WHAT WE FUND
Since we ask families and local businesses for financial contributions, we'd like to share examples of where those funds go. Here are some of the initiatives the NPTO supports and how they benefit students.
Nettelhorst has an average class size of 23 students because of NPTO funding.
SMALL CLASS SIZES
Being a neighborhood school poses a logistical challenge for school administrators because student enrollment fluctuates from year to year. The NPTO's funding of additional teaching positions enables school leaders to move teachers around to avoid large class sizes or combining two grades into one.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS ROOM
The NPTO provided $5,525 to upgrade the student fitness room with a big-screen TV, Nintendo Switch consoles, exergaming options, foosball and air hockey tables, and an iPad-controlled audio system to replace the 1990s boom box. The upgrades give students more movement options during P.E. class.
VIDEO AND MUSIC RECORDING STUDIO
The NPTO provided $2,300 in funding for our technology coordinator to build a recording studio where students create videos of the morning announcements about the weather, lunch menu, and school events. It's also used by students in the after-school hip hop program.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS
Being a CPS fine and performing arts school means that the district provides funding for one full-time art teacher. Yes, just one. Funding from the NPTO enables Nettelhorst to have three full-time teachers dedicated to providing students with drama, fine arts, and music programming.
COACHES FOR SPORTS LEAGUES
Nettelhorst students in grades 5-8 can participate in after-school sports leagues to play with their friends and represent their school. The NPTO provides coaching stipends to ensure these teams have the leadership they need to hold practices and compete in games against other CPS schools.
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BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
Student bathrooms at Nettelhorst looked like something out of the 1950s until the NPTO provided more than $60,000 to update the first-floor facilities with new sinks, urinals, toilets, flooring, stalls, and epoxy on the walls. Because of the upgrades, they are now ADA-compliant.