With the 2017-18 academic year now in full swing, the Fountain Hills Unified School District PTO is seeking new members/families to join its ranks and help support local schools.

Organizers said that local families should know that becoming a member of the FHUSD PTO means that your support directly benefits the students and teachers the local district. Last year, the PTO provided $60,000 worth of supplies and services.

The local PTO know includes all schools within FHUSD, from McDowell Mountain Elementary School on up to the high school.

Membership is $20 per family and includes a PTO discount card with savings at local merchants, email updates for district and local events and volunteer opportunities within the community.

For more information, contact PTO President Nicole Perkins by emailing nicperks@gmail.com.

Perkins highlighted some of the activities and opportunities provided by the PTO, including $200 to each teacher in grades pre-kindergarten through eight for classroom supplies, support for local robotics and STEM programs and more than $15,000 in books for teachers and libraries through activities such as the recent book fair. The PTO also supports Homework Labs, teacher appreciation luncheons and provides classroom equipment, training and technology on local campuses.