About the PTSO

Welcome to the Charlotte Lab PTSO, we're so happy you're here!

ABOUT THE PTSO
Charlotte Lab PTSO is a 501(3)c non-profit organization whose mission is to:

Support and uphold the mission of the school
Provide support to the classroom and various programs that benefit all Lab students
Be a relevant resource for families and the Lab school community
Plan and organize events that not only help to raise money for the school but also enrich and promote the Lab School culture
Encourage and coordinate parent involvement
Serve as an advocate for our school and our Lab students

The first step to building a relationship with Lab is to become involved. Parent, student, staff, and community involvement plays a vital role in the success of our school. All of our PTSO members and leaders are committed volunteers. Whether you commit a little or a lot, every contribution counts!

Continue below to see all the ways YOU can join and support the Lab PTSO today!

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

As a PTSO, we work to benefit all Charlotte Lab staff and students. Our goal is to unite parents, teachers, and volunteers for the purpose of enriching the educational experience of all children at Charlotte Lab. The membership fee this year is $10.

So, how can you get involved?

Become a Member (Click here to join)

- All families are encouraged to join and be involved.
- Why does it cost $10?
  - Membership fees are one of the biggest fundraisers for the PTSO (i.e. no bake sale!). This money goes towards various events throughout the year.
  - Scholarships are available, so don’t let the cost get in the way of participation.
  - Linked below is the Membership Form. Complete the requested information and submit payment.

Volunteer

- The saying “it takes a village” is especially true in a newer school; we need you!
- There are many ways to volunteer, from leading a committee to providing time or donated items via a Sign-Up Genius. A full list of committees and open positions can be found on the PTSO Volunteering page on this site.
- Don’t know where to begin? Contact the PTSO today at [email protected].

Attend

- Events and meetings are intended to bring parents and students together. There are events for the entire school.
- You do not need to be a member to attend events; we welcome and encourage everyone!

Learn more about our PTSO volunteer needs here: PTSO VOLUNTEERING

PTSO GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS

General Assembly meetings are held once per quarter, and all PTSO members, parents, guardians, involved family members, teachers, and staff are encouraged to attend! These meetings are a great opportunity to stay informed, connect with other families, and contribute your voice to important decisions about events, fundraising, and how we support our students and staff.

We’ll be offering a mix of in-person and virtual meetings this year to make it easier for everyone to stay involved. Our first General Assembly meeting will be held in person on August 21st, during Set Up Our Space Night. Upcoming meeting dates and details will be shared in the PTSO newsletter and posted on the school calendar. For virtual meetings, a registration link will be provided in the newsletter 1–2 weeks prior.

Whether you’re curious about what we do or ready to dive in and get involved, your presence makes a difference. We’d love to see you there!

CONTACT US

Interested in joining the PTSO and helping? Email us today at [email protected] or submit your question/comment here: CONTACT US

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I required to become a member of the PTSO?

No! We encourage all families and students to participate and volunteer with the school and PTSO events. The benefits of becoming a member include; having a voice in the PTSO’s decisions (only paying members will be able to vote in meetings), get previews of upcoming events/projects, connect with other parents, share your ideas, and help the school get up and running smoothly! If you are unable to pay at this time, WE STILL WANT YOUR SUPPORT! This interest form is used to collect contact information and so we can track those who have specific interest/ways they would like to support Charlotte Lab.

What does the PTSO do?

How do I get involved?

If you are looking for ways to get involved at school, we can help! Any amount of time you can give during the year is appreciated. You can become a voting member by paying your $10 annual family dues here or, we currently have an open interest form which can be found HERE where you can tell us about your interest, events you'd like to volunteer for, and any additional information you'd like to provide. This will give you the opportunity to tell us about your interests. In the meantime, please email PTSO with any questions or comments: [email protected].

What is the role of the PTSO Leadership Board?

The PTSO Leadership Board is composed of dedicated parents who lead overall PTSO towards specific goals chosen in conjunction with school leadership. The board meets monthly to help to set the vision for the PTSO, create a budget and fundraising plan, appoint committee and event chairs, plan social and community-building events, and conduct trimester General Meetings with the broader school community. Board members try to be the “eyes and ears” for the school community and use feedback to better support all students, staff and classrooms.

I’d love to help plan an event at Lab, how can I get involved at the planning level?

We’re so glad you’re interested! This year, the PTSO is opening event planning committees to give more families a chance to take an active role in shaping the events that make Lab special — from Fall Festival and Field Day to Parent’s Night Out, dances, and more.

Each committee is led by a volunteer chairperson and includes Lab staff and family members working together behind the scenes to bring each event to life. No experience necessary, just creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to jump in!

To view available committees and sign up to get involved, visit our volunteering page here or head straight to our committee sign up form here.

How do I know when volunteer opportunities arise?

There will be a need for volunteers just about every month during the school year. A description of the event will be included in the school’s weekly newsletter and/or other communication methods (SeeSaw, school website, parent Facebook page, etc.). Most of the volunteer sign-ups during the year are done through POINT. This is a free online tool/app that we use to organize events and keep track of volunteers.

How does the PTSO raise money?

As a PTSO we are mindful of balancing fundraising efforts with our commitment to building a strong, supportive community. While we have a variety of fundraising opportunities throughout the year, our biggest fundraising campaign each year is our annual Fun Run event. This is our biggest opportunity to raise funds that support student enrichment, teacher appreciation, and school-wide events.

In addition to the Fun Run, we may host a few smaller fundraising events or campaigns throughout the year (such as spirit nights or seasonal events) that also contribute to our goals.

We also raise funds through partnerships with local and national businesses. Companies like BoxTops, Harris Teeter, Publix, Edukit, and St. John’s Photography donate a percentage of sales back to the school when families participate. A portion of proceeds from spirit wear sales also helps fund PTSO programs and activities.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward enhancing the student experience and supporting our amazing staff. If you’re interested in helping with fundraising efforts, we’d love to have your support!

How does the PTSO spend the money it raises?

What is POINT?

Why does PTSO have a fundraiser that is separate from Lab’s Innovation Fund? What is the difference between them?

How do I get in touch with someone from the PTSO?

About the PTSO

Welcome to the Charlotte Lab PTSO, we're so happy you're here!

PTSO Calendar

Aug 12, 2025