Parent Service Organization
PSO Officers | PSO Calendar| Room Parents | PSO Minutes
EVERY parent is a member of the Parent Service Organization (PSO). Parental involvement in the St. Catherine’s community plays a critical role in the success of our school. Parents building relationships through service and participation reinforces the strong foundation of education, social, emotional, and physical development, and spirituality laid down over 40 years. Parents in partnership with our students, faculty, and staff make St. Catherine’s the special place that we know and love!
Be an active participant in your PSO!
What is the mission of the PSO?
The mission of the PSO is to enhance the educational environment of St. Catherine’s Montessori School while building community spirit through family involvement.
How does the PSO enhance the educational environment?
- The PSO brings cultural programs into the school ranging from dance troupes to musicians to poets.
- The PSO supports some fields trips and off-campus opportunities, such as the Adolescent Community’s trip in 2010 to Austin to address the Texas State Legislature.
- The PSO works with the teachers to provide classroom materials.
- The PSO supports some of the projects that enhance the environs of our school.
How does the PSO build community spirit through family involvement?
- The PSO organizes school-wide events such as Fall Festival and Spring Fling, times when our families can gather to break bread and play together.
- The PSO hosts social opportunities such the morning coffee social and movie night.
- The PSO hosts the Book Club. See the front desk for the next good read and discussion date.
- The PSO supports Parent Education programs where we, the parents, can come to school and learn more about Montessori methods and materials.
How else does the PSO build community?
Building relationships through service to our school community, otherwise known as volunteering, is the backbone of the PSO. When parents volunteer to help with a PSO or school project, it is not just about getting the job done. It is about meeting others and getting to know each other while supporting our children and their teachers and the staff. With most volunteer opportunities, no experience is necessary and we appreciate any amount of time that you are able to share with us.
How does the PSO fund educational enhancement and community events?
Money is raised from the annual Magazine Drive, Scholastic Books, and our Rebate Programs: Box Tops for Education, Box Tops Online Marketplace and rebate programs from stores like Rice Epicurean and Kroger. These funds are then used to fulfill the mission of the PSO.
Does the PSO do anything else?
- The PSO hosts official social events from Parent Potlucks and Coffee Socials to movie nights to Fall Fest and Spring Fling as well as unofficial events such as Coffee on a Whim.
- The PSO provides the hospitality for a variety of Parent meetings.
- The PSO provides the New Parent Liaison to help new families settle in at St. Catherine’s.
- The PSO Room Parent Coordinator works with the PSO and the school administrators to help provide timely communications regarding the events going on in our community.
- The PSO coordinates the annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon each May.
As you can see, the PSO has a lot going on and none of it is possible without the support and participation of parents. We look forward to serving with you in 2011-12!
PSO Activities
Book Club: A book is selected to read and discuss. The discussion is usually held either in a parent’s home or at school.
Coffee on a Whim: This is a new, very informal social opportunity. Interested parents will put their name on an email list. If a parent decides that they want some company for coffee or lunch or whatever, they can send a note to the list* with the details and see who turns up!
*The PSO President, Vice-President, and Room Parent Coordinator are the keepers of the list.
Fall Festival: A potluck social with crafts and games held each fall. This year’s date is October 22, 2011.
Magazine Drive: The magazine drive is from September 12-30, 2011; however magazines can be ordered year round. We sell and renew magazine subscriptions through a company called QSP and we receive a percentage of the sales.
Outside Education: This committee brings in cultural and scientific programs ranging from poets to dance troupes to zoo mobiles.
Parent Education: This committee supports opportunities throughout the school year to learn more about Montessori Philosophy and the classroom materials.
Parent Potlucks: Each class hosts a parent-only potluck for their class during the month of September.
Rebates: The PSO is given a percentage of sales through various rebate programs.
Scholastic Books: Families can purchase a wide variety of books through Scholastic. We receive points that are then used to purchase books for the school classrooms and library.
Spring Fling: A potluck social with crafts and games held each spring. This year’s date is April 28, 2012.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation: This is a luncheon for the SCM faculty and staff to show our appreciation for all that they do for our children during the school year.
