Every day at Mason-Rice, learning, discovery, and connection happen in real time.

From tackling engineering challenges during STEAM Week to discovering new favorite books in the library, our children are actively engaged, curious, and inspired.

The Mason-Rice PTO helps make so much of that possible.

Newton Public Schools funding only covers the district's educational essentials, not the full richness of what our teachers and community provide. Our PTO fills the gap by providing enrichment programs, hands-on learning opportunities, classroom resources, and community experiences that add so much to our children’s time at Mason-Rice. We support our teachers and staff, bring special programming directly to our students, and steward the traditions and events that help make our school a connected and caring community.

Each year, the PTO needs to raise $60,000 through our Fall Annual Fund and Spring auction to make these programs and resources possible—that's an average of $200 per student. We hope every family who is able will participate in the Annual Fund. There is no required contribution—every donation makes a difference.

What does your Annual Fund donation support?

33% - Educational Enrichment Programs: A third of the PTO budget supports academic enrichment, including Creative Arts & Sciences, which brings authors, musicians, and hands-on arts and science programming to every grade throughout the year. The PTO also funds and organizes STEAM Playground, offering two days of hands-on science and engineering learning, as well as our alternating biennial Science Fair and World Cultures Festival.

30% - Classroom Learning & Support: Nearly a third of our budget goes directly toward supporting our teachers and staff to purchase classroom supplies, new library books, and magazine subscriptions. We also provide funding to help ensure that families experiencing financial need can participate fully in the Mason-Rice experience, with assistance provided confidentially by Mr. Bultema.

20% - Community Connections: 20% of the PTO's budget is spent bringing our community together through events and programs that nurtures the relationships among students, families, teachers, and staff. These include the Back-to-School Picnic, parent socials, Family Dance Party, Bingo Night, Fun Run, and spirit wear for new students and staff. We also support community outreach initiatives that connect our students with the world beyond Mason-Rice, including Kids Take Action (KTA), Green Team, Safe Routes to School (SRTS), and more.

17% - Teacher Appreciation + Operational Support: Our Annual Fund also helps us support and celebrate our educators throughout the year through staff appreciation meals, lounge snacks, and Teacher Appreciation Week. It also covers essential behind-the-scenes costs that allow the PTO to operate, including Membership Toolkit, insurance, and supplies.

Your donation helps make the Mason-Rice experience possible. Thank you for your support.

Mason-Rice 2026 Annual Fund

Raising funds to support the students, teachers, and families in our community