The Parent Teacher Collective (PTC) is the collaboration of all John Muir Outdoor School (JMOS) parents, teachers and staff working together to support the success of our extraordinary programs and school. These programs include Outdoor Education, Art Focus, Community Sing, and community building events. JMOS parents contribute their time, effort, and voices to help make a tight-knit school community that provides an exciting and engaging place for students to learn and grown. For the 2019-20 school year John Muir PTC will meet on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm. Meetings generally occur at JMS, but it's good to double-check as there have been discussions about having occasional meetings off-campus. Childcare is provided. 

 What does PTC fund?

• The Arts: Our incredible PTC-funded K-8 Art Focus Program includes 1 hour of instruction per week for grades K-3, and 90 minutes per week of art instruction for grades 4-8. With the exception of our winter art elective program for grade 4-8 which is taught by volunteers, all classes are taught by local professional artists. 
•  Outdoor Education: The PTC supplements the District's contribution to our unparalleled JMOS outdoor education program. This includes Earth Teach and Lithia Park fees, gear for students, and an Outdoor Ed Coordinator to manage gear, food menus for overnight trips, and scout trips. For the 2019-20 school year, the John Muir PTC was also granted funding for a guest naturalist for the K-3 Lithia Days from the Ashland Parks Foundation. In previous years, the PTC has also funded the building of a shelter at the Earth Teach campus. 
• Music: The PTC funds an all-school Community Sing on Wednesdays, grade 4-8 Band, and instrument purchase/repair.
• Literacy and Core Subjects: The PTC buys library books and funds JMOS participation in Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB). JMOS students are OBOB aficionados having made it to the state finals 2 years in a row! Additionally, the PTC provides a small amount of discretionary funds for classrooms. 
• Community-Building and School Spirit: The PTC funds a variety of all-school events including Halloween, Winterfaire, Winter Solstice, Graduation, staff and teacher appreciation, the Fall Family Potluck Picnic, and Raffle Night. Additionally, the PTC funds yearbook development and school spirit gear. 
• Equity and Restorative Justice Initiatives: The PTC provides financial assistance for outdoor fees, childcare at PTC meetings, and provides a Student Portable Pantry to be sure that all students have food security at home. The PTC also funds trainings and events related to JMOS' inspiring restorative justice program. 

Stay up to date!

• Join the John Muir Community Circle Facebook page. This is the best way to stay in the loop on the most up-to-date information.
• The PTC curates a bulletin board in the front office. This PTC Corner is a great resource for important information, upcoming events, and volunteer needs. 
•  The PTC intends to send out monthly emailed newsletter that includes fundraising and event information as well as the agenda for the next meeting and minutes from the last meeting. 
• Check the JMOS PTC webpage on the Ashland School District website for updated information.
• Look for flyers, raffle tickets, and information from PTC that come home with your child.

The PTC is considering a text application like remind.com to send out up-to-date information. Stay tuned for more information and opt in.

2019-20 PTC Officers
President: Pam Kuhn / johnmuirschoolptc@gmail.com
Vice President: Tabbitha Bruce 
Treasurer: Dave Luczynski / JMSptctreasurer@gmail.com
Secretary: Dana Barton
 
The John Muir PTC is a 501-c3 tax-exempt organization. Donations are welcome at any time and are tax-deductible. John Muir PTC, 100 Walker Avenue, Ashland, OR 97520. Employer Identification Number 20-8388604.
 

PTC Meeting Schedule for the 2019-2020 School Year
Attending PTC meetings is not only a great way to get a volunteer hour in the books but it's also vital to having input into your child's educational experience and a deeper understanding of the wonderful programs JMMS offers, including the time, effort and funding that is required. You will receive 1 volunteer hour when you attend a meeting and Childcare is provided!