Panther Cub PTO meets to address needs of K through 8th graders

Micki Cipta, Jessica Lane, Sunshine Karowich and Jeanette Wetzel volunteer at the concession stand during the 7/8 Grade tailgate. Photo by by Susan Hill.

by Jill Ogden

Stop by Heritage Elementary at 4:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of any month, and chances are you’ll sense a palpable energy coming from its conference room. Such was the case Oct. 2 as parents, teachers and principals gathered around a table to button down upcoming plans of the Panther Cubs PTO.

“At each monthly meeting we review reports from the principals and teachers, and we assess what the needs of the schools are,” PTO president Jill Ogden said. “Then we figure out the most effective way to address them.”

Most recently, the group helped put on the Fall Family Fun Night at Heritage.

Jill Ogden and daughter Megan run the PTO table at Fall Family Fun Night. Photo by Tracie Lentz.

“We had a great turnout,” PTO event coordinator Tracie Lentz said. “So many volunteers came together to make a fun and free evening for our Stockbridge panther cubs. Seeing the joy and excitement on their faces is rewarding, and really, doing these events is all about the kids.”

Through a combination of fundraising and solicitation of donations, the nonprofit 5013C Panther Cubs PTO serves kindergarten through 8th grade in Stockbridge schools. The parent teacher organization provides financial support and fulfills a wide range of staff and student needs during the year. Additional examples of PTO-sponsored activities include providing playground equipment, movie licensing, field trip transportation, classroom supplies, assemblies and teacher appreciation activities.

“We have a really fun energetic group of volunteers, and we have so much fun accomplishing our goals,” Ogden said.

Tracie Lentz and Sunshine Karowich. Photo by Reaghan Walz

PTO volunteer Sunshine Karowich said, “When I joined the PTO, I felt like I joined a family.”

The public is welcome.