The STEM Lab PTO exists to support the school community by:

• Strengthening relationships between families, staff, and students.
• Supporting educational programs and school initiatives.
• Encouraging family engagement and volunteerism.
• Creating meaningful opportunities for community connection.
• Providing financial support through responsible fundraising.
• Promoting a positive and inclusive school culture. 

Every program, event, fundraiser, and initiative should align with and support this purpose

The STEM Lab PTO is guided by the CREST values, which shape how we work together, serve our community, and lead with integrity.

Collaborative: We work together as partners, valuing teamwork, shared responsibility, and open communication. We recognize that our greatest successes come from supporting one another and combining our strengths.

Respectful: We value diverse perspectives, communicate professionally, and treat every member of our school community with kindness, empathy, and dignity.

Encouraging: We strive to create an inclusive environment where every family, volunteer, staff member, and student feels welcomed, appreciated, and empowered to participate.

Supportive: Our work is centered on serving students, supporting staff, encouraging volunteers, and strengthening our school community through meaningful relationships and shared purpose.

Transparent: We communicate openly, operate responsibly, and make decisions with honesty, accountability, and integrity. We believe transparency builds trust within our organization and throughout our school community.

The STEM Lab PTO believes that everyone is part of the PTO. Every family has something valuable to contribute, and involvement looks different for everyone. We encourage participation in whatever way best fits each family's abilities, interests, and availability.

Time: Volunteer at events, assist with programs, serve on committees, or support PTO initiatives throughout the school year.

Talents: Share unique skills, expertise, creativity, leadership, or professional experience to strengthen the PTO and enhance our programs.

Treasures: Support the PTO through fundraising, sponsorships, donations, or in-kind contributions that help provide valuable resources and opportunities for our students and staff.

Every contribution—whether time, talents, or treasures—plays an important role in helping our school community thrive.

The following principles guide every decision made by the STEM Lab PTO:

Students First: The needs of students should remain at the center of every decision, program, and investment.

Partnership with School Leadership: The PTO works collaboratively with school administration and staff to support educational goals, enrich student experiences, and strengthen the overall school community.

Responsible Stewardship: Funds entrusted to the PTO are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the approved budget, bylaws, and mission of the organization.

Community Engagement: The PTO seeks to build meaningful connections among students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners by creating welcoming opportunities for involvement.

Service Through Leadership: Board members lead by serving others. Leadership within the PTO is rooted in collaboration, professionalism, accountability, and a willingness to support the needs of the organization above individual recognition.

Continuous Improvement: The PTO is committed to learning from each experience, improving systems and processes, documenting institutional knowledge, and leaving a stronger foundation for future leadership.