Here's what's up, Woodchucks!
An update from Gladys Wood PTO
What's There To Be Scared Of?
Then it happened. The laughter stopped and everyone's mouth went agape. "You all are scary," said one parent.
Scary?! The Gladys Wood PTO?!
The parent pointed out that it wasn't the people in the room, but it was parent organizations in general. People are scared to come to meetings and to join in, she said. They're afraid of the workload and the amount of time it takes.
It's true that PTOs have long-standing reputations about how much work is needed. But we take a different approach at Gladys Wood. Your school's PTO believes that many hands make light work.
We do have a dedicated board that works to make sure there are family events every month, staff is appreciated and students are treated to a great school environment. We also have tons of volunteers who help make this happen.
From stopping at the store to grab popsicles for Woodchuck Digs to dropping off potluck items or running a booth at the Spring Carnival and even taking the lead on a schoolwide family night - PTO volunteers have their choice to do one-time tasks or take on bigger projects. We know you have busy lives - we do, too! We also know that with more people on board, the less burden any one person faces to create positive school experiences.
Together, we all make Gladys Wood one cool school!
Skating Under The Stars
Quick Look at Upcoming Events
Feb. 6 - Tastee Freez Take Over, 4-9 p.m.
Feb. 7 - Sport-a-Thon kickoff, during the school day
Feb. 7 - Family Skate Night, 6-7:30 p.m.
Feb. 12 & 13 - Parent teacher conferences
March 20 - Family Multicultural Night
March 26 - Spring pictures
April 3 - Spring Carnival, 5:30-8 p.m.
Gladys Wood Takes Over Tastee Freez
Teacher schedule:
4:15 - Barnett/Janis/Mr. Shrek
5:15 - Hester/Sweet/Lind/Mrs. Nelson
6:15 - Weaver/LeVasseur/Mr. Marvin
7:15 - Williams/Munoz
8:15 - Dietsch/Kammerer/Farmer-Burris
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, Feb. 12 - Soup and salad
Thursday, Feb. 13 - Potato bar
Beautiful Reception at Art Show
Attendees voted on their favorite student art. Trinity in Mrs. Hanks' class won with her beautiful aurora piece. Her artwork will be turned into a print and showcased at the school through the rest of the school year.
PTO Meeting Update
- The Sport-A-Thon kicks off this Friday, Feb. 7 during the school day. This is our school's second big fundraiser of the year (in addition to the Read-a-Thon). Look for a packet to come home with your child. We are hoping every student can participate. Pledges will be collected on Feb. 21. On that day, students will win prizes and participate in skating and other sporty activities during the school day.
- The March family night is tentatively scheduled for March 20 to be a multicultural event.
- The PTO approved travel and conference expenses for Nurse Kathy to attend the Alaska School Nurse Association Spring Conference in Fairbanks.
- Principal Straw reported that parents had good questions for him during the recent Coffee & Donuts event. These events are opportunities for parents to meet and ask questions of the principal.
- The board discussed ways to make PTO involvement easier. There was discussion about how helpful Sign Up Genius is - the website where parents can see what the volunteer needs are and how they can participate.
- There are several spots open on the PTO. Please send us an email if you would like to help. gladyswoodpto@gmail.com.
- A parent shared information on fundraising ideas, such as Tupperware and a local vendor fair. The board looks forward to continuing this discussion at a future meeting.
The next general PTO meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 7. We value participants' time and will limit the meeting to 1 hour or less. Childcare is provided free of charge.
Got Game?
The next planning meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 3:45 p.m. in the school library. We welcome you to join us or email ideas to gladyswoodpto@gmail.com.
The Spring Carnival will take place 5:30-8 p.m. on April 3. Save the date!
Support Gladys Wood Without Doing Extra Work
Fred Meyer - Link your rewards card to Gladys Wood PTO account # QT255
Amazon Smile - shop at smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon link. It's all the same products at the same prices but 0.5% of your eligible purchase goes to the school. Search for and select Gladys Wood and then bookmark the Smile page.
BoxTops for Education - Clipping those BoxTops really does pay off. Send them to school with your child. Or, download the app and scan your receipt. The program is transitioning to digital-only this year.
Shutterfly - Shop at http://gladyswoodpto.shutterflystorefront.com instead of the regular Shutterfly website. You'll see the same products but Gladys Wood will earn 8% of your purchase.
Office Depot & Office Max - Use school ID# 70000025 or mention Gladys Wood to earn the school 5% of the purchase.
Connect With Us!
We welcome your ideas, feedback or thoughts on supporting our wonderful school, staff and students.
Email: gladyswoodpto@gmail.com
Website: asdk12.org/gladyswood
Phone: (907) 742-6760
Facebook: facebook.com/gladyswoodelementary