Getting involved in the life of a child’s education can make a big difference.
Research shows even half an hour of involvement on a regular basis can help as a child learns.
With that in mind, a group of local parents have initiated a program through which parents can get involved. The group is known as a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
After years with no formal way for parents to find out how they can get involved, the Redwood Area PTO was formed with this as its mission – “to foster a greater sense of community between students, teachers and parents of the Redwood Area School District.”
According to Anne Johnson and Colleen Peyerl, two of the founding members of the local PTO, there are a lot of parents who want to get involved.
The idea of starting a PTO has been floating around for some time, said Johnson.
It just took initiative.
Peyerl said there have been parents who have come to the community from other areas where there were strong PTO groups, and the question was raised. Why isn’t there such a group in this school district?
Well, now there is, and the group has been meeting not only to determine if such an organization has a place but also to determine how it can best serve the school.
Some may have heard of a PTA before, but not a PTO.
According to Peyerl and Johnson, the difference in the two groups is a matter of formality. A PTA is a nationally organized entity with a formal structure and membership fees.
A PTO is more informally based on what best fits the local community.
“We can create our own or-ganization,” said Johnson.
It is more of a grassroots effort, added Peyerl.
The group meets the second Monday of each month from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the Ehlers Intergenerational Center, located on the east side of Reede Gray Elementary School.
The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 12. Child care is available during the meeting for those who need it.
“We have had quite a bit of support from the (school) staff and administration,” said John-son, adding it also already has a list of about 50 families who have expressed some interest in being part of a PTO.
There are teachers in the local school district who have gotten involved with the group and have been attending meetings. That allows those in the group to know best what the teachers need to have the best success in the classroom.
In the past, parents would find out from individual teachers or via word of mouth about volunteer opportunities in the school. Through the advent of a PTO, even greater communication of needs, whether it is helping a teacher cut out things for a classroom craft or going on a field trip, is going to take place.
The PTO is for parents with students in any and every grade. While the group has a good start, there is always room for more people to get involved.
If you would like more information about the Redwood Area PTO or want to find out how to get involved, contact Johnson at (507) 641-5042 or Peyerl at (507) 627-9991.
