Below are just a few examples of how PTA money was spent in 2008/2009.

Cultural Arts. Throughout the year, the PTA arranges for presenters to bring curriculum enhancing topics to Swansfield using creative methods. Each grade has several different presentations over the course of the year. During 2008/2009, $5,200 was spent on programs such as these:
  • Smithsonian Discovery Theatre, "African Roots, Latino Soul"
  • Billy B., "Ways of the Bay"
  • Kathleen Jacobs and Puppets, "Pots and Recycled Bottles"
  • History Alive, "Margaret Brent - Gentleman"
  • Slapstick Science, "Dr. Albert Erg presents... The Notion of Motion"
  • Jennifer Curtis, Author
  • Reptile World, Inc.
  • Nada Brahma Productions, Kenya Day

Curriculum Support/Student Recognition. The PTA support student recognition and various teacher and staff requests for funds over $4,000. In 2008/2009, this support included but was not limited to:
  • Math Support, including manipulatives and math literature set. (Support for all grades)
  • Presidential Election Stickers,
  • Containers for First Aid kits for each classroom
  • "Boardmaker" Software
  • Reading/Language arts support for 3rd grade
  • Aid in the purchase of strings instruments, and money towards the Piano Fund
  • 2nd grade, Nature Conservancy Butterflies program
  • Reading support, books on Global Warming
  • Summer school prizes and lunch/party
  • Prizes for the PBIS/Spotlight program
  • Student Recognition Board

Teachers' Fund. At the beginning of the school year, The PTA provides each teacher and assistant teacher who joins the PTA with funding for classroom supplies that are not otherwise reimbursed. The fund amount in 2008/2009 was $3000.

Hospitality. Over the course of the school year, the PTA provided various support for staff and spent about $1,100, including:
  • Teachers' breakfast at the start of the school year and during Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Teachers' dinner during Parent- teacher conferences
  • Teacher Appreciation Week activities,
  • Coffee with the principal
  • Snacks for students during MSA and SAT 10 testing

The PTA sponsored various Family Activities in 2008/2009, spending over $1500, including
  • Ice Cream Social and ESOL Ice Cream Social at the beginning of the school year
  • Cosmic Adventures planetarium show
  • Turner, Dean of Magic show
  • Mutts Gone Nutts show

Science Fair and Evening of Excellence. The PTA planned and hosted the Annual Science Fair and Evening of Excellence. Students showcase their science projects and academic work during this evening in May, and student musicians play in the lobby.

International Night. The PTA held the annual International Night in April. The theme was "Map the Menu". Families at Swansfield created displays for countries they're either from or have lived in, and provided samplings of typical foods. There were also cooking demonstrations on the stage.

Miscellaneous. The PTA also funded a variety of other projects in 2008/09, such as:
  • The school directory
  • The Swansfield Elementary School PTA website
  • Contribution to the Howard County PTA Scholarship Fund
  • Support for the Ben Carson Reading Room
  • Support for the Green Schools Initiative
  • Childcare at PTA meetings, School wide Parent Ed nights and Back to School Nights