Nothing signals the importance of education to your child as well as your interest and involvement. The Humann Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) strives to work with the school to enhance and enrich our students' learning experience. This neighborhood traditionally has had a large number of parents who want to volunteer at the school. The PTO has been the most efficient mechanism to coordinate the needs of teachers with the talents of parents.
Get involved with the PTO today-you can help your child while you get to know the school and the school system. All parents are members...there are no dues or membership fees. Call any committee chair (see names in the PTO Board page) for more information.
Classroom Helpers
PTO members help with school activities planned by teachers. Volunteers take field trips, mount displays, assist with drills and practices, and lend extra hands for special projects.
Future Problem Solving
The Nebraska Future Problem Solving program introduces 5th grade students to creative and futuristic thinking skills using the Osborne-Parnes problem-solving process. Teams meet after school and are coached by adult volunteers.
Library/Media Center
The Humann Library has one of the highest circulation levels in the city. Volunteers shelve books during school hours.
Step-Stone Press
The PTO publishes books, posters, and other projects created by our Humann students. Parent volunteers staff Step-Stone Press at select times during the school day.
Student Festival
The PTO encourages our students academically by sponsoring art and science fairs.
School Directory
The PTO distributes a school directory at no charge to all Humann students and staff.
Clothing
The PTO sells T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring our school theme to build school spirit and unity. Parents help sort and distribute orders. Items are sold at cost.
Fun Night
The PTO hosts a carnival for all Humann students. Parents man tickets sales, games, food, and prize tables. Ticket prices cover the costs of the event.
School Pictures
The PTO contracts with an outside company to take student pictures, both individual and group. Volunteers help when pictures are taken and distribute orders when delivered. The PTO receives a donation from the photographer. Pictures are offered primarily as a service for parents, not as a fundraiser.
Yearbook/Historian
Parents compile snapshots of Humann students and work with a private vendor who takes class pictures. The yearbook includes both class photos and candid shots from parents. Photos are needed from all grades throughout the year. The yearbook is sold at cost.
Coordinator
PTO members organize a fall or winter event for each grade and work with school staff to stage a spring field day. The coordinator leads the parent volunteers for each team.
Appreciation
The PTO arranges special recognition throughout the school year for the many Humann staffers.
Communication
The PTO publishes a newsletter and distributes a monthly calendar of lunch menus.
Helping Hands
Work during the day? Have younger children that hamper your daytime volunteering? Helping Hands volunteers work at home and set their own hours. Help is needed with activities such as cutting pictures or letters and assembling projects.
Legislative
What state, local, and district issues impact our school? Volunteers monitor the legislative clime and keep PTO members informed of current statutes and proposals.
Courtyards/Landscape
The PTO helps to maintain and develop the landscaping of the school grounds and courtyards.
Safety
The PTO coordinates the LPD McGruff House program in the Cripple Creek and surrounding neighborhoods. This committee also organizes a spring bike rodeo.
Playground
This ad hoc committee is spearheading a multiyear playground renovation and expansion project at Humann. Additional changes will be made as portables are moved and as funds become available. The committee coordinates all facets of the plan's development.
Ways & Means
Humann PTO stages only one fundraiser: Innisbrook gift wrap sales. Students conduct sales, while parents sort and tally order forms and help distribute goods.
Special Projects
The PTO uses extra Innisbrook sales to finance various purchases for the school. Backstops, sod and sprinklers for the soccer field, connecting sidewalks to the park, a PA system for the gym, computers, projectors, and digital cameras are only a few of our recent acquisitions. Recommendations from students, staff, and parents determine which projects are funded.
Revised 5/21/2002
BYLAWS
JULIUS HUMANN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization is the Julius Humann Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (Humann PTO).
ARTICLE II - PURPOSES
Section 1. The objectives of the Humann PTO are:
a. To promote a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate in the education of Humann students.
b. To develop between Humann parents and teachers such united efforts as will secure for all Humann students the highest advantages in physical, cognitive, social, and personal development.
Section 2. The objectives of the Humann PTO are promoted through an educational plan directed toward parents and teachers; developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article III.
Section 3. The organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code (hereinafter "Internal Revenue Code").
ARTICLE III - BASIC POLICIES
The following are the basic policies of the Humann PTO:
a. The organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and nonpartisan.
b. The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern or in connection with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the objectives of the organization.
c. The organization shall not-directly or indirectly-participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, candidate for public office; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
d. The Humann PTO shall work with Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) to provide quality education for all students and shall seek to participate in the decision-making process establishing LPS policy, recognizing that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people to the board of education.
e. The Humann PTO may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but persons representing the Humann PTO in such matters shall make no commitments that bind the organization.
f. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (i) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
g. Upon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more non-profit funds, foundations, or organizations which have established their tax exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE IV - ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
Section 1. The Humann PTO exists as an unincorporated organization of its members. Its articles of organization comprise these bylaws, as from time to time amended.
Section 2. The Humann PTO is an organization of Humann family units, Humann staff, and other interested individuals that is governed by an executive board, defined in Article VIII, Section 1. The executive board appoints a board of directors that is composed of the chairs of all standing and special committees. Both the executive board and the board of directors report to the general organization.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1. Membership in this PTO shall be made available without regard to race, sex, color, creed or national origin.
Section 2. Membership categories shall include, but not be limited to, Humann family units, Humann staff, and other interested individuals.
Section 3. This PTO shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but persons may be admitted to membership at any time. The annual expiration date for membership shall be the first day of school for the following school year.
Section 4. Each member of this PTO shall pay such annual dues to said organization as may be prescribed by the organization.
ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION
Section 1. Eligibility - Each officer shall be a member of this PTO.
Section 2. Officers
a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a president, a vice president/president elect, secretary, and treasurer.
b. Officers shall assume their official duties on July 1 and shall serve for a term of one (1) year or until their successors are elected, except the treasurer who shall serve a two-year term. Current officers shall complete business and commitments for the current school year.
c. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two (2) consecutive years in the same office.
Section 3. Nominating Committee:
a. There shall be a nominating committee composed of three (3) members of the board of directors who shall be appointed by the executive board at their regular meeting at least one (1) month prior to presenting the ballot. The chairperson shall be the vice president/president elect.
b. The committee shall nominate one eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees at the March meeting of the general organization, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.
c. Only those persons who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for or elected to such office.
d. Officers shall be elected by ballot in the month of April. However if there is but one nominee for any office, the election for that office may be by voice vote.
Section 4. Vacancies - A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a majority vote of the board of directors, five (5) days notice of such election having been given to each member of the board of directors. In case a vacancy occurs in the office of president, the vice president/president elect shall assume the presidency and serve notice of a vacancy in the position of vice president/president elect.
ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The president shall:
a. Preside at all meetings of the general organization, its board of directors, and the executive board.
b. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the general organization or its board of directors.
c. Coordinate the work of the officers of the organization in order that the objects may be promoted.
d. Create and appoint special committees as necessary, except the nominating committee, with the approval of the board of directors or the general organization.
e. Have power to sign and execute bonds, contracts or obligations in the name of the organization, as authorized by the board of directors or the general organization.
f. Be authorized to cosign checks.
Section 2. The vice president/president elect shall:
a. Act as aide to the president.
b. Perform the duties of the president in the absence or inability of that officer to serve.
c. Be a member ex-officio of all committees (except the nominating committee) to coordinate their work in order that the objects may be promoted.
d. Act as a keeper, along with the past president, of the bylaws of the organization.
e. Recruit and identify possible committee chairs to be brought to the executive board for approval.
Section 3. The secretary shall:
a. Attend all meetings of the general organization, board of directors, and executive board.
b. Record the minutes of all meetings.
c. Have custody of the official documents of the organization, including, but not limited to, the bylaws, employer identification number, and membership list.
d. Be authorized to cosign checks.
e. Perform other delegated duties as assigned by the general organization, the board of directors, the executive board, or the president. Such duties may include correspondence.
Section 4. The treasurer shall:
a. Be the custodian of all the funds of the organization.
b. Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the organization.
c. Deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the organization in such depositories as may be designated by the general organization or by the board of directors.
d. Make disbursements as authorized by the president, board of directors, executive board, or general organization in accordance with the budget adopted by the general organization taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
e. Have checks signed by two (2) of the following authorized persons: the treasurer, president, secretary, and no more than one other person designated by the president.
f. Present a financial statement at every meeting of the general organization and of the board of directors and at other times when requested.
g. Provide an account of all transactions and of the financial condition of the organization when requested by the board of directors or the general organization.
h. Serve on the budget committee.
i. Submit the books annually, or upon the resignation of the treasurer, for an audit by an auditing committee as defined in Article XII, Section 2.
j. Shall complete all appropriate tax filings for the year(s) served prior to leaving office. In the event the treasurer is unable or unavailable to complete this task the tax filings will be completed by the audit committee.
1. Prepare a preliminary annual report for presentation at a final meeting of the general organization and prepare all necessary materials for audit at the end of the fiscal year.
2. The audit shall be completed by July 1 following the end of the school year.
3. The final annual report of the auditor shall be presented to the board of directors and the general organization at the start of the school year.
Section 5. The past president shall:
a. Provide advice and knowledge to the general organization.
b. Maintain the bylaws.
Section 6. All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these bylaws and those assigned from time to time. Upon the expiration of the term of office or in case of resignation, the officer shall turn over to the president, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office and shall return to the treasurer, without delay, all funds pertaining to the office.
ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The executive board of the organization shall consist of:
a. The officers of the organization.
b. The principal of the school or a representative appointed by the principal.
c. Two teacher representatives.
d. Up to two additional PTO members, one being the immediate past president, as appointed by the president.
Section 2. The duties of the executive board shall be:
a. To transact business referred to it by the board of directors and the general organization.
b. To act on behalf of the board of directors and the general organization between meetings of the board of directors and the general organization when in the judgment of the executive board immediate action is required.
c. To report and submit all actions to the board of directors and the general organization at its next meeting for ratification.
d. To take no action in conflict with that of the board of directors and the general organization.
e. To formulate and submit to the board of directors and the general organization such recommendations as it may deem advisable.
f. To approve chairpersons and members of standing committees and fill vacancies when required.
Section 3. Meetings of the executive board shall be held monthly. The executive board shall meet within sixty (60) days following election of officers.
Section 4. A majority of the members of the executive board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 5. Special meetings of the executive board may be called by the president or by a majority of its members, five (5) days notice being given to each member of the executive board.
ARTICLE IX - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The board of directors shall consist of:
a. The officers of the organization.
b. The chairs of the standing committees.
c. The principal of the school or representative appointed by the principal.
d. Two teacher representatives.
e. The immediate past president (who serves as an advisor).
Section 2. The duties of the board of directors shall be:
a. To transact necessary business for the general organization.
b. To create standing and special committees.
c. To approve the plans of work of the standing committees.
d. To present a report at the meetings of the general organization.
e. To select an auditor or auditing committee to audit the treasurer's accounts as defined in Article XII, Section 2.
f. To prepare and submit to the organization for adoption at the board of directors' summer budget meeting a budget for the school year.
g. To approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.
h. To fill vacancies occurring in an officer position as set forth in these bylaws.
Section 3. The board of directors shall meet at least annually, prior to school within the fiscal year.
a. One-third (1/3) of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a board of directors meeting.
Section 4. Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the president or by a majority of the board of directors, five (5) days notice being given to each member of the board of directors.
ARTICLE X - GENERAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular organizational meetings shall be held at least eight (8) times a year. At least two (2) of the eight meetings shall consist of a budget meeting and an annual meeting. The budget and annual meeting shall be held during the school year unless otherwise provided.
a. Dates of meetings shall be determined by the executive board and announced at the beginning of the school year.
b. Five (5) days notice shall be given of change of date of any meeting except in cases of emergency.
Section 2. Special meetings of the general organization may be called by the president, or by a majority of the board of directors, five (5) days notice having been given.
Section 3. The annual meeting, which shall include the election of officers, shall be held in April.
Section 4. The budget meeting, which shall include the presentation of the budget and calendar, shall be held in September.
Section 5. The members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of this organization.
ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES
Section 1. Only members of the organization shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive position.
Section 2. The board of directors may create such standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the objectives and carry on the work of the organization.
Section 3. The chairpersons of standing committees shall be appointed by executive board for a term of one (1) year or until the selection of a successor, not to exceed three consecutive years.
Section 4. The chair of each committee shall present a plan of work to the board of directors or to the general organization for approval. The chair of each committee will collect receipts/bills and submit to the treasurer for disposition. No committee work may be undertaken without the consent of the board of directors or of the general organization.
Section 5. Special committees may be formed by the board of directors.
ARTICLE XII - FISCAL YEAR/FISCAL POLICIES
Section 1. The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on 7/1 of each year and end on 6/30 of each year.
Section 2. The books and accounts of this organization shall be kept in accordance with sound accounting practices and shall be examined annually by an auditing committee of not fewer than three (3) members, comprised of the ways and means chair, VP/president elect, and one or more members at large to be determined by the president. Who, satisfied that the treasurer's annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report.
Section 3. A member whose duties require collection of organization funds shall supply the treasurer with an accurate record of such income. The treasurer shall supply these members with a receipt.
Section 4. Two (2) authorized signatures shall be required for all withdrawals from savings and checking accounts as defined in Article VII, Section 4. (e).
Section 5. The budget for the succeeding fiscal year shall be presented for a vote of the members at the October meeting. At its annual meeting, the board of directors shall formulate a preliminary proposed budget to be presented at the September meeting of the general organization, and each chair shall present in writing a work plan for his or her committee for the coming school year.
Section 6. The board of directors may authorize disbursements not to exceed $5,000 in addition to budgeted amount or before the budget is finalized, not to exceed $10,000 in total, without prior approval of the membership.
Section 7. The president of the organization may authorize disbursements not to exceed $100 per month in addition to budgeted items without prior approval of board of directors.
ARTICLE XIII - DISBANDING ORGANIZATION
If this organization wishes to disband it must proceed in the following manner:
Section 1. The Humann PTO shall adopt a resolution recommending that the organization be dissolved and directing that the questions of such dissolution be submitted to a vote at a special meeting of members having voting rights. Written or printed notice that the purpose of such meeting is to consider the advisability of dissolving the organization shall be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such meeting.
Section 2. Only those persons who were members in good standing of the PTO on the date of the adoption of the resolution and who continue to be members in good standing on the date of the special meeting shall be entitled to vote on the question of the dissolution.
Section 3. Approval of the dissolution of the PTO shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the members who are entitled to vote at the special meeting, and who are present and voting at such meeting, with a quorum having been established in accordance with these bylaws.
Section 4. Any leftover funds will be distributed as per Article III (g).
ARTICLE XIV - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this PTO and its constituent organizations in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws or the articles of organization.
ARTICLE XV - AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the general organization by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is voted upon, providing that a quorum has been established in accordance with these bylaws.
Section 2. A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws by a majority vote at a meeting of the general organization or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the board of directors, providing the quorum has been established. The requirements for adoption of a revised set of bylaws shall be the same as in the case of an amendment.