Midvale Lincoln PTO
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Midvale-Lincoln School Community Organization (SCO)
Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get involved and what volunteer opportunities are available?
​We offer many ways to get involved with varying time commitments:
  Ongoing Commitments
      Board Positions - Term-based roles that can range from 2-6 hours per month depending on role and activities
      Translation Support - Ongoing need for Spanish translation of communications
  One-Time/Event-Based (can also be recurring)
      Event Volunteering - Sign up for specific SCO events throughout the year as they come up
      Classroom Support - Regular assistance with classroom projects (requires MMSD Volunteer Training)
      Midvale Gardens - Ongoing maintenance of garden spaces
The board positions are the most structured ongoing commitments, while translation, classroom support, and garden maintenance are ongoing but likely more flexible in terms of when and how often you contribute. Event volunteering is the most flexible option where you can choose which specific events to help with as your schedule allows.

When and where are SCO meetings held, and how can I stay informed?
Meeting Schedule: SCO board meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm (with occasional exceptions noted on our schedule). Meetings alternate locations between:
  • Midvale Elementary - 502 Caromar Drive (608-204-6700)
  • Lincoln Elementary - 909 Sequoia Trail (608-204-4900)
  • Remote/Zoom meetings
Remote meeting login information is sent out the day of the meeting. All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend our board meetings, you don't need to be a board member to participate. We encourage diverse, fresh and innovative discussions from all families.
You can find the complete meeting schedule and access past meeting minutes on our Meetings & Minutes page.
Stay Informed:
  • Visit the website: www.midvalelincolnpto.org
  • Like us on Facebook
  • Join our email list by submitting your contact information on our website homepage
  • Look for SCO updates in your school newsletter and from district emails

How does the SCO raise funds and what does the money support?
Our goal is to make fundraising fun, easy, and equitable! We offer several fundraising opportunities throughout the year:
The Annual Direct Appeal is our primary fundraiser, where we directly appeal to our community. We typically avoid partnering with vendors (candy bars, wrapping paper) because it is a SCO priority that ALL of your money goes directly where it is needed most.
Other Fundraising Activities:
  • Bucky Book sales
  • Seasonal coffee sales
  • Bake sales (at select times)
  • Dining events at area restaurants
  • Rummage sales
Online donations (via PayPal) from families, caregivers, and community members are always welcome! If you are a business owner or know of business owners interested in sponsoring events or providing general sponsorship, please contact us via our form at midvalelincolnpto.org/about.html.

What Your Money Supports: We raise money to support our classrooms and meet the needs of all our students and staff. This includes:
  • Teacher grants for classroom materials and experiences
  • Special event funds to bring guests and performers in for cultural and educational enrichment
  • Host community-building events
  • In-school support programs

How can I provide input or suggest new ideas for SCO activities or initiatives?
We welcome your ideas and input! You can:
  • Attend our monthly board meetings - all community members are welcome to participate in discussions
  • Reach out to us through our Facebook page
  • Email us directly through our contact form on the website

What events does the SCO organize throughout the year and how can my family participate?
Upcoming Events: Check our website, Facebook page, and email updates for current event dates and details. Past events have included:
  • School-wide Picnics
  • Outings to Local Sporting Events
  • Family Game Nights
  • Friendship Dances

How does the SCO work with school administration and teachers?
We work closely with both schools to support their educational mission through:
  • Coordinating classroom volunteer opportunities
  • Supporting teacher classroom needs with small grants
  • Organizing family engagement events
  • Facilitating communication between families and schools
Our board members coordinate with school staff on various initiatives, including New Parent Welcoming efforts and Teacher Appreciation activities.

Who participates in SCO leadership and decision-making?
The SCO serves as an important bridge connecting families, teachers, and school administration. Our board includes parent volunteers who make decisions about SCO activities and funding, while Teacher Representatives and School Principals participate as non-voting members who attend meetings to share insights from within the schools.
This structure creates a vital communication channel between what is happening within the school environment and what is happening among families and the broader community. Teachers can share classroom needs and educational priorities, principals can communicate school-wide initiatives, and parents can voice community concerns and ideas, ensuring everyone stays connected and informed about how to best support our students.

What are the membership requirements and are there any fees involved?
NO fees! There are no membership fees or costs to be involved with the Midvale-Lincoln SCO. We believe in keeping participation accessible to all families in our school community.



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Midvale-Lincoln School Community Organization (SCO) - 502 Caromar Drive  Madison, WI 53711
Midvale Lincoln SCO is a 501c(3) nonprofit
  • Home
  • About
    • Meetings & Minutes
  • Volunteer
  • Fundraising
    • Fall Fundraiser
  • for Teachers
  • Friends
  • FAQ