The St. James School District Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) began less than a year ago, but has since then provided evident support for the school district.
PTO Vice President Amber Van Norman and PTO Representative Bob Diestelkamp explained the purpose of the organization.
“We are there to provide assistance and support to the school district in any area where it might be needed,” Diestelkamp said. “We try to offer events to the community to help offset the cost of things, provide donations and manpower for events, help meet any needs identified and brought to us.”
Diestelkamp noted PTO especially tries to assist teachers.
“We provide classroom items and work toward providing funds for field trips and things the school district is a little more hard-pressed to fund,” Diestelkamp said.
Van Norman noted every parent, teacher, grandparent and anyone who wants to be involved in the school district may join PTO. There are no membership fees or dues.
PTO current officers are as follows: Randi Hemme, president, Amber Van Norman, vice president, Kim McMillin, secretary, Kathy Bazinet, treasurer, Bob Diestelkamp, PTO representative and board members Cyndi Salter and Sheila Lloyd.
Diestelkamp explained PTO began to form in spring 2009 and since then has grown in many successful events.
PTO has organized and participated in events including: The back-to-school fair in July, a 'Boo Hoo Breakfast' for parents of first-time kindergarten students, Trunk or Treat, provided breakfast for those who participated in the ALICE drill at the high school, book fairs, helped with Read Across America Day at the Elementary, provided informational booths at open houses, assisted at the football tailgate, multiple family movie nights and participated in teacher appreciation week.
Van Norman noted the group recently organized a 'Parent Portal Night' Feb. 25. The meeting provided sessions for parents to learn about the parent portal on the school district's Website.
In the future PTO will attend the 'Kindergarten Fly By' night April 8, help with the field day at the Elementary and continue to help with the concession stand at the Licking shootout.
Everyone in the community is welcome at PTO meetings. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of every month in the board room of the school district administration building. Email stjpto@gmail.com for more information on PTO.
