The PTA/PTSA groups at all our schools do amazing things for our teachers and students throughout the school year. Royal Oak PTAs/PTSAs have been a part of the community for over 100 years. PTA was initially formed as an advocacy organization to help with the bettering of the lives of every child in education, health, and safety, according to Royal Oak PTA Council President Maryanne VanHaitsma. "Our PTAs continue to be a resource for families and communities and are a strong advocate for public education," she said. "The PTAs continue to support our Royal Oak students, staff, and families by working to instill normalcy post- pandemic, and support school events such as the ROHS Senior All Night Party, Red, White, and Blue Day, Slow Roll, end of year celebrations, and more. I am proud also to say that Royal Oak continues to have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, provides scholarships to graduating seniors, and seeks ways to continue to support families and bring them together."
We've put together a short list of just what happened at our schools this past year, thanks to the PTAs!
The Addams Elementary PTA was busy with events for students, staff, and families. They hosted a welcome back ice cream social, the Scholastic Book Fair, Trunk or Treat, Cultural Arts Assembly, Talent Show, and the Fun Fair. They also purchased books, paid for field trips, got t-shirts for incoming kindergarteners, organized the Reflections Program, and more. They managed holiday food donations, babysitting at PTA meetings, and clothing donations. They had fun treating the teachers and staff to goodies during staff appreciation week and providing cash for supplies for each classroom.
At Keller the PTA ran a spirit store all year for the first time. They put on events like the Back to School Picnic, the Huskies Run, used book sale, authors assemblies, organized the Scholastic Book Fair, the Talent Show, and the Fun Fair. They also provided t-shirts for incoming kindergartners, they've bought books for classrooms and the library. They set up multiple fun food events like a caramel apple bar, Bread Day, hot cocoa bar and more.
At Northwood, the PTA has organized Trunk R Treat, talent shows, the Slow Roll, book fairs, the Road Rally, and the 5th Grade Farewell. They have made donations to the Northwood outdoor classroom, to the specials teachers, and to all teachers who buy items for their classrooms. Principal Jennifer Knipper says that "they have showered her staff with appreciation throughout the year with lunches, the Cappuccino Man, and gifts of appreciation."
Dr. Jason Parrott wanted to emphasize these events and thank the Oak Ridge PTA for all they did for Teacher Appreciation Week, the Summer Kickoff Picnic, and providing guided reading books for the library, funding for field trips, supplies, and more.
The PTA at Oakland Elementary keeps busy organizing events like Virtual Reptile Night, Muffins in the Morning, the Cultural Arts Assembly, Trunk and Treat, and the End of the Year Picnic. They funded field trips and March is Reading Month, and purchased books and curriculum. They were part of the district PTA plan to purchase ukuleles for music class, and provided meals for teachers on their first day back to school, as well as many goodies during staff appreciation week. They also managed holiday food basket donations.
"Our PTA/PTSA groups support our students, staff, and families all year long. Their volunteer efforts and advocacy shape the high-quality school district we have in Royal Oak. I am very appreciative of the time and talent they commit to each project. We could not do it without them," said Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick.
The Royal Oak High School PTSA is a partnership of parents, teachers, students and community members dedicated to helping students have the best educational experience possible. They have a PTSA network of volunteers that fill in as needed. They make contributions to student organizations, put on the Senior All Night Party, and manage a Royal Oak Council PTA high school scholarship program. They also enjoy treating the staff during appreciation week.
At the middle school, the PTSA supports FORTIS and ROMS Student Connectors events and the DEI Bookclub. They have organized 6th and 7th grade socials, the 8th grade celebration, Raven Ready, the book fair and the Reflections Art Contest. This year the school saw the addition of a Gaga Ball Pit, patio beautification, and healthy snacks left in offices for staff all from the PTSA.
Upton Elementary sees the PTA providing meals for staff during conferences, sponsoring buses for field trips for students, sponsoring assemblies, adopting families during the holidays, and providing donations to staff to purchase supplies, books, and sensory items. "They sponsored the Fun Run which not only raised a great deal of money for Upton, but they also provided T-Shirts for the students," said Upton Principal John Grzywack. They take care of the teachers and staff with gifts and meals and snacks during Staff Appreciation Week and decorate classroom doors. They helped provide activities and prizes for March is Reading Month and provided gifts for the 5th Grade students, including shirts, as they left for middle school.
We are grateful to have parents and students (PTSA) who step up to lead these organizations at each of our schools. Please take the time to reach out and learn what the PTA/PTSA does at your school and how you can help to ensure the strong public education we have in our schools continues. As the world continues to find new ways to live, work, and learn post-pandemic, PTA will continue to be a part of that evolution. Thank you all and have a safe and happy summer!