and supplies.
ISLA PTO Goal 6: Recruit and provide funding
for one or more International Teaching Assistant positions.
Specific:
Recuit and provide funding for one or more International TA
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: 1 TA in place; PTO Budget Line item
2) 2009-2013: Based on results, adjust goal annually.
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Vice Chair
Time:
1) August 2008
ISLA PTO Goal 7: Supplement annual ISLA budget for additional
equipment, materials and activities.
Specific:
Include dollars in the ISLA PTO annual budget for each classroom each year. Monies will be spent at the teacher's
discretion to meet any classroom need.
Measurable:
1) 2008-2009: PTO Budget Line Item
2) 2009-2010: TBA
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Treasurer
Time:
1) 2008-2009: August 2008.
Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
ISLA PTO Goal
8: Evaluate requests for financial support for special activities, resources and supplies.
Specific:
Teachers will be presented with process documentation and forms to use
for any requests for funding from the PTO by October 2008.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: Process
Documentation and Forms available
2) 2009-2013: Review and Revise Forms Annually
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Treasurer
Time:
1) 2008-2009: October 2008
2) Annual Review and Revisions Completed by August.
Section D. Extra-Curricular
Enhance
the Extra-Curricular experiences that are available at ISLA by providing the school community with Extra-Curricular activities.
- 9.
Serve as a source of information regarding extra-curricular activities that are not sponsored by ISLA or ISLA-PTO, but may
be of interest to our students or families.
- 10. Annually survey ISLA families to identify and
prioritize areas of interest in extra-curricular activities, with the first survey being completed prior to October 1, 2008.
- 11.
Annually collect information from ISLA parents/guardians as to their areas of extracurricular expertise and levels of interest
in volunteering to instruct/coach/organize ISLA extracurricular activities, with the first survey being completed prior to
October 1, 2008.
- 12. Provide financial support to include students and families in ISLA and
ISLA-PTO extra-curricular events and opportunities that may otherwise be cost prohibitive.
ISLA
PTO Goal 9: Serve as a source of information regarding extra-curricular activities that are not sponsored
by ISLA or ISLA-PTO, but may be of interest to our students or families.
Specific:
Serve as a source of information regarding extra-curricular activities that are not sponsored by ISLA or ISLA-PTO, but may
be of interest to our students or families.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: Parent Survey and Web
Visit Log
2) 2009-2013: Based on results, adjust goal annually
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Secretary
Time:
October 2008: Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
ISLA
PTO Goal 10: Annually survey ISLA families to identify and prioritize areas of interest
in extra-curricular activities, with the first survey being completed prior to October 1, 2008.
Specific:
Annually survey ISLA families to identify and prioritize areas of interest
in extra-curricular activities. Coordinate with ISLA staff and communicate to parents the 2 (or more) ISLA sanctioned
extra-curricular activities they offer each year, per the ISLA Strategic Plan and survey results.
Measurable:
1) 2008-2009: Survey completed
2) 2009-2013: Annually improve survey based on previous results.
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
1) 2008-2008: Survey completed by October 1, 2008
2) TBA
ISLA PTO Goal 11: Annually collect
information from ISLA parents/guardians as to their areas of extracurricular expertise and levels of interest in volunteering
to instruct/coach/organize ISLA extracurricular activities, with the first survey being completed prior to October 1, 2008.
Specific:
Survey ISLA parents/guardians as to their areas of extracurricular expertise and
levels of interest in volunteering to instruct/coach/organize ISLA extracurricular activities.
Measurable:
1) 2008-2009: First survey completed.
2) 2009-2013: Based on results, adjust goal annually.
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Volunteer
Coordinator
Time: 1)
2008-2009: Completed October 1, 2008
2) 2009:2013: TBA
ISLA PTO Goal 12: Provide financial support
to include students and families in ISLA and ISLA-PTO extra-curricular events and opportunities that may otherwise be cost
prohibitive.
Specific: Provide financial
support to include students and families in ISLA and ISLA-PTO extra-curricular events and opportunities that may otherwise
be cost prohibitive.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009:
PTO Budget Line Item
2) 2009:2013: TBA
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Treasurer
Time:
1) 2008-2009: Report progress
monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
2) 2009-2013: TBA
Section E . Social Enrichment
Enhance
the social experiences that our children have at ISLA by providing social opportunities for our students within the school
community and create opportunities for our students to build ties with our local community, and the global community.
In
general, ISLA PTO will:
- 13. Annually survey ISLA families to identify and prioritize areas of interest in social
activities, with the first survey being completed prior to October 1, 2008.
- 14. Provide financial
support to include students and families in social events and opportunities that may otherwise be financially prohibitive.
To promote Social Enrichment at the school level, the ISLA PTO will:
- 15.
Provide frequent opportunities for Parents and Children of ISLA to gather for social benefit.
- 16.
Provide a venue for parents to propose and execute community-building activities that fit with the ISLA PTO Mission, Vision
and Values.
To promote Social Enrichment at the Local level, the ISLA PTO will:
- 17.
Provide opportunities for ISLA to interact with the local community.
- 18. Serve as a source of
information regarding social activities that are not sponsored by ISLA or ISLA-PTO, but may be of interest to our students
or families.
To promote Social Enrichment at the Global level, the ISLA PTO will:
- 19.
Provide opportunities for ISLA to interact with the global community.
ISLA
PTO Goal 13: Annually survey ISLA families to identify and prioritize areas of interest in social activities,
with the first survey being completed prior to October 1, 2008.
Specific:
Annually survey ISLA families to identify and prioritize areas of interest in social activities, with the first survey
being completed prior to Oct 1, 2008.
Measurable: 2008-2009: Survey completed
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
October 1, 2008
ISLA PTO Goal 14: Provide financial support to include
students and families in social events and opportunities that may otherwise be financially prohibitive.
Specific:
Provide financial support to include students and families in social events and opportunities that may otherwise
be financially prohibitive.
Measurable: 2008-2009: Budget line item.
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Treasurer
Time:
Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website.
ISLA PTO Goal
15: Provide frequent opportunities for Parents and Children of ISLA to gather for social benefit.
Specific:
Plan Four Family nights each year that are primarily for the purpose of socializing. Dates will be included on ISLA's
calendar each year.
Measurable: 2008-2009: Four Family Nights Completed
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Vice-Chair
Time:
Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website.
ISLA PTO Goal
16: Provide a venue for parents to propose and execute community-building activities that fit with the
ISLA PTO Mission, Vision and Values.
Specific:
Provide a venue for parents to propose and execute community-building activities that fit with the ISLA PTO Mission,
Vision and Values
Measurable: 2008-2009: Document number of community-building activities
2009-2010: % increase from 2008-2009 baseline
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Vice-Chair
Time: 2008-2009:
Completed by end of school year. Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website.
ISLA
PTO Goal 17: Provide opportunities for ISLA to interact with the local community.
Participate
in at least two events each year to raise awareness of ISLA in the local community. Examples would include representation
at Empty Bowls, Raspberry festival, Main Street Days, local Hispanic soccer league
Specific:
Participate in at least two events each year to raise awareness of ISLA in the local community. Examples would
include representation at Empty Bowls, Raspberry festival, Main Street Days, local Hispanic soccer league
Measurable:
2008-2009: Document number of opportunities
2009-2010: % increase from 2008-2009 baseline
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Vice-Chair
Time:
Report progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website.
ISLA PTO Goal
18: Serve as a source of information regarding social activities that are not sponsored by ISLA or ISLA-PTO,
but may be of interest to our students or families.
Specific:
Serve as a source of information regarding social activities that are not sponsored by ISLA or ISLA-PTO, but may
be of interest to our students or families.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: Survey and Web Visit
Log
2) 2009-2010: % increase from 2009 baseline
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Secretary
Time: Report
progress monthly at PTO meetings and PTO website
ISLA PTO Goal 19: Provide
opportunities for ISLA to interact with the Global Community.
Specific:
Schedule at least one speaker per year that can present their personal or family history, in regard to a Spanish
Speaking country. The pool we could draw from would include full time ISLA Staff, Teaching Assistants at ISLA or other
Spanish speaking schools, and other members of the community
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009:
One Speaker
2) 2009-2010: TBA
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Vice
Chair
Time: Completed
by end of school year.
ISLA PTO Goal 20: Provide community service opportunities
for ISLA to interact with the Global Community.
Specific:
Seek out at least one community service opportunity for ISLA students, which will benefit students in native Spanish
speaking countries. This could include the Back Pack drive we participated in, sponsored by the Rotary club, or similar
activities.
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: One community service opportunity
2) 2009-2010: TBA
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Vice
Chair
Time: Completed
by end of school year.
ISLA PTO Goal 21: Provide opportunities
for ISLA to interact with the Global Community.
Specific:
Schedule at least one speaker per year that can present their personal or family history, in regard to a Spanish
Speaking country. The pool we could draw from would include full time ISLA Staff, Teaching Assistants at ISLA or other
Spanish speaking schools, and other members of the community
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009:
One Speaker
2) 2009-2010: TBA
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Vice
Chair
Time: Completed
by end of school year.
ISLA PTO Goal 22: Provide opportunities for ISLA to
interact with the Local Community.
Specific: Seek
out at least one local community service opportunity for ISLA students (preferably coordinated with a Faith Presbyterian Church)
Measurable: 1) 2008-2009: One local community service opportunity
2) 2009-2010: TBA
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Vice Chair
Time:
Completed by end of school year.
Section F. Communications
Facilitate
communication between the ISLA Board, ISLA Staff and Parents in the following ways:
- 23. Provide Opportunities
for Parents to learn about ISLA's goals and ongoing performance including curriculum and recognition programs.
- 24.
Provide communications/branding policies and templates to ensure ISLA PTO communications are of high quality and consistently
promote our Mission, Vision and Values.
- 25. Facilitate and Maintain PTO involvement in "ISLA Welcome Committee"
- 26.
Facilitate the communication of parent concerns to ISLA Director and Board
- 27. Facilitate the communication and parent
feedback and/or needs in school day care options and summer care options.
ISLA
PTO Goal 23: Provide Opportunities for Parents to learn about ISLA's goals and ongoing performance
Specific:
Provide opportunities for parents to learn about ISLA's goals and
ongoing performance.
Measurable: Document baseline number of networking opportunities provided
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
End of School Year
ISLA PTO Goal 24: Provide
communications/branding policies and templates to ensure ISLA PTO communications are of high quality and consistently promote
our Mission, Vision and Values.
Specific:
Provide communications/branding policies and templates to ensure ISLA PTO communications are of high quality and
consistently promote our Mission, Vision and Values
Measurable: Communications/branding
policies and templates available
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Chair
Time: August
2008
ISLA PTO Goal 25: Facilitate and Maintain PTO involvement
in "ISLA Welcome Buddies"
Specific: Facilitate
and maintain PTO involvement in "ISLA Welcome Buddies"
Measurable: Number of
Parents involved
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Volunteer Coordinator
Time:
June 2008
ISLA PTO Goal 26: Facilitate the communication of
parent concerns to ISLA Director and Board.
Specific:
Facilitate the communication of parent concerns to ISLA Director and Board
Measurable:
Survey and Web log
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Secretary
Time:
October 1, 2008 and Report at monthly PTO meetings and website
ISLA PTO
Goal 27: Facilitate the communication and parent feedback and/or needs in school day care
options and summer care options.
Specific: Facilitate
the communication and parent feedback and/or needs in school day care options and summer care options
Measurable:
Survey and web log
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Secretary
Time:
October 1, 2008 and report at monthly PTO meetings and website.
Section G. Funding
and Fundraising Goals
Raise funds and promote involvement in school activities through the following means:
- 28.
Set aggressive fundraising goals to meet the needs of a growing school, until the school population has stabilized.
- 29.
Provide annually budgeted and PTO sponsored activities and additional programs and materials.
- 30. Provide a fundraising
packet, available to anyone wishing to hold a fundraiser for ISLA-PTO, with guidance and standards to ensure ISLA-PTO is represented
consistently at all sponsored events.
ISLA PTO Goal 28: Set
aggressive fundraising goals to meet the needs of a growing school, until the school population has stabilized.
Specific:
Set aggressive fundraising goals to meet the needs of a growing school, until the school population has stabilized.
Measurable:
2008-2009 Budget
Achievable: Yes
Responsible:
Treasurer
Time: August
2008
ISLA PTO Goal 29: Provide annually budgeted and PTO
sponsored activities and additional programs and materials.
Specific:
Financially support the ISLA PTO Annual Budget
Measurable: On Budget
Achievable:
Yes
Responsible: Treasurer
Time:
End of School Year, Report progress at monthly PTO meetings and website
ISLA PTO Goal 30:
Provide a fundraising packet, available to anyone wishing to hold a fundraiser for ISLA-PTO, with guidance for record
keeping and standards to ensure ISLA-PTO is represented consistently at all sponsored events.
Specific:
By beginning of 2008-2009 school year, have fundraising packet available for
any parent wishing to hold an event, so that consistency is maintained for all ISLA-PTO events.
Measurable:
Packet Available
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Treasurer
Time:
Beginning of 2008-2009 School Year
Section H. Continued Strategic Planning
Goals
In order to ensure the ISLA PTO's operation with its mission, vision and values, the Strategic
Plan will include an annual review of all ISLA PTO Policies and Procedures and will:
- 31. be reviewed and updated
annually by the ISLA PTO Executive Board.
- 32. Be presented to the membership with an annual progress report each
May when it presents its budget proposal for the upcoming school year.
- 33. be reviewed whenever any change is made
to the ISLA Strategic Plan.
ISLA PTO Goal 31:
be reviewed and updated annually by the ISLA PTO Executive Board.
Specific:
Annual review and update of all ISLA PTO Policies and Procedures
Measurable:
Review Completed
Achievable Yes
Responsible:
Chair
Time:
April 30 of Each School Year
ISLA PTO Goal 32: Present the updated Strategic
Plan to the Membership with an annual progress report each May when it presents its Budget proposal for the upcoming school
year.
Action Plan: Annual review of Strategic Plan
Measurable:
Presentation to Membership
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
May PTO Meeting Each School Year
ISLA PTO Goal 33: Review the ISLA
PTO Strategic Plan whenever any change is made to the ISLA Strategic Plan.
Specific:
Review the ISLA PTO Strategic Plan whenever any change is made to the ISLA Strategic Plan
Measurable:
Review the ISLA PTO Strategic Plan
Achievable: Yes
Responsible: Chair
Time:
TBA
I. Summary of Annual Goals for Duration of Plan
See
Dashboard2.doc