Arlene Robison Elementary PTO

Q: Why should I join the PTO? 

A:  Because as a parent interested in providing the highest quality education for your child, you know that the school district cannot provide all of the "extras" that are essential in creating a well rounded student.  The PTO helps provide the "extras", but can't do it without a strong parent base.

Q:  What does the PTO do?

A:  The PTO helps organize and fund special programs for the school.  The PTO provides volunteers for the grade level field trips, i.e. Nature Trails, Ropes, and Exchange City.  It organizes and provides volunteers for activities such as holiday parties, cultural arts events, teacher and staff appreciation, Readers in Action, and many other "extras" the district cannot provide.  With a successful fundraising drive the PTO will have the means to purchase equipment for the school such as a laminator, die cuts, software, literacy library sets, and playground equipment. 

Q:  What do I get for my $8?

A:  You will receive a copy of the Robison Student Directory, a "Note to School" notepad, voting rights as a member of the organization at the general meetings, and the confidence that you are helping provide all Robison students with "that winning edge". 

Q:  What is the Robison Student Directory?

A:  The Robison Student Directory is a great tool for parents.  Have you ever tried to find the addresses for your child's classmates for party invitations or play dates?  This is a quick and easy guide for phone numbers, addresses, emails and parent's names.  The book will also list the names of teachers and office staff along with their room numbers.  Many other helpful items are included such as a school calendar, names of Board members and their phone numbers, and a copy of the PTO by-laws.  You control the information included about your student.  Just a name and e-mail address? Fine!  Name, phone number and address?  Fine!  These are usually published in October.

Q:  If I am a member of the PTO, do I have to volunteer at the school?

A:  Being a member of the PTO does not obligate you to volunteer at the school.  Many parents are unable to attend functions during school hours: therefore, membership in the PTO gives you a way to be involved even if you can't be there physically!

Q:  What are VIPS?

A:  VIPS stands for Volunteers In Public Schools.  When you volunteer at Robison in any capacity, the school saves money by not having to hire someone to complete that task.  The more you volunteer the more programs the school is able to offer.  Anyone can be a VIPS, you do not have to be a member of the PTO to volunteer, but you must be a member to chair a committee or hold a board position.

Q:  If I am a member of the PTO am I required to participate in the Fall Fundraiser?

A:  While no one is required to participate in the fundraiser, the PTO depends heavily on the success of the fall fundraiser.   The more money we make from the fundraiser, the more money we have to fund special programs for the kids, such as field trips and in-house events.  If you do not want to participate in the fundraiser, but want to help the PTO fund these special programs, you have the option of making a tax deductible donation to the PTO.  In fact, donations are always welcome!  There are other easy, no extra cost ways to help Robison as well.   More info can be found on the Fundraising pages of this website.

Q:  How do I get involved?

A:  Go to Virtual Volunteers and register!    Fill in your areas of interest and submit the form.  You will be contacted by the committee chairs.   If you are not called, give the VIPS Chair a call to see where volunteers are still needed.  Some volunteer job descriptions can be found here.

Q:  "Can my preschooler accompany me to volunteer at school?”

A:  It is strongly encouraged that you make other arrangements for preschool aged children when volunteering at Robison. Preschoolers are not allowed in the instructional areas while the students are present.

Q:  “What is considered confidential and why is it important?”

A:  As Robison volunteers, we become trusted members of the school system.  Sometimes, we are privy to information that must be kept confidential.  As volunteers, we may see and hear actions that could reflect a child’s progress.  Names of pupils, teachers and staff, their actions and abilities are never appropriate topics for discussion.  The confidentiality of student records and other legal documents is a very serious matter and should never be discussed. By maintaining confidentiality, we can help provide a great learning environment, for not only our own children, but for all the children at Robison.  Breaking confidentiality will destroy the trust that the Administration has in our volunteer program.  Every volunteer is required to sign a confidentiality agreement before volunteering.

Q:  Help!  I can't get in to Virtual Volunteer.  Who can help me?

A:  If you have forgotten your password, click on Forgot Password box and a new password will be emailed to you.  For other issues, contact a VIPS VV representative This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who will help with what she can and find answers for what she can't!     Please have specifics of the problem ready so we can target the solution.  What computer?  Can you reproduce the problem?  Were there error messages?  etc.  Or contact the District VV representative at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q:  What is Global Volunteering?  Do I need to do anything about it?

A:  Global Volunteering is volunteering done at a campus where you do NOT have a child or grandchild enrolled.  Maybe you are a business partner coming in to teach JA or to read to a class, or you are trained for Hearing/Vision screening and want to help at a neighboring school, or maybe you are retired and just want to come help out and visit with our wonderful volunteers. 
If any of that sounds like you, and you are interested in volunteering at Robison and you do not have a child or grandchild enrolled, you need to complete a “Global Volunteer Application” and a “Consent to Perform Criminal History Background Check” form and submit them to CFISD. These forms are available here at the above links and at the district office and website (www.cfisd.net). The district will process the forms and notify the applicants of approval/denial. If approved, the volunteers will receive a “Global Volunteer” badge from the district that must be worn when volunteering on campus(es). You will need to pick up your badge from the Berry Center. 
This is a new state law and district requirement for volunteering at any campus where you do not have a child enrolled. THIS PROCESS DOES NOT INCLUDE A CREDIT CHECK. You can find more information about this law at http://www.shapiro.senate.state.tx.us/pr07/p022107a.htm   
return completed Global Volunteer and Background Check forms to:
Pam Scott
Partners In Education Director
Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D.
8877 Barker Cypress Road, Suite 1118, Cypress, Texas 77433
Fax: (281) 894-3959
Phone: (281) 894-3950