Region 15 Thanks Parent Teacher Organizations For Volunteerism and Fundraising Efforts 

            During the month of May, Region 15 staff, teachers and administrators pause to thank each school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for their annual fundraising efforts and volunteerism.

            “Members of our schools’ PTOs are vital to the success of the Region 15 school system,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Frank Sippy. 

            “Without support from our parents and community volunteers, we would not function as a whole.  When volunteers join forces with staff and administrators we become unified as a Region for the benefit of our students,” he said.

            “The Rochambeau Middle School PTO has played an integral role in supporting our students and staff throughout the years,” said Principal, Lauren Robinson.

            According to Ms. Robinson, through fundraising efforts, the RMS PTO has made purchases for the school that include, computers, graphing calculators, fitness equipment, sound and lighting for stage performances, classroom materials for projects, athletic support and more.

            “Much of what they have given has enriched the educational experiences of our young adolescents,” said Ms. Robinson.  “In this era of tight budgets, we could not survive without their energy, enthusiasm, participation and dedication,” she said.

            This sentiment is echoed throughout the region where each PTO has made major contributions to their school.

            At Long Meadow Elementary, the PTO annually budgets over $4,000 in teacher and principal grants alone. This year the LMES PTO gave $1,000 for start up costs to bring the Long Meadow Leopard Printing Press to life.  The printing press is a school-wide, teacher led initiative that transforms student writing into a published work. 

            Additional purchases made by the school’s PTO include video equipment for the media center and the installation of a wooden stairway, to provide easy access from the playground to the playing fields.

            At Memorial Middle School, Principal, John Sieller receives a PTO grant each year for matting and framing student art.  Mr. Seiller selects five or six pieces of art at the end of each year and has it framed and hung over the summer. 

            “After four years of this process, we have a wonderful collection of student art hung throughout the school to enjoy,” said Mr. Sieller.

            In addition to brightening the hallways of their school, the PTO has provided the teaching staff with such items as pedometers to support a new Physical Education, cardiovascular fitness program; lumber for student projects in Tech Education; Nutmeg award winning books for the Media Center and videos on such topics as respect and bullying for Guidance Counselors

            The Middlebury Elementary School PTO recently held a Spring Social to raise additional funds for their school.  The monies will be used to purchase such things as a climbing rope grid and snow shoes for the school’s physical education instructional unit and a “Smart Classroom” which allows students and staff to use the white board as an interactive touch screen.    

            MES PTO Teacher grants awarded this year include Science curriculum materials for first and second grade; digital cameras for Art and Technology teachers and books for the Media Center and school Reading Coordinators. 

             “The quality of instruction and day to day life at MES would not be the same without the significant contribution that the PTO makes to our school on an ongoing basis,” said MES Principal, Jack Zamary.

            At Gainfield Elementary, “The PTO’s primary function has been, and continues to be, to provide enrichment to the children at our school,” said PTO President, Susie Jones.              “Enrichment is given by financially supporting activities such as the Author & Illustrator program, fall and spring Book Fairs, Nutmeg Books for the library and teacher appreciation gifts,” said Ms. Jones.

            The GES PTO has most recently purchased Art, Music, Audio Visual and Playground equipment; computer room chairs; computer software programs and music concert lighting and costumes.  

            Most Region 15 PTOs are funded through three avenues such as a major fund raiser, usually wrapping paper sales, in the fall of each year, direct donations and corporate contributions.  Other minor fundraisers include the General Mills Box Tops collections, and the sale of school spirit clothing.  The money raised is then granted to the school. 

            At Pomperaug Elementary, members of the PTO have purchased a Revolution Dance System worth over $1,200 along with recess equipment for the Phys Ed department. 

            Additional purchases for PES include supplemental Science books for second graders; History and Science books for the Media Center; a sewing machine and collage supplies for the Art Department and blank CDs and DVDs for the Music Department. 

            The Pomperaug High School PTO recently purchased a teleprompter system worth over $2,300 for the Region 15 WTCH Video Club.  The teleprompter is used for the Region’s new cable program “Inside the District”, which showcases student and staff achievements while giving students an opportunity to learn about video production, editing, lighting, and set design.

            Recent PTO contributions to PHS include the purchase of new sound systems for the football field and the Drama Department’s Black Box Theatre; a welder for the technology department; sculpture equipment; tools for the Art Department and much more. 

            “I’ve been an active member of the PTO ever since my kids began their education in Region 15.  We provide these gifts for our own children,” said PHS President, Shelley Porter.  “But long after they’ve graduated, our gifts remain for the students who come after them.  That legacy of giving is something I’m very proud of.”