The PTO, boosting literacy and school program needs

The Wahki Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), is an ambitious group of parents and school supporters that have come together to support students by filling the gaps for needs in the classroom, while offering exceptional support to literacy and other academic needs in the community.

The PTO consists of parents, teachers and school volunteers. Leadership of the group consists of board members: Ashley Hilton, President; Chris Coleman, Vice President; Alice Coleman, Treasurer; and Lyndsey Hansen, Secretary. All are actively supportive parents in the district, often wearing multiple hats to pull off great programs and activities for our young people.

The board has a full agenda of activities to engage students and community in upcoming events, such as the Book Fair and Winterfest. They are actively enlisting volunteers to assist with programming efforts and no amount of time is too little to make a big impact. “If there is an interest in the successful educational experience of the students, WE WANT YOU,” expressed PTO President Hilton.

The PTO is looking for individuals to assist the PTO by volunteering for events, donating to their events and sharing the word of their hard work through multiple communication methods, including social media outreach. The PTO provides a Popcorn Thursday event monthly as a fundraiser for classroom support to purchase needed materials. In addition they provide supplies for the end of the year field day events and various classroom curriculum needs.

The vision of the PTO is to enhance the education experience of students K-8 and assist staff to improve successful outcomes in the district. Some specific goals they have are to help increase involvement by parents and teachers in their meetings and events. In addition, they hope to raise funds for new spirit gear and a mascot. Lastly, but certainly not least, they are striving to improve community awareness of the organization and its efforts and events.

The PTO is dedicated to partnering with the community and school to improve the experience of students as they move through their educational environment. An example is how the PTO works to alleviate the demand placed on teacher pockets by sponsoring the costs of classroom supplies. They support building relationships with health and fitness for students by sponsoring the purchases of resources for the school nurse as well. Lastly, the PTO purchases new equipment for the athletics programs and gaming activities such as field day. Their support isn’t limited to elementary and middle school. Their reach assists with the fall harvest festival where the high school FFA provides fun and educational activities related to fall.

Their support for literacy is celebrated in an event titled, “Books for Kids,” in which they purchase a variety of books and allow all students to select one of their choice to keep and build a personal library of their own. The PTO hosts two book fairs. Coming up December 9th-16th is the annual Scholastic Book Fair. To kick off book fair week will be the Winterfest event, a free family event held Thursday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m. in the JA Wendt Multipurpose room.

Monday, December 9, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10,11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wednesday, December 11, 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 12, 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Monday, December 16, 11 a.m. - 2p.m.

The PTO meets once a month i n the library of Julius A Wendt Elementary at 3:45 p.m. Dates for the meetings through the end of the year are: Dec 4, Jan 15, Feb 12, Mar 12, April 23, May 14, and June 18.