About PTO

The PTO raises funds to help supplement budget cuts, helping keep support staff and intervention teachers here on campus as well as support student enrichment activities through various fundraisers such as the Color Run event, Goliath Gear, and other events. Last year we raised $70K.

2025 - 2026 Executive Board

President: Joslyn Ahrens president@poinsettiapto.com  (don't know who to contact, email the President)

Vice President: Brinda Shah vicepresident@poinsettiapto.com 

Secretary:  Jess Toren secretary@poinsettiapto.com

Treasurer: Meredith Clement treasurer@poinsettiapto.com (need to pay for something through Zelle, use this email)

2nd VP/School Principal: Melanie Morrow Melanie.Morrow@venturausd.org 

Teacher Representative: Heather Duval Heather.Duval@venturausd.org 

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PTO  BOARD: VP & TREASURE are open for the 2026-2027 school year

Throw your name in the hat here

If you have a student at Poinsettia, you’re already part of the PTO — now let’s make it official!

Attend a Meeting
Stay in the know, share ideas, and help shape what’s ahead.

Join (or Lead!) a Committee
From small roles to big impact, there’s something for every schedule.

Volunteer When You Can
Help in the office, support an event, or jump in where needed — every bit counts!

Can’t Volunteer? Donate!
Your tax-deductible gift goes directly back to our Lion Cubs and keeps our programs thriving.

Paypal linked above or Checks payable to Poinsettia PTO  or Zelle: treasurer@poinsettiapto.com (please include a memo so funds are directed apprortiately)

JOIN THE BOARD

VP & Treasurer are open for the 2026-2027 school year. Throw your name in the hat here. Voting will be held at our Annual Meeting April 16th, 2026. 

The PTO funds have gone to:

• Support Staff and Intervention Teacher salaries

• Classroom Supplies

• Field Trips & Assemblies

• Grade Level Enrichment Education (past year's have included Drums, Hip Hop & PE)

• Library Supplies & New Books

• Playground Equipment

• Teacher Appreciation Materials

• Maintaining our Outdoor Learning Space

• And more...

Budget Request Process

Purpose 

To systematize how the PTO Board receives, reviews, approves, and documents mid-year unbudgeted funds requests, as well as proposals for upcoming school year funding.

• NOTE - if submitting a budget request related to funding in a future fiscal period, those conversations occur in the spring. “Timeline for Review” below is relevant to requests where funds, if approved, are expected to be reimbursed in the current fiscal year.

Who Can Request Additional Budget

Authorized individuals include school site administration, teachers, staff, PTO Board members, and PTO Committee chairs. Family volunteers who do not hold a Chair position will escalate budget requests to the appropriate Committee Chair(s).

Alignment with PTO’s Purpose

Budget requests should align with our stated purpose within the approved bylaws: “The purpose of the PTO is to promote the welfare of children and youth in the home, school, and community; to raise funds for school-related activities; to foster a closer relationship between parents, teachers, and the school administration; and to support educational programs and initiatives.”

Timeline for Review

Budget requests are reviewed during PTO Board meetings, typically held on the second Thursday of the month. Submit completed forms 72+ hours prior to the next Board meeting.

Steps for Request & Review

1. The Budget Request Form can be found HERE. Print both pages and complete Page 1 in full, including substantiation to support your request.

2. Deliver both pages of the Budget Request Form and any supportive documents in the Secretary’s folder, located in the PTO mailbox at the office. 

3. At the next PTO Board meeting, the PTO Board, Principal, and PTO Teacher Representative will review your request. They will then vote to approve, approve with stipulations, or deny the request. They may follow up with questions before voting. You are not required to attend the Board meeting.

4. Once voted on, the Form will be completed and you will be emailed with the decision. 

5. If approved or approved with stipulations, funds will be allocated in the current fiscal year’s PTO budget. Funds are dispersed once an expense reimbursement form is completed and reviewed by the PTO Treasurer. If denied, the Board will provide context around the decision so you can determine next steps, if warranted.