Dowling Parent Teacher Organization

Working together to support Dowling Elementary School

The Dowling Parent Teacher Organization fosters community and raises funds to provide a wide range of educational enrichment programs for students. We help to fund class trips; external speakers and programs; books; classroom supplies, and events for students, families and teachers. The Dowling PTO provides learning opportunities that would have otherwise been unavailable to our community.

"The funding that PTO raises each year goes directly to our students! As a classroom teacher, these funds allow me the flexibility to bring different experiences to our students throughout the year - inside the classroom and out. [For example] 4th grade students calculating 'Pumpkin Math' thanks to start-up funds provided by the PTO." -  Jessica Poeschl, 4th Grade Teacher

How will the PTO spend the funds it raises this year?

 

How does the PTO foster equity and community?

"The Dowling PTO funds allocated to social work are immensely important and helpful for our school community. Because of this financial support, l am able to have snacks on hand for students who need more food, I can buy them new tennis shoes when theirs fail, and I can provide them with their very own swimsuit and winter gear to participate equally in our amazing pool and outdoors. Additionally, I am able to provide gift cards to families experiencing homelessness or family crisis, when immediate support is needed. Thank you so much to the entire Dowling community for making these small but important supports possible." - Marisa Gustafson, school social worker

Special community-building activities throughout the year 

The PTO organizes and funds community events year-round, including: Tears & Cheers * The Dowling Campout * Movie Mornings * The School Dance * End-of-year Carnival * 5th Grade Graduation* and more!

The Dowling PTO also subsidizes the school yearbook and organizes volunteer efforts to rapidly respond to needs as they arise. 

Educational enrichment made more accessible, both inside and outside the classroom

Examples of field trips funded by the PTO:  Arboretum * Dodge Nature Center * Bakken Museum * Theaters (Stages, Ordway, Children's) * Raptor Center * Mill City Museum * Three Rivers Park District

Examples of the PTO supporting teachers in bringing enrichment to the classroom:

• Books and classroom supplies
• Upstream Arts theater program for special education
• Plant Mobile & Zoo Mobile visits
• Environmental education supplies
• Playground equipment

About Dowling Elementary School

Dowling Elementary School seeks to create a social and academic climate that gives students a strong feeling of belonging. Dowling is distinguished by its environmental focus, special education programs, a highly qualified and stable staff, and an unparalleled desire to have fun with learning. Dowling has a unique history–it was founded in 1924 to provide education to children with disabilities in the city of Minneapolis. In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt visited Dowling and dedicated its therapeutic swimming pool.