Shepherd Elementary School PTO

Shepherd Elementary School's Parent-Teacher Organization (SESPTO) strives to be a self-sustaining organization capable of providing resources needed to help Shepherd Elementary School achieve its social, cultural and academic goals, and to become a top 5 school within DC Public School (DCPS) system by providing programs, resources, and activities that will enhance the instructional experience and promote academic excellence. SESPTO is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) designation (EIN: 47-0879109).

The SESPTO is organized for the purpose of enriching the school experience for all students of Shepherd Elementary School by conducting activities and raising funds to:

• Provide support and resources for the benefit and educational growth of children attending Shepherd Elementary School;
• Promote family and community engagement;
• Develop parent leadership and build capacity for greater involvement and participation in the school, including opportunities to participate in school governance and decisionmaking;
• Engage the Shepherd community in united effort to secure the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of all students; and
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among the school, school district, families and the community at large.

Supported by the active participation of many Shepherd families, teachers and community members, the SESPTO:

• Provides timely communications to the school community;
• Raises funds to support programs and events not covered by the DCPS budget;
• Advocates for DCPS support for Shepherd programs;
• Invests in school infrastructure by funding and contributing time to facilities improvement initiatives;
• Serves as a resource for current and prospective parents; and
• Engages parents in volunteer and social activities throughout the school year.

A summary of PTO fund utilization as a function of overall expenditures in SY2020-21 is summarized below.

• Instructional expenses and supplies (63%)
• Hospitality, Events and Staff Appreciation (20%)
• General & Administrative Costs (17%)