PTO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

NOTE: Some links below only work with a registered account.

What is the PTO?

PTO stands for Parent-Teacher Organization, a school-based non-profit organization with a mission to strengthen, enhance, and encourage the education and social environment of our school. We are a group of group of parents, family members, teachers, and staff that work together to create fun events, support classrooms through volunteering, purchasing software our students use in the classroom, help fund building enhancements, and generally enrich our students' education. If you have a student at Leawood Elementary, we would love for you to join!

How do I join the PTO?

First, please make sure you're fully registered on LeawoodLeopards.com. This website empowers us to make purchases, complete paperwork, and coordinate our volunteer efforts —all online. The goal is to save time, and work together more smoothly!

Secondly, membership dues are $65 per student. This one-time annual fee is charged in place of multiple requests for funds throughout the school year – for field trips, yearbooks, grade-level activities, and more. You can also “fund a friend” which helps support our students that need financial help.

Why should I register on LeawoodLeopards.com?

The website is how the PTO communicates with families - both overall and by specific grades/classes (which is why you need to make sure to have all students registered). Registering also gives you access to the student directory, allows you to purchase in-house spirit wear and Catwalk shirts, get tickets to our events, and sign up to be a volunteer and/or bring supplies, and more...

How do I pay dues?

Dues are paid via your BVSD ParentVUE account. You can also “fund a friend” which helps support our students that need financial help. If you're not sure whether you've paid or not, let us know and we can check!

What does it mean to be a member?

That depends on you. We understand everyone's availability and situation is different and we invite you to become as much of an active participant in the PTO as your lives allow. It’s a great way for you to get involved in your child’s education and get to know your teachers, staff, and other parents. The level of involvement is up to you!

What if I'm not on Facebook?

Totally fine! All of the critical information posted on Facebook should be shared via emailed newsletters from the PTO and Mrs. Hayes.

I joined last year. Do I need to join again?

While your login for LeawoodLeopards.com will stay the same, membership dues are paid on an annual basis, as they help with costs each year.

What if the cost the join/renew/pay for supplies or activities is outside my budget?

If paying for membership dues, event tickets, or any PTO-related supplies is a financial burden, we can provide financial assistance for you. If you're comfortable, feel free to reach out to questions@leawoodleopards.com to get in touch with the Executive Board or you can contact Sandy Donnelly at the school if you'd like to remain completely anonymous to the PTO. All inquiries are kept confidential.

Is donating to Catwalk the same as joining the PTO?

No, Catwalk is our major fundraiser for the year and provides over half our annual budget. Membership dues make up about a quarter of our budget and the rest comes from other sources. We appreciate your support with both!

When and where are PTO meetings? Who can attend?

Check the calendar for the schedule of monthly PTO meetings. Anyone is welcome to attend!

Am I required to attend PTO meetings if I join the PTO?

No, you are not required to attend meetings. Meetings are a great way to learn about what's going on at the school, discuss what the PTO should and could be doing, and provide feedback to the Executive Board.

How can I help volunteer? How do I sign up?

The PTO has many volunteer opportunities with varying levels of time commitment throughout the year to fit all schedules. You can access the list of volunteer opportunities and sign up through our PTO website.

To sign-up for volunteer opportunities, you must be logged into your account. If you do not have an account for the PTO website, you will be prompt to create a new account.

How is the money spent?

The money raised by the PTO pays for field trips, yearbooks, art and music support, library programs, teacher curriculum support, library programs, grants for the staff, staff appreciation, and more. All the money the PTO raises goes towards enrichment of your child’s education at Leawood Elementary.

Do we have a student directory? How do I get a copy?

We have an online-only directory. You can gain access to the online directory when you create a login to LeawoodLeopards.com. Only families who have registered and opted to be visible will be shown in the directory.