Dater PTO Membership

WELCOME TO THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!

The Dater PTO is excited to welcome you to what we know will be an amazing year ahead! This letter will answer many of your questions about the PTO, and provide links to sign up, as well as view our Volunteer and Room Parent Interest Forms. 

Did you know the PTO directly funds many of our enriching school community programs? The PTO also organizes and funds:

• In-school student programs like the Book Fair, Picturing America Art Appreciation, the annual Author Visit, and other assemblies
• Fun after school events like the Halloween Creepy Carnival and the Spring Expo 
• Classroom funds, Library/Media Center supplies, and funding to help offset the cost of field trips for all students
• 5th grade yearbook, L.E.A.D programs with the Ramsey Police Department, and Caring Neighbor initiatives to benefit the Ramsey community
• Staff appreciation
• Facility upgrades (Our Penguin Walk in March 2024 created in partnership with the Student Ambassador program raised over $17,000 to help build the playground you see today!)
• Scholarships, and much more! 

These programs help build a school community at Dater, where our children can “bring their best every day”. But we cannot run these programs without your help. Whether you simply join the PTO, volunteer your time and ideas, or donate to our events – every little bit helps and is truly appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PTO NOW! 

Your $50 annual family dues will directly fund many of these programs, so your support is critical and we encourage every Dater family to join. 

Becoming a member is also a great way to stay informed on upcoming programs and deadlines. 

And while there is NO requirement to volunteer if you are a member, membership is required in order to be a Room Parent or volunteer. 

NOTE: When you register, you will first be prompted to log-in and update your parent/student information, or to create a (free) account on the PTO website, if you have not yet created one. 

VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM: 

The PTO offers many opportunities to get involved in school and classroom life. It takes a village of members like YOU to make all our initiatives a success!  

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE OPPORTUNITIES AND SIGN UP. 

NOTE: Please keep in mind that this is an interest form only, and logistics are subject to change, and/or new opportunities can be added. If you add your name to the interest form, you will be contacted prior to the event with more information. Please be aware that some events are for 5th grade only, and are labeled as such.

ROOM PARENT INTEREST FORM:

Room Parents work closely with the classroom teacher and have a number of responsibilities throughout the year, which can include being in the school and/or attending field trips. Because of this, Room Parents are not only required to be PTO members, but must also have a district background check. Please CLICK HERE for the full list of requirements and responsibilities, and the form to add your name. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time we are collecting interest ONLY, and adding your name is not a guarantee of assignment as Room Parent. Only two Room Parents per class will be selected. Selected Room Parents will be notified prior to Back to School Night, and receive detailed communication from the PTO at that point. Being a Room Parent in the past is also not a guarantee of being selected again this year. 

Our first meeting is Thursday, 9/18, at 9:15am in Room 143. Attendance at meetings is the best way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities. Coffee will be served! :)

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Follow the Dater PTO on Facebook or Instagram! Updates are posted regularly, so it’s an easy way to stay in the loop, as well as checking your email for our newsletters and updates.

We look forward to welcoming you back, and to meeting all of our new families. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, please email daterpto@ramsey.k12.nj.us. Thank you for your support!

Looking forward to great year,

The Dater PTO:

Elizabeth Owen & Beth Zweig, Co-Presidents

Cassie Barbara & Justine Nero, Co-VPs

Steph Pedersen, Treasurer

Dana Reinke, Secretary

Jess Zlotkowski, Webmaster

Join the PTO for the 2025-2026 School Year

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment!