The Lawton PTA is committed to enriching the educational and social experiences of our students while supporting the vision of school leadership. We bridge funding gaps by sustaining critical staff positions to reduce classroom sizes and providing essential resources for both students and teachers. In addition, we expand learning through STEAM enrichment opportunities and foster connection through community-building events.
What are all these things we pay for?
School Staffing:
This is the biggest and most important chunk of our budget. The PTA funds class size reduction in 4th and 5th grade. Without the support of the PTA there would be three 4th/5th split classes of around 30 students per class. With the PTA’s support Lawton is able to maintain two 4th grade and two 5th grade classes with 20-25 students.
In 2024, the PTA was able to bring back the district-wide cancelled Jump Start program for incoming Kindergartens. Jump Start helps our youngest students adjust to routines, build confidence, and feel part of the school community before the year begins
The PTA also covers the cost of two playground/lunchroom monitors. The monitors keep the playground safe, inclusive, and fun. They help with conflict resolution, encourage positive play, and smooth transitions back to class. Plus—without recess monitors, teachers would have to cover recess themselves, and they wouldn’t get the break they need to recharge.
Teacher/Staff Support:
We reimburse teachers for classroom supplies and or professional development opportunities.
Curriculum Support:
We purchase site technology licenses and subscriptions (e.g. IXL, BrainPOP) and materials to support our library, music, and PE programs. The school budget does not include these items and our students would lose access to these resources without PTA financial support.
School Facilities:
The PTA provides additional funds for upkeep and maintenance of the playground and safety patrol gear.
Enrichment Programs:
We provide financial and volunteer support for STEAM Week, the Art Docent program, and bring visiting authors and visual artists to Lawton.
Community Events:
The PTA funds and hosts both daytime and evening events including Field Day, Back to School Bash, Fall Festival, Bingo Night, and 5th Grade Promotion.
Community Outreach/Appreciation:
We provide assistance for Lawton families in need – Tuition support for Outdoor Education (Islandwood) and for After School Enrichment classes. The PTA also ensures that the Lawton Staff is very well appreciated for all their hard work caring for our students.
PTA Operations:
It costs money to run a nonprofit. We have to pay for insurance, licenses and tax preparations and audits.
Total Budgeted Expenses:
This is what our budget for the 2025-26 school year looks like:
How do we Fundraise?
In any given year,we plan for two main fundraisers and a number of passive fundraisers to help us reach our goal. This year the two main fundraisers are: Direct Drive in the Fall and the Move-A-Thon in the Spring.
