By DANIEL TALBOT Special Writer The Tahlequah Daily Press Thu Feb 24, 2011, 10:27 AM CST
TAHLEQUAH — Schools that run smoothly often have big support systems backing them.
Volunteers work tirelessly to fill gaps that seem to be growing daily due to lack of funding.
Parent-Teacher Association affiliates, along with the less formal parent-teacher organizations, have important functions in the education system. When parents team up with teachers in local schools, the students directly benefit.
Over the years, PTOs and PTAs have used their resources to pay for all kinds of things for the good of the children, teachers, and ultimately, the community.
“In these economic times, schools are facing sharp budget cuts,” said Cyndi Tucker, Tahlequah Middle School PTO co-president. “Gone are the days when the PTA held bake sales to raise money for aesthetic improvements. Instead, we have to focus on basic necessities that, in the past, have been purchased by the school itself.”
Each school in the Tahlequah district has a version of the PTO, and uses the funds it raises for the students. Funds are raised through a variety of means, and often include concession sales at school events, donations from area businesses and other fundraisers.
Monica Rotton is one member of the TMS PTO who volunteers every Friday to help with concessions at the school.
“She has really spearheaded ‘Popcorn Friday’ for two years,” said Lynn Howard. “We are always looking for other people who can volunteer their time to help the PTO.”
The TMS PTO meets every Wednesday at noon to discuss ways that the organization can further benefit the school.
All parents are welcome to attend and become members. This semester, they raised enough money through their fundraisers to purchase a new washing machine for the special education department at the school.
“Our [washing machine] was on its last leg,” said Melissa Moore, TMS special education teacher. “We do laundry for not only the special services department, but also the clothing bus. I appreciate them so much for all they do for the kids of this school.”
Since the PTO is designed to help the school, it’s the teachers who really get to see the effect from the organization’s time and efforts.
The staff receives badly needed resources that PTOs raise through volunteer efforts.
Most Cherokee County schools rely heavily these days on PTOs.
“I think they have a significant role in helping the students reach educational goals by helping to fund classes and helping with enrichment,” said George Kellner, Keys Elementary School principal.
Viola Cook serves as the president of the Cherokee Elementary PTO, and has been involved with the organization for three years. In that time, she’s worked to help raise money that can be given back to the teachers and students.
“It has been a really great experience,” said Cook.
Parents – and others – who enjoy volunteering are encouraged to contact a local school and get involved. Schools and local PTO are always looking for parents who are interested in joining in to benefit the well-being of the students.
“I choose to be a part of the PTO because I want to be involved in my children’s lives so their school experience can be the best possible, and so I can support the faculty and staff of TMS,” said Tucker.
The local PTO has been serving school in some form or another for years. The benefits are seen through the improvements made to the school and the enhanced learning environments provided to the students. All it takes is a phone call. Get involved and help make bring the community together.
“You wouldn’t think you would raise that much money selling popcorn, but you really do,” said Howard.
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