Parent Teacher Organization
Events
A critical part of the St. Thomas School community is our vibrant Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This dedicated group of parents and teachers organize and sponsor many events throughout the year that allow students, parents, faculty, and parishioners to come together and have fun. The PTO also coordinates fundraising programs that help support continuing education for our teachers and purchase items that enhance classroom learning. Some of the many PTO activities include:
Activities
- Meet & Greet Day
- Family Mentoring Program
- St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Father/Daughter Dance
- Fine Arts Day/Field Day
- Mother/Son Sports Event
- Moms and Mimosas
- Momsgiving
- Trivia Night
- Trunk or Treat
Fundraising
- Gift Card Scrip Program
- Amazon Smile
- Step It Up Fundraiser
- Day of Awesomeness
- Pancake Breakfast
Parent Opportunities to Volunteer
Parent participation is always welcome. In fact, parents are an important part of the total St.Thomas experience.Parents are often found volunteering in the classrooms, lunchroom, computer lab, and library. They also coach sport teams, lead Scout troops, organize events, and serve on school committees. Whether you are an accountant or an artist, our students benefit greatly from the varied skills and talents that parents so generously donate throughout the year.
Parish Events
We also work together with the St. Thomas parish community to co-sponsor activities where adults from both the parish and school can participate together. Our bi-annual auction is a wonderful event which includes dinner, dancing, raffles, silent and live auctions. Another popular event is the annual Trivia Night, where teams test their knowledge of current and past events while enjoying dinner and fun with the St. Thomas community.
Comet Cash
What is Comet Cash?
Comet Cash is a Scrip program where you buy gift cards to places you already shop and use them for everyday purchases. St. Thomas PTO is able to buy these cards at a discounted rate, as little as 2% or as much as 26%. These discounts, or rebates, are used to help fund supplies for our school. Part of the rebates are also given back to YOUR family to help with your child’s education.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Allison Buckardt aebuckardt@gmail.com.
Rebates
For each rebate percentage, half goes to PTO and half goes to YOU! The totals accumulate through the school year (June 1 – May 31) and are applied to the following school year in August. It will even go to students at Peoria Notre Dame.
How does it work?
We work through a company called Great Lakes Scrip, found at www.shopwithscrip.com. I encourage you to take a look at their website to find out more about Scrip. You can create an account, see what vendors are available, start shopping, and start SAVING. Even better, you can receive email updates directly from them about special bonus rebates and offers. .
What cards are available?
We keep cards on hand to nearly 75 retailers for quick shopping. The list is attached and also available on RenWeb under Resource Documents. In addition, anything listed on the www.shopwithscrip.com website can be ordered. Special orders need to be placed by 7am Monday. Orders are submitted to Great Lakes Scrip on Monday afternoon, and are available for pickup on Thursday morning.
Payment options
Cash and checks are great! We are unable to take credit cards because of the fees associated with them.
Online items, reloads, and ScripNow can be paid for via PrestoPay debited from your checking account. Please see www.shopwithscrip.com for more information. These transactions are handled by Great Lakes Scrip.
Purchasing/Ordering
We try to sell after every mass in the lower level of the church. You may send orders through “backpack mail” to school. You may stop in the office to purchase them thru Jill Wayne. Of course, you can also order online at www.shopwithscrip.com.
MyScripWallet
A feature offered is MyScripWallet. MyScripWallet is a mobile Scrip experience that lets you order and redeem electronic Scrip right from your phone so you can get your Scrip when you need it most. See www.myscripwallet.com for more information.
Kroger
Kroger no longer utilizes a rebate program. Instead, they contribute to the PTO through their Community Rewards program. On Kroger’s website, under your Plus Card, go to Account Summary – Community Rewards – enter 10452 or search St. Thomas. Please register, every little bit helps! Must re-enroll every year.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Jill Wayne at jillianwayne@stthomas-school.net or 309-685-2533.
Thank you for supporting PTO, St. Thomas, and your KIDS!
