Published: January 22, 2009 10:07 am      

PTO foresees more funding requests

State of economy has schools saving for the future

By MICHELLE MILLER
Staff Writer

Members of the Cooperstown Central School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) are anticipating more requests for funding because of the status of the economy and projected budget cuts.

During an annual report to the Board of Education last week, co-presidents Peg Odell and Annmarie Bascio said that the PTO has already seen an increase in requests and can only anticipate that the demand will increase.

For example, Odell said the second-grade class goes to see the Nutcracker performance at the Stanley Theatre in Utica each year, but were told the trip would have to be cancelled this year because the district could not afford it. Odell said the PTO stepped in so students could continue the tradition.

The PTO recently received a request from the fifth-grade class for its annual trip to the local biological field station, according to Odell. The class was told the trip would have to be cancelled because of lack of funds, so the PTO is looking into helping make that trip possible as well, said Odell.

``We would like to see every grade be able to go on at least one field trip each year,’’ said Odell. Another way the PTO is trying to save money while still providing students with additional academic opportunities is by working more closely with the Fennimore Art Museum. Bascio and Odell told board members they have already started talking to staff at the museum about having a closer partnership and plan to implement some ideas by next year.

``We are proud of our kids and our staff and are looking forward to giving as much as we can given the economic status,’’ said Odell. Odell said the PTO’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the Crayon Carnival. She said organizers are planning to spice up the community event this year— making it El Carnival de las Crayones. Along with the customary bouncy rides, carnival games, a raffle, music and food, the event will take on a new twist with the addition of an international walk of nations. Kids will receive passports and will be able to enjoy learning about eight different countries in a fun interactive atmosphere, said Odell.

This year’s festivities will take place Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Odell said the PTO typically raises about $15,000 a year, which goes right back to the three schools— elementary, middle and high schools. According to the annual report, the PTO raised $15,561 during the 2008 calendar year.

Odell and Bascio said the group is always looking for new and creative ways to raise funds and help support academics.

This year, the group has been selling more products such as facial cream and cookie dough in order to raise money.

The cookie dough sale, which was done on a volunteer basis by students, was a huge success, said Bascio. She said the fundraiser brought in $3,000.

The PTO recently held a Family Fun Night as part of its annual book fair.

Odell said it was a neat event because students got a chance to read stories they had created in front of other students and parents. According to Odell, funds raised went to benefit the elementary library. She said teachers were also able to select books for their classrooms.

During the annual report to the board of education, the co-presidents told board members that the PTO is looking to bring more writing enrichments to the district.

As part of the district’s 2010 initiative, The PTO wants to recruit volunteers to match with students who are interested in writing and creating their own stories.

``We have a lot of kids who like to write in our school and we want to promote that and give them more opportunity,’’ said Odell.

According to Odell, the PTO has asked interested students to sign up for Scholastic Kids as Authors, which is a contest where kids write and illustrate a book together, then submit it. She said the PTO is also bringing awareness to programs such as Reading Rainbows. Reading Rainbow also sponsors a contest for young writer and illustrators. However, the contest is for work done by students individually.

The Cooperstown PTO is a group of parents, teachers and other interested persons who support andáinvolve themselves at many levels, through every grade.

Throughout the year, the PTO provides funding and manpower for a variety of activities that support the academic environment, such as book fairs, Parents as Reading Partners, language clubs, tutoring, concerts, Project Prom, school supplies and books, Crayon Carnival, an annual holiday breakfast, funds for field trips, volunteer, coordination, monies for playground equipment, school supplies for needy families, and staff appreciation events. The PTO meets on the second Tuesday of every month and all are welcome.

Odell said the PTO is very grateful for the support of local businesses, and the many volunteers who make the organization’s work possible.

``Especially given the difficult financial situation, helping out our schools, encouraging our kids, and supporting our teachers is all the more important,’’ she said.