First PTO launched at Frederick D. Thomas Middle

The parents powering the first PTO at Frederick D. Thomas Middle have wasted no time setting up a host of fundraisers to benefit teachers and students of the Cape district’s newest school.

PTO President Jennifer Kaufmann said students are excited to be at the one-of-a-kind school, and more than 32 families and 14 businesses have already signed up as PTO Partners, making one-time or monthly donations.

The goal of the PTO is to raise funds to give to students and staff for non-school-funded initiatives like the fishing program launched by Fred Thomas physical education teachers to fill the funding gap, she said.

Each teacher will receive a specific dollar amount to use as they see fit, she said, such as for field trips, field day T-shirts, Teacher Appreciation Week and the eighth-grade end-of-year ceremony.

Filling out the remainder of the board seats are Vice President Lindsey Mayo, Secretary Katie Sherman and Treasurer Meagan May. All have children attending Fred Thomas.

Kaufmann said she volunteered for three years on the Lewes Elementary PTO, and loved getting to know staff and students. She hopes to foster relationships among students at both schools since they are just across the street from each other and share a large campus.

Now, families can support the PTO by purchasing Fred Thomas swag at the landstonedesigns.com/ftms apparel store, which is open until 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. The PTO will receive $5 from the sale of each item.

The Changing Mains food truck is on site for all home soccer and football games, and gives a portion of proceeds to the PTO, Kaufmann said. 

The PTO is also hosting an online donation opportunity at givebutter.com/FredThomasPTO. Donations are tax-deductible and the PTO will send paperwork, including the EIN number, after donations are made.

For more information, follow Frederick D. Thomas Middle School on Facebook or email FredThomasPTO@gmail.com.