Royal PTO ready for new season
Washington apple boxes sent sent last year by the Red Rock Elementary Humanitarian Club, filled with clothes, blankets, toy and supplies, ready for distribution in Haiti.
The youngsters at the Haitian orphanage that received the donation from the Royal Slope show their gratitude with smiles and hand-crafted messages.
ROYAL CITY - The Royal PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) has been busy kicking off its third year of support to academic and cultural programs in the Royal School District.
"It provides much needed extras for our schools and enhances communications between home and school," President Katie Allred said.
No matter what the PTO does this year, it will be tough to top last year's major accomplishment. A humanitarian club formed by the PTO allowed Red Rock Elementary students to support orphans in Haiti.
"The Humanitarian Club's efforts were a highlight for the organization," Allred said.
With the help of Ashlee and Tyler Frank, members of the PTO, donations gathered by students were shipped to Haiti. Ashlee and Tyler had the chance to travel there to deliver the full container.
"Through a video they took, we had the opportunity to see their hard work and service pay off," Allred said. "Seeing the joy and gratitude on those Haitian children's faces as they received boxes of clothing, toys and supplies gave us the energy to take on more and provide our students these types of opportunities to serve others."
Other officers of the Royal PTO are Caroline Piercy - vice president, Liesel Hill - secretary, and Krista Smith - treasurer. The school liaisons are Michelle Miller - Red Rock Elementary, Carly Allred - Royal Middle School, and Nancy Grant - Royal High School.
Teacher support is led by Jen Jenks, volunteer coordinator is Melanie Griffin, fundraising committee is Katie Christensen and Heather Jenks and the communications committee is Eric and Polly Carlson.
If you have any questions about Royal PTO, you may contact any of these members. Allred noted there are a variety of opportunities to become involved.
The PTO is taking memberships for this school year. Dues are $10 per year (or more if you'd like to give a donation), per family.
"Not only does the membership help fund the activities, but it also gives the right to vote at a PTO meeting," Allred said.
"Anyone can be a member of the PTO, and if you'd like to give a donation in lieu of becoming a member, that's appreciated as well," Allred said.
The youngish Royal PTO has had significant accomplishments. Last year it organized several enrichment lunch clubs for Red Rock students in the fall and spring. In addition to the Humanitarian Club, there was Gardening Club, Cooking Club, Art Club, Craft Club and Building Club.
PTO has also organized Black Out Nights at a few of the High School sporting events and sold t-shirts that enhance school spirit. This year, "We Are Royal" shirts are being sold as a PTO fundraiser. The deadline to order from a variety of styles is Sept. 30, and they may be purchased at any of the three school offices.
The Black Out Nights this fall will be at the Sept. 20 and Oct. 11 RHS Football games. Wear your "We Are Royal" shirt and you'll be included in a drawing for some fun half-time prizes.
"PTO is passionate about supporting our teachers and school staff," Allred said. "This year, the PTO will offer grants with which teachers may provide extra curriculum, activities or supplies for their students."
Celebrating student academic achievement has also been at the top of the PTO's to-do list. It recognizes students who've passed the MSP and HSPE tests with special treats.
Last year PTO organized an event for the annual Jump Rope for Heart Campaign at Red Rock. That helped raise more than $6,000 for the American Heart Association while providing students fun and exercise at the after school event.
On Oct. 11, at the Royal-Wahluke football game, the PTO will host a Carne Asada Night. According to Allred, it will be a culinary event not to miss.