FRIENDS OF WINTHROP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is FOW?
FOW is the abbreviation for Friends of Winthrop. FOW is more commonly known as PTO or PTA in other communities. Many years ago it was decided that calling the group “Friends” would encourage more people to get involved. While it is part of our community’s culture, many on the outside don’t get it when you say you have a “Friends Meeting” to go to. Not to worry. We get it.
The purpose of the Friends of Winthrop is to support and enhance the educational experience of all students.
2. What types of events does FOW sponsor?
FOW offers many great family activities in addition to fundraisers.
Events include: New Parent Coffee, Bake Sale, Halloween Happenings, Holiday Boutique, Toy Bingo, Spring Social, Book Fair, Walk-a-Thon, Hot Dogs to Go. Lots of information goes out before every event with many ways to help out and get involved.
3. What is a Holiday Boutique?
Holiday Boutique is THE biggest fundraiser of the year at Winthrop. It is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December (6th) and is a huge school and community-wide event. You can get your holiday shopping done by visiting over 50 vendor tables; you can eat your fill of cookies and wonderful food at the café; your kids can buy gifts for you in the kid-only Children’s Room; you can buy your holiday greenery to decorate your home; and you can bid on fabulous items in the Silent Auction.
There is too much to describe in this one page. Rest assured you will learn more about the Holiday Boutique before you can even imagine using the word “holiday” in a sentence. There are so many ways to help out—big and small—and all efforts are needed and much appreciated.
4. Where does all the money go?
All the money raised by FOW goes to support the Winthrop community—such as new computers, cultural enrichment programs that enhance the curriculum, funding in-school “field trips,” buses for off-site visits.
5. When are the meetings?
The meetings will be held monthly, on Friday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Art Room, unless otherwise specified. They last about 1 hour. Our first meeting is Friday, September 18th and this is also our New Parent Coffee to welcome all new families to Winthrop (8:30am).
6. What if I can’t make the meetings?
Meeting agendas and notes from the meetings will be posted on the school’s website and also on our Friends of Winthrop site. (http://hwfriendsofwinthrop.com) If there are ever agenda items that you would like to bring up (or have any questions about what was discussed) but can’t make a meeting, please feel free to contact any of the board members listed below. (see #8)
7. How do I join FOW?
There is no “joining” Friends of Winthrop. If you have a child in the school, you are automatically a Friend and welcome to attend all meetings and events. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and above all your interest and enthusiasm.
8. Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Please feel free to contact any of the FOW board members.
Co-Chair: Amy Katz………..…………………….amybkatz [at] verizon.net
Co-Chair: Jill Evers………………………….……jillevers [at] msn.com
Secretary: Nancy Rowse…………………………dndjemr [at] verizon.net
Treasurer: Tracy Gilligan……………………….tjgilligan [at] comcast.net
Teacher Liaison: Christine Cutter………..…clcutter [at] verizon.net
In addition, this website will list all the contact people for each of the events throughout the year.
