ABOUT US
Get to Know About Your PTO
Memorial Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a non-profit for parents, staff, and community members who want to support quality, local public education in the Rice Military neighborhood of Houston, TX.​
As a 501(c)(3) organization, every dollar we raise and hour we volunteer aligns with our three core goals:
-
Enhance and support the educational experience at Memorial Elementary in the Houston Independent School District
-
Develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parental involvement
-
Improve the environment at Memorial Elementary through volunteer and financial support
How We Fullfill Our Mission
3
Transparency & Accountability
We are committed to responsible stewardship. Our treasurer maintains detailed financial records, and in accordance with our bylaws, we post our monthly financials on this website for all members to review. We operate on a formal budget and maintain a reserve fund to ensure the PTO's long-term health.
OUR STRUCTURE
A Look at Our Bylaws
Our PTO is guided by a set of official bylaws that ensure we operate fairly, transparently, and with a clear focus on our mission. They define our structure, our purpose, and our commitment to the Memorial community. Below is a simple, high-level summary of the key articles that govern our work.
Membership & Voting Rights
Our bylaws grant membership to all staff, then extends membership to all parents or guardians for a $5 annual fee.
Each member is afforded a vote at General PTO meetings, giving you a direct say in how we support our school.
Our Meetings
General PTO meetings are held throughout the year to conduct official business. All members are welcome, and decisions are made by a vote of the members present. Our bylaws ensure that meetings are run in an orderly and fair manner.
Board Elections & Transitions
We hold elections for new board members the third week of April. To support a smooth transition and continuity, our bylaws create a system where roles like the President-Elect automatically step into their new positions for the following school year.
Financial Integrity & Transparency
Our bylaws require us to be responsible stewards of your funds. We operate on a formal budget, reconcile our accounts monthly, and post our financials on this website for all members to see.
Officers & Responsibilities
Our Executive Board consists of officers with clearly defined duties. From the President who runs meetings to the Volunteer Chairs who coordinate help, each role exists to coordinate key work that serves the PTO's mission.
Bylaw Rules & Governance
We have rules for how our bylaws can be amended, follow "Robert's Rules of Order" for meetings, and in the unlikely event of dissolution all remaining funds are donated directly to Memorial Elementary.
The history of Memorial Elementary’s parent and community support.
Small-Town Feel in the Heart of The City
Memorial Elementary School is a public dual-language school within the Houston Independent School District.
Nestled in Camp Logan adjacent to Houston's Memorial Park, it's nature-based campus and proximity to downtown make it an attractive destination for families.
Drawing Strength from Residents
Many residents nearby believe in the value of public education. In 2012, the Memorial Elementary PTO was established to coordinate volunteering, organize events, and fundraise for the school.
Alongside the PTO, another non-profit called Lift Memorial emerged in the 2010's as a flexible support network. Their focus was on financially meeting school and teacher needs that had gone unaddressed due to district funding limitations.
​
By 2022, Lift Memorial had effectively fulfilled its mission. Its efforts were absorbed into the PTO, unifying parent and community support under one structure.
​
A Top-Rated Public Elementary School
​
The school made notable strides. Memorial Elementary soon became a top performing elementary school within Houston Independent School District.
​
Memorial Elementary remained autonomous during the 2023 state takeover of the Houston Independent School District. The strong relationship between PTO and school administrators continues to ensure academic, staff, and campus needs are meeting the district's standards for high-quality performance.
Today, the school's reputation has made Rice Military a destination for young families seeking a small-town, public school experience in the heart of the city.