Members of the Hazen Elementary PTO shared their accomplishments and goals at the January School Board meeting. So far this year, the PTO has focused on supporting staff, enriching student experiences, and strengthening community involvement.
"We began the year by providing back-to-school snacks and a coffee bar for staff, as well as decorating the school to help create a welcoming environment for students and teachers. The PTO also provided dinner for teachers during Parent/Teacher Conference night.
"Throughout the fall, the PTO donated to the Halloween trick-or-treating event and sold game-day ribbons and tattoos during football season to support school spirit.
"One of our largest events was the Jingle Bell Bash. This event included several community and school partnerships, including the Hazen High School Art Club, which provided face painting and tattoos and helped students make ornaments. Judy Foot from the Hazen Public Library visited to read a book and lead a craft. Santa Claus visited and took pictures with students, with photos taken by Bailey Sims from the Hazen High School yearbook staff. Donna Felty assisted with concessions, and several staff members hosted activity stations for students. Community members also donated items toward two raffle baskets.
"The festival was intentionally planned on the same day as the high school and elementary music concert. This helped bring in a large crowd, encouraged high school students to attend the festival after their performance, and resulted in more families staying to attend the music program.
"The PTO also held a cookie dough fundraiser, which helped fund many of our initiatives. As part of this effort, the PTO purchased Hazen Elementary t-shirts for all elementary staff and students and hosted an ice cream party for students who sold or donated during the fundraiser.
"Additional staff support included providing coffee and bundt cakes on the last day before Christmas break, donating toward the steak lunch provided for staff on the January 5th workday, and organizing PTO dads to serve lunch for students before Christmas."
Upcoming PTO Plans
"Looking ahead, the PTO plans to continue supporting the school community by providing dinner for teachers during upcoming Parent/Teacher Conference nights, planning and hosting an elementary spring dance, purchasing new playground equipment such as balls and jump ropes, and supporting Teacher Appreciation Week with meals, snacks, and other activities."
You can follow the PTO Facebook page for future updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/939580084679827