The PTR Center

Colored pencils in pencil holder. The Parent Teacher Resources (PTR) Center mission is to enhance USD 259 student growth through support and assistance to individual teachers, support staff, parents and volunteers.

The PTR Center operates to serve USD 259 staff, parents, volunteers and community members supporting USD 259 students and schools. We are open to the public but reserve the right to limit quantities and/or purchases based on our first priority to serve district staff and patrons.

During your visit to our center, supplies are available for purchase at a very low cost. We have a wealth of educational materials and ideas to help with classroom instruction, home reinforcement, or special projects. We have several large work areas, and equipment for use including: binding machines, die punches, button makers, laminators, copiers, special edged scissors, paper cutters, poster maker and more. The Center also provides tools to support student achievement with manipulatives, activities, and supplies for classroom and individual use including the following items:

• Money (2-sided bills and coins)      • Domino & Card Activities
• Decimal Dice                                 • Building Expectations Poster
• Double Dice Activities                   • Marker Sets
• Seasonal Math Mats                       • Phonic Phones
• Text Structure Mats                     • Dry Erase Boards

Payment methods: cash, check, MasterCard/VISA, PTR purchasing card*, and charges to USD 259 building/program. All purchases can be made, during Center hours, at the PTR Center. Located at 412 S. Main, Wichita, Kansas, 67202. Phone - 316.973.5141

*The PTR Center Purchasing card is an easy method for you to pay for items at the PTR Center. No more hassles of writing checks, needing cash, or waiting on petty cash reimbursement. Cards, which can be purchased by individuals, schools, or organization, are available in $10 increments and make wonderful gifts for teachers, support staff, volunteers or anyone else that uses the center.

Parent Buck

Parents that have children who attend USD 259 schools are eligible to receive a parent buck. Parent Bucks pay for the first dollar when you construct or purchase materials for activities that are an extension of your child’s class room: such as reading, writing, and math. This helps offset the cost of making home reinforcement activities.

Purchase Card

The PTR Center Purchase Card (P-card) works like a gift card. They are sold in $10 increments and do not expire. This can be a more efficient way for your staff or teachers to purchase items at the PTR Center. They make great teacher and staff appreciation gifts. Watch the PTR Center Cutting Edge Newsletter for any special offers/deals.

PTR Resource Area

A room full of ideas and educational resources for teachers and parents including: Current and back issues of Mailbox, Bookbag, Book Link and Teachers Helper. Resource and activity books in different skill areas, District Resource and Curriculum manuals, computer and web access with printer.

PTR Center Hours (July 2007 – May 2008 school year)

The center is open:

Monday and Wednesday (FREE Childcare is offered)

11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tuesday and Thursday (No Childcare is offered)

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Call (316)973-5141 for Holiday and other closings

Early Learning Room

As part of the Parent Teacher Resources Center and Parent as Teachers the Early Learning Room provides a variety of parenting resources. Parent who are enrolled in the Wichita Parents As Teachers Program (PAT) are eligible to use and check out from the video library, hands on parent/ child a activity tubs that are Literacy based, parenting books, children’s books and more.

For non-PAT eligible parents or individuals, use of the Early Learning Room is available as a resource but items cannot be checked out.

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"I learned at a parent /teacher conference that my fourth grade son needs help with patterns and sequencing. I didn’t have a clue what to do. The people at the PTR Center were able to give me games and activities that target that specific skill. You can bet, I’ll be back!”

Parent

"My science teacher told me about the PTR Center and how I could make my projects there. Not only are my school projects better now, but my parents have saved a lot of money on them too!”

Student

"What I like most about working at the PTR Center is that I can work on a project from conception to completion. Not only do they have the ideas and templates . . . but they also have all the necessary materials and tools to get the job done!”

Teacher

"I was approached about starting a volunteer program at my school. My first reaction was to say no! Then I found out about all the help for volunteers at Parent Teacher Resources. It’s nice to have a road map to follow and advice along the way.”

Volunteer

"I was looking for ways to help parents with discipline at home. I found lots of good information at the Focht ISC, including videos for parents on lots of subjects!”

Counselor

"I appreciate that my Site Council members can get training at the Focht ISC on subjects like budget, understanding data , and site council orientation. It makes my job easier when the members are already educated on these subjects.”

Principal