Now It's Getting Real...

It's the beginning of week 3 and now it's getting real.  It's truly good-bye to summer, and hello to homework, practices, games, picture day, book fairs, and more.  But you've been down this path before. You've got this!

It feels that way from the PTA world as well.  Our agenda for last Thursday's meeting was full, and our turn-out was fabulous.  So wonderful to see new faces!  It was exhilarating to discuss our goals, and gain insight and new ideas on how to get them accomplished.  We received the first round of requests for funds for a variety of field trips and programming and we are looking forward to meeting those goals through some innovative fundraising.

Lucas sports a bow-tie for picture day

We know it seems like a lot so quickly out of the gates.  What may be helpful to know is that these events are so time-driven on product return, for example, that it offers little by way of flexibility in planning.  (some fund-raising partners only have campaigns once or twice a year).  But we do hope that the roll-out of the year, while ambitious, will also speak to our commitment to get the funding we need, and offer things to students and teachers right from the get-go.

We opened the Scholastic Book fair last Friday - and to say it was met with excitement and enthusiasm would be an understatement!  Kids were giddy!  Having the fair come to our school is, in many cases, the only opportunity a student has to own a new book.  The fair is not a fund-raiser for the PTA.  It is a tradition we have carried on for years and despite the work involved and the volunteers needed to make it happen, the acceptance of it from students and administrators alike make it worthwhile.  Features of this fair include 25% off each book, and $30 worth of scholastic dollars for each teacher.  It's tons of fun seeing teachers and kids in a 'happy place' when the book fair lines the hallway.

The Box-Top 'race' is on.  Classrooms are already turning in handfuls of them; worth .10 each. (the class submitting the most will get a dance party in PE)  Our coordinator, Stacey Crinion, is already trimming and counting each one.  Incredible as it seems, she tallied and mailed 30,000 of them last year; translate $3000 to our funding - We receive a check twice a year; in October and April.

Stacey counting boxtops for the fall race

Information concerning our first fundraiser with Close Buy will be in backpacks on Monday the 15th.  PTA will receive .30 for each dollar sold.

But it's not all about the money. Future outreach ideas were flowing from membership; topics such as parental assistance with newer math concepts taught in Everyday Math, collaborative literacy outreach for our PreK and Kindergarten parents and students, cyber safety, happenings in the RSU, the importance of attending RSU#1 School Board meetings, and others.   All great things!

So, as we roll up our sleeves for a busy first month or two, we ask for your understanding and your feedback.  You can likely see by now the WCS PTA thrives on a shared vision for our kids, and for our school.  It may be busy - but we're up for the task!  Please contact us any time to join in at woolwichptc@yahoo.com.