PTO Corner

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It is hard to believe that another school year is upon us. As these last few weeks and days of summer come and go, the PTO is hard at work planning and preparing for an exciting 2019-20 academic year.

For those new to Granby and/or the Granby School System, the PTO serves the students, their families and school staff at Kelly Lane Primary School (grades PK thru 2) and Wells Road Intermediate School (grades 3 thru 5). It is run by a volunteer executive board made up of local parents that this year includes Jess Tsaptsinos, president; Caroline Caldwell, vice president; Colby Custer, treasurer; Kristin Ryan, secretary; Melissa Royer, assistant treasurer and Anam Zafar, assistant secretary. The executive board supports several committees chaired and run by parent volunteers. Be on the lookout for a signup link via email in the next few weeks as well as opportunities to sign up during back-to-school teacher meet-and-greets. These committees provide an opportunity for parents to connect with one another, with their children’s friends and classmates, teachers and staff. Without the continued support of our parent volunteers, we would not be able to succeed in all that we do throughout the year. Whether you choose to chair a committee or only have an hour or two to spare, we welcome your time and attributes.

With the PTO’s eyes set on fall fundraising, our main event is shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year. The Jog-a-Thon/Fall Festival will return on Oct. 20, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., with a Halloween theme complete with costume contests, trick-or-treat stations and more. This is a drop-in event with activities and contests running all day so no one will miss out no matter what time you show up. The executive board has set a fundraising goal of $30K for this event and with the combined efforts of the students, parents and the Granby community we can make this goal a reality. There will be something for everyone; food trucks, local vendors, face painting, hair tinsel and chalk, gaga pit, obstacle course and much, much more. Participation is also open to neighboring communities, so invite your friends and family. Local vendors that would like to participate should email Jess Tsaptsinos at jessw2780@gmail.com

All proceeds from fundraising support various PTO- and school-run activities and initiatives, including, but not limited to classroom teacher grants thru the enhanced learning fund committee (ELF). ELF is given a $10K budget to support such requests as coding materials, STEM/STEAM activity kits for the classrooms, open choice time supplies and many other learning-based materials. Keep an eye out for a new Sensory Path being installed at Wells Road School.

The generous support through donations and gifts from the Granby community such as Geissler’s is greatly appreciated.

The PTO is also working on a website re-design that will be more user friendly and a source for all PTO related information, Granby clothing purchases, tickets to special events, sign-ups, etc. Please make sure to also follow our Granby, CT PTO Facebook page for weekly updates, meeting information and pictures. The PTO meets quarterly at 6:30 p.m. in the media center at Wells Road School. Meetings are open to the public and dates will be posted to our Facebook and website. We welcome and encourage all to attend.