It’s the perfect time to join the Parent-Teacher Organization, Jefferson Elementary School Principal Tiffany Koehn said.
The district’s PTO is in the middle of a transition, around the same time the elementary schools are planning to move from three buildings into one for the next school year.
PTO President Melissa Genoble is stepping down from her role, as she has taken a teaching job. The vice president position also is available.
The group will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Jefferson to reorganize and pick new leadership for those positions as well as secretary and preschool coordinator.
To encourage attendance, every parent who attends will have their child or children entered into a drawing. The winner will get to eat lunch with their principal.
The group would like to start offering some type of incentive to encourage parents to attend the meetings.
PTO usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Jefferson, but it will be moved to the first Monday if there is a conflict. The group does not meet during the summer months.
To check the meeting schedule, look for Iola PTO on Facebook or email [email protected].
PTO MEMBERSHIP has declined over the past couple of years, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic.
A posting on the Iola PTO Facebook site warns the group could disband if there is not enough parent interest. The PTO is offered for families of students in preschool through fifth grade.
PTO offers an opportunity for parents to connect with the school system, Koehn said.
At meetings, parents can share their thoughts with principals and teachers.
“They can tell us what they want our schools to provide. It helps them stay involved,” Koehn said. “It makes a big impact.”
Until the COVID pandemic, the PTO organized an annual carnival event for students and their families. It was a big hit, and raised money for each grade level.
In 2019, carnival proceeds were used by the kindergarten classes to purchase tricycles.
