Budget cuts have made groups such as the Olga Brener Intermediate School Parent Teacher Organization even more important to students and teachers.
“If we didn’t have the fundraisers, the students may not experience some of the things that are provided with the funds we raise,” said Amy Adams, president of the Shawano school’s PTO.
Any parent who has a child at Olga Brener or any Olga Brener staff member can join the organization.
“The group is always looking for more parent involvement in the monthly PTO meetings,” Adams said. “We know there are a lot of parents with great ideas out there. Any help from parents with activities or fundraisers is always appreciated.”
Leadership for the PTO comes from around six parents, three teacher representatives and the principal, Karen Smith. The group provides support for educational and recreational needs of the students, and encourages communication between teachers and parents, along with promoting Olga Brener spirit.
The things the PTO has provided or sponsored include agendas and folders, field trips for each grade, prizes for spelling bee winners and Gnome Game family night, books for each classroom and T-shirts for the fifth grade. Members serve food at parent/teacher conferences, the Thanksgiving feast, hoe down meal and Teacher Appreciation Week.
“Picking the things that the PTO supports is a collaborative effort between the parents and teachers,” Adams said. “The board ensures that we pick things that will benefit all students and provide for their educational needs.”
Fundraising activities include membership dues, book fairs, the hoe down, candy grams and Tupperware sales, along with collecting box tops, milk caps and Labels for Education.
Other officers are Elaine Buerman, vice president; Karla Braun, treasurer; Kari Grassman, secretary; Jennifer Kamke-Black, Labels for Education, milk caps and Scrip coordinator; and Barb Reed, Hansen fundraiser and book fair coordinator.
The PTO meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month in the Olga Brener library.
For more information, call the school at 715-524-2131.
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