Don’t call it a comeback, for Panther Cubs PTO never left
by Jill Marie Ogden
It was March 2020 and the Panther Cubs PTO was cruising along at full tilt. The organization had built up a lot of momentum over the past few years. The group was wrapping up Kids Night Out, an event in partnership with the Athletic Boosters, and was gearing up for a glow dance at the end of the month.
On March 13, the call came that the movie night scheduled for that evening would have to be canceled, as well as Quartermania that was on the calendar for the next month. It was unsure when things would be rescheduled. The future of the organization was uncertain as restrictions continued into the fall.
The 2020-21 school year was definitely different for the PTO, but the organization managed to still have an impact from afar.
Water bottles, lanyards and yoga mats were purchased at the beginning of the year to help with new social distancing practices in the school. The PTO partnered with the district to provide books for every student for March is Reading Month. Staff appreciation was successful with gift bags for the holiday and goodies, prizes and picnic tables. A collaboration with SAEF provided lunch for all the staff. Teacher stipends still were provided to help put extra supplies in the classrooms.
As we move into the new school year and things are starting to feel more normal, the group hopes to pick up where it left off as the calendar is already filling for the fall.
Plans to collaborate with SCS and SAEF on Aug. 10 for a community meet and greet with the new superintendent and other new staff at 5 p.m. in the Heritage Cafeteria are in the works. Cleanup Day on the Smith/Heritage playground is set for Aug. 21, in partnership with Wellness Coalition’s Community Clean Up Club. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. armed with lawn equipment, ready to spruce up the place in order to welcome students back on Aug. 23.
The Panther Cubs would like to thank all who supported us through such a difficult time. If you are interested in partnering with the PTO, please contact Volunteer Voordinator and co-President Jill Ogden at [email protected].
