St. James Lutheran School in Shawano has a very active Parent Teacher League (PTL). Its purpose is to help parents with wholesome Christian activities and encourage family and teacher relationships.
“We provide activities for families as well as support the teachers,” said Erin Klement, PTL vice president and a kindergarten aide at the school.
The activities include an ice cream social in the fall and a family fun night in the spring. The group also hosts game nights with movies. Once a month, the PTL provides lunch for the teachers. Members organize room parents who help the teachers with whatever they need by doing it themselves or finding someone to help.
“I think we’re very lucky that all of our parents are close-knit and take care of each other’s kids,” treasurer Tina Horsens said.
The school has nine teachers for the 3-year-old pre-school through eighth-grade students. In the spring there is a fine arts/honors banquet. The PTL purchases letters and pins for awards for the kids in music, sports and academics.
The PTL helps purchase shirts for chapel on Wednesdays. They also help fund the reading program and sponsor educational programs.
“Our events are very well attended,” Klement said.
Fundraisers and donations fund the PTL activities. The biggest fundraiser is the annual St. James craft fair, scheduled this year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the school.
“That supports us for the entire year,” Klement said. “We get by on a little budget, but we still provide great activities for the families.”
Coming up next is Trunk or Treat Halloween from 5-8 p.m. Friday at St. James Retreat. There will be food, tractor rides and a bonfire. During the last hour, kids can trick or treat at decorated car trunks.
All parents of children enrolled at St. James are automatically part of the PTL.
“It’s increasing,” Klement said. “This year we’re getting a lot of help.”
Other officers are Jaime Gajewski, president, and Leah Passehl, secretary. The group meets at 4:45 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the school.
For more information, call the school at 715-524-4213.
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