Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact galataspto@gmail.com with any question if you are not finding the answer below.
PTO
What is the PTO?
The PTO is comprised of Parents and Teachers who are motivated to provide our students with the best education possible. We support, encourage, and fund many important programs such as: Technology Updates, Tutoring Support, Instructional Materials, Computer Licenses, Educational Enrichment Activities (Science Camp, Field Trips, Reading Week, Author Visits), Teacher & School Supplies, Teacher Appreciation Activities. Additionally, we have provided new equipment for the playground, PE, music and art education support, and more!
What’s the difference between a PTO and PTA?
The PTO is an independent group whereas a PTA is a national organization. Galatas is a PTO and does not pay membership fees to any national organization. All membership fees we collect go directly to the Galatas PTO and are used to support the school.
Who can be a member of the PTO?
If you’re a mother, father, grandparent, guardian, or teacher, you can be a member. PTO is for all parents; working and/or stay-at-home moms and dads. It provides many avenues to volunteer, participate, and be involved in your child’s educational process.
Why should I join the PTO?
Membership in the PTO helps to support Galatas and its students. Membership fees go directly to the PTO budget to support the school and therefore our students’ educational experience. Membership gives you the Galatas student Directory and the opportunity to have a voice in PTO decisions.
How do I join the PTO?
You can join the PTO easily online. Join us!
When are the PTO meetings? Where they held? Who can attend PTO meetings? Who can vote?
PTO meetings are generally held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. PTO meetings are open to all parents, guardians, and teachers. Notification will be given in the event of a date/time change. Only paid members are eligible to vote.
Am I required to attend PTO meetings if I join the PTO?
No, PTO meetings are open to anyone. You are not required to attend PTO meetings if you join the PTO. However, if you seek to hold an executive board or committee position you should try to attend the meetings or give a report to the president.
FUNDRAISING
How does the PTO raise funds?
The PTO raises money through fundraisers as well as private and corporate donations.
What is the PTO’s Budget? Can I view it?
The budget is reviewed each year by the PTO and principal in order to determine the needs of our school. An updated budget report will be provided each month during PTO meetings. Budget questions by PTO members can be directed to the Treasurer at galatastreasurer@gmail.com.
DIRECTORY
Do we have a student directory? How do I get a copy?
Yes. Our student directory is virtual this year. After you joing the PTO, you will receive a link to view it once it is ready, typically in October.
How do I submit my child’s information for inclusion in the student directory?
All student contact information is provided by Conroe ISD’s Legal Department for printing in the directory and cannot be altered by the PTO. The information you submitted when registering for the school year is requested by the PTO in August. Please note: the directory is not a complete list of students. It does not include any flagged students by CISD or families who opt-out during the opt-out period.
I paid my PTO membership dues. When do I receive my directory?
Typically members who pay during the membership drive at the start of the school year will receive their virtual directory at the beginning of October. (General timeline: CISDs Legal Department provides Galatas PTO with the registration roster in late August. Then PTO volunteers design, work with the printers, and get all necessary approvals before printing/distributing. This process usually takes 4 weeks from when CISD Legal sends the roster. The PTO volunteers try to expedite the process as much as possible to get the directories delivered as quickly as possible.)
I need my students class contact information earlier then the directory distribution (early October). Can I get the contact information electronically?
Galatas PTO and Room Parents are not allowed to give out private contact information electronically.
SPIRIT STORE
(SPIRIT WEAR, YEARBOOK, SCHOOL SUPPLIES)
SPIRIT WEAR
Spirit wear shirts are pre-order only meaning we only print what is purchased. All Sales Are Final as we only print what was ordered. The PTO has chosen to only print what is ordered in best efforts to not use donation money to print shirts that may not be purchased. Holding inventory of shirts is costly if not every shirt is purchased and also requires physical space which we do not have available. In efforts to help you correctly size your child, we have chosen unisex shirt brands that most people own. There are also sizing charts available online when ordering. Please note: color and style may vary due to supply
When can I purchase Galatas Spirit Wear?
Galatas Spirit Wear is sold online a few times a school year. Look for an announcement on the PTO website homepage and e-news, Facebook/Instagram, and the Galatas Gazette when the store opens. Any Spirit Wear questions can be sent to galatasspiritwear@gmail.com.
Kindergarten and Top Dog (4th Grade) shirts are suggested for grade level photo.
It is not required to purchase, but both Kindergarten and Top Dogs (4th Grade) will take a grade level photo where they are asked to wear their spirit wear shirt.
May I exchange a shirt for any reason (i.e. need a different size)?
No. All Spirit Wear sales are final. The PTO does not keep a stock of Spirit Wear throughout the school year. Size charts are available at the time of purchase online.
YEARBOOK
Can I submit photos for the yearbook?
Do you ever wonder how your kids’ friends get so many great pictures in the yearbook? We rely heavily yearbook photo volunteers at events to take photos and on parents to submit candid photos to galatasyearbook@gmail.com.
I forgot to order my yearbook while it was on sale, will there be extras?
Yes, but only a small number or extras are available. Contact the Yearbook volunteer if you are interested galatasyearbook@gmail.com.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.
I missed ordering the school supply bundles. Will there be any for sale at the school?
Yes, a limited number. Each year the PTO orders a few extra for each grade level and these can be purchased at the kindergarten Teddy Bear Tea and at Meet the Teacher. If you have any questions contact the School Supply volunteers at galatasschoolsupplies@gmail.com
When are school supply bundles on sale?
Each year the school supply bundles will be on sale online from mid-May to roughly mid-June. The timeline is dependent on when the grade level teams finalize their lists with school administration.
The school supply list has a PAWS binder listed, where do I purchase one?
As of the 2020/21 school year PAWS binders will be provided by the PTO to every student as it is a required communication tool for all students.
Where can I find the Galatas school supply lists?
For the 2020/21 school supply list you may visit Galatas Elementary School's website. Any questions regarding the school supply list may be directed to the Front Office 936-709-5000.
PARENT RESOURCES
Where do I get my child's student ID?
Contact the school Registrar Robin Curtis.
I need to change my child’s transportation today, how do I let the school know?
A change or Transportation Form must be faxed to the school. Download the form here
What number do I call to report an absence?
The attendance line is 936-709-5014. Call by 9am. Leave a message with your child's name, teacher's name. reason for absence, person reporting the absence, and a phone number. When your child returns to school from an absence please send a note explaining the absence to his/her teacher.
Should I send my child to school if s/he feels bad?
If your child is running a fever of 100 or above, they need to stay home. It isn't healthy for them to be active at school and expose others. They should not be at school until they are fever free (without fever reducing medicine) for 24 hours. The nurse will call you if they get sick at school. If your child feels bad it is best to let their teacher know so they can monitor for signs of fever later.
How do I prepay for cafeteria meals?
You may load online or checks maybe made out to "Child Nutrition Department" for $25 or more and students or parents may prepay for meal between 7.40-8.05am in the cafeteria. Include date of birth and drivers license number on all checks.
KINDERGARTEN
When can I have lunch with my kindergartner?
Currently, no parents are allowed on campus due to COVID.
How will my kindergartner open items in their lunch?
The PTO arranges volunteers to help during the kindergarten lunch period for the first 2 weeks of school while the students are adjusting to the new routine and opening items themselves. In addition the school has teacher lunch monitors. It helps to practice opening items at home, pre-cutting slits in prepackaged food so they tear easily, and/or packing in a bento-style lunch kit so only one lid has to be removed. These suggestions will help minimize the students wait time for help and therefore have more time to eat their lunch.
What are kindergarten parents invited to attend?
Currently, no parents are allowed on campus due to COVID. Once these restrictions change, there are many special events throughout the year and involvement is encouraged. Kindergarten parents are invited to attend: Storybook Parade, Thanksgiving Celebration, Kindergarten Rodeo, Field Day, and End of Year Celebration. You will find dates on the school calendar in the Galatas Gazette and/or from your Room Parent.
SNACKS & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
SNACKS
What snacks are allowed in the classroom?
Healthy snacks encouraged. Finger snacks only. No chips, candy, cookies, yogurts, dips, etc. Nothing that requires utensils. Keep the snack packaged separately from your child's lunch. Snack ideas: pretzels, goldfish crackers, cereal bars. Keep in mind snacks are not refrigerated.
Can I send a bottle of water?
Yes. A sports cap water bottle to reduce spills is requested. Label your water bottle - many look alike. Do not pack their water bottle in their lunch kit as these are not accessible during the school day; send a separate water bottle for their lunch kit if required. No sports drinks, sodas, juice allowed.
BIRTHDAYS
Can I send birthday invites to school to be handed out?
No, teachers are prohibited from handing out birthday invitations at school.
Can I bring a birthday treat to celebrate?
Yes! Check with your teacher. Most 1st-4th teachers request you bring the treat during the lunch period to hand out to only your child's class in the last 15 minutes of the lunch period. Treats must be store bought. Most Kindergarten teachers request you send the treat in with your child in the morning or drop off at the Front Office and they will distribute the treat during the snack time that day.
Can I bring a homemade treat?
No. Due to allergies and sanitation concerns all treats must be store bought.
What snacks are allowed in the classroom?
Healthy snacks encouraged. Finger snacks only. No chips, candy, cookies, yogurts, dips, etc. Nothing that requires utensils. Keep the snack packaged separately from your child's lunch. Snack ideas: pretzels, goldfish crackers, cereal bars. Keep in mind snacks are not refrigerated.
Can I send a bottle of water?
Yes. A sports cap water bottle to reduce spills is requested. Label your water bottle - many look alike. Do not pack their water bottle in their lunch kit as these are not accessible during the school day; send a separate water bottle for their lunch kit if required. No sports drinks, sodas, juice allowed.
BIRTHDAYS
Can I send birthday invites to school to be handed out?
No, teachers are prohibited from handing out birthday invitations at school.
Can I bring a birthday treat to celebrate?
Yes! Check with your teacher. Most 1st-4th teachers request you bring the treat during the lunch period to hand out to only your child's class in the last 15 minutes of the lunch period. Treats must be store bought. Most Kindergarten teachers request you send the treat in with your child in the morning or drop off at the Front Office and they will distribute the treat during the snack time that day.
Can I bring a homemade treat?
No. Due to allergies and sanitation concerns all treats must be store bought.
