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Irle School PTO Making Things Happen

The Irle School PTO is once again helping teachers, staff and students get on the right foot for not only the beginning of the school year but to make sure they stay on the path for success as the year progresses. On July 20, the PTO hosted a Food Truck Lunch Fundraiser in the Albertsons parking lot to help raise funds for the ongoing playground project. Due to the generosity of Albertsons donating all of the food, the PTO was able to earn $300 for the project. "Albertsons saw how successful our McTeacher Night went last year and wanted to become involved in assisting the PTO in raising funds," stated Vice President of PTO Nicole Cole.

The playground project has been a year in the making, with the first stage of the project including putting a permanent fence around the playground and installing a sidewalk. "If the weather permits, the plan is to have the fence installed and the sidewalk done before school starts," stated Cole. Local companies, Geer Fencing and Lambert Construction, have been working with the school and the PTO on the completion of the project. "We have wanted to stay as local as we possibly can," stressed Cole.

The installation of a permanent fence and a sidewalk is only the first phase of the playground project. The next phase will include getting swings added to the already existing playground and a sensory pad installed where the basketball hoops currently are. "We are really close to getting the swings, and are hopeful by next fall those can be purchased. The sensory pad will facilitate group play and be winter proof. The hope is to also have that by next fall. Though it is expensive, it's beneficial for everyone," explained Cole.

Another phase of the project includes removing the wood chips and placing rubber underneath instead. "Woodchips get put down every year on the playground. If we can help save some of that cost in the long-run, we would like to do that," stated Cole.

One other side project the PTO has and will continue to be involved in is getting portable air conditioners for the classrooms. Last summer the PTO was able to obtain air conditioners for the fourth and fifth grade pods, with the hope of getting the kindergarten and first grade classrooms one this year. "If anyone has one to donate, contact us!," stressed Cole.

The PTO will also continue handing out PAW-some awards to one student in each grade level on a monthly basis, recognizing those who boost the morale in the school. Students who achieve straight As will also continue to be recognized with a luncheon. During these recognitions, the PTO will recognize a teacher or staff member monthly for their achievements and for going above and beyond. Teachers will also have the opportunity to apply for mini grants from the PTO to help offset the costs associated with various items or projects in their classroom. "We want to offer grants to teachers for things that can be sustained in the future and can possibly follow the teacher or the grade in future years," stated Cole.

With all of the projects the PTO hopes to and continues to achieve, Cole stressed the need and appreciation of community support. "We are looking at doing more family night events, and are always open to suggestions. In order to make our events possible we are always in need of volunteers." The PTO is happy to assist any high school student who might need volunteer hours and are happy to accommodate anyone and everyone. "Anyone can volunteer!," stated Cole.

The PTO also could not be as successful as they are without local business support. "Local businesses have donated the prizes we give out to PAW-some award winners and teachers/staff. Local businesses have also sponsored events where proceeds go to the PTO. We can not do all of this without the community support," stated Cole. Another example of a local business assisting the PTO is Pizza Hut, who will be hosting a fundraising event on Aug. 20, during Irle School's Open House, where 20 percent of all purchases made will be donated back to the PTO. "Order your pizza, go to the Open House, and then pick it up on your way home. It's an easy dinner," laughed Cole.

Another way the community can currently support the PTO is to purchase school supplies through schooltoolbox.com. The Irle School supply list is currently live, and parents can log online, order the school supplies and get them delivered to their door. If parents have a student in the middle, high or even preschool, supplies can still be ordered through the website and the PTO will obtain a 10 percent bonus for each box purchased. "You can really customize what you are ordering. You can add on, delete items, whatever works best for you," said Cole. McDonalds is also assisting the community and the school by purchasing all fourth-grade supplies, minus personal items such as disinfecting wipes, earbuds/headphones, gym shoes, deodorant/wipes and a backpack.

The PTO meets the second Monday every month at the school from 6 to 7 p.m. There are volunteers there each month to watch children to allow parents the opportunity to become involved and not have to seek out childcare. "The kids are in the gym, while we have our meeting. We do our best to keep the meetings at an hour so that way everyone can get on with what they have going on," stated Cole.

For more information on the PTO, contact Cole at 263-1220 or President Kimberly Turner at 406-230-0313.

 

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