About Winthrop FRIES

Friends of Ipswich Elementary Schools, Inc. is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation organized for charitable purposes for the Ipswich Elementary Schools. Winthrop FRIES serves as the Winthrop School PTO.

We are unique among school PTOs in that our organization does not charge a membership fee (usually in the form of annual dues.) All families and students get to participate in our events and benefit from our funding. EVERYONE is a member of FRIES. 

• FRIES supports teachers and staff with funding for classroom equipment, supplies, and enrichment activities for students which cannot be funded by the school district’s annual operating budget

• FRIES brings special programs into the Winthrop school community, including author visits, visiting artist presentations & workshops, yoga and mindful movement sessions

• FRIES hosts community events to bring together families and foster a culture of fun and togetherness

• FRIES funds and organizes the maintenance, repair and improvements of our outdoor playground and recess spaces

• FRIES funds teacher and staff appreciation efforts so that we can express our gratitude for the amazing educators who work with our children every day

• FRIES promotes sustainability and environmentally friendly initiatives through the work of the Winthrop Green Team