Panther Cubs PTO sends out an S.O.S. asking the community for a lifeline

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Recently the Panther Cubs PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) issued an SOS plea and a call to action for support and volunteerism on the group’s Facebook page.

“For the last two years, our fearless foursome has given their all, pouring heart and soul into every PTO event,” Reaghan Walz shared. Walz is the current president of the Panther Cubs PTO.

In addition to Walz, the “fearless foursome” includes the organization’s vice president, Robin Bergman; treasurer, Jessica Lane; and secretary Amanda Scheller.

“Many may not be aware of the dedication and selflessness, uncountable hours and sacrifice that come with being a volunteer, let alone that of the duties of a board member,” Walz said. “Let’s face it, the burnout is real, and we can’t keep this ship afloat without reinforcements.” But the more volunteers who step up, the lighter the load for all.

When asked what board positions are open, if any, Walz explained that all board positions are available each year and that those positions are president, vice president, treasurer and secretary.

She also suggested that current board members are willing to stay on for a time as co-leaders to assist new volunteers who are stepping up to board positions for a first time.

“All we want to do is build the organization so we can offer even more help to our students and teachers,” Walz explained.

So what, exactly, does the Panther Cubs PTO do?

Walz explained it this way: “The PTO helps support the Smith and Heritage students and staff in many ways. With funds that the PTO raises, core teachers are offered an allotment each year that can be used for anything to help their classroom. This last year it was $150 each.”

The organization also helps with grade-level allotments in the amount of $1,200 for each grade. These are commonly used to cover busing for field trips as well as other field-trip-related costs.

The PTO plans many school events, such as Fall Family Fun Night, Summer Kick Off, Winter Carnival and Family Paint Nights. Recently they helped with March Reading Month at both schools. This year, the Panther Cubs PTO was able to give both Smith and Heritage schools $2,000 each.

The teacher, grade, and school allotments are all made possible through fundraisers spearheaded by the PTO. These include selling Hungry Howie’s pizza cards and sponsoring Quartermania, a craft show, and several other events.

The PTO plans and executes Staff Appreciation Week and coordinates and runs Popcorn Fridays at both Smith and Heritage. Currently, the organization is working on bringing back Kids Night Out, Family Glow Dance, Aces Run and Family Movie Night. The PTO also hosts the four book fairs each year—two at each school. Members and volunteers set them up, work them for a week, and then pack them up. Says Walz, “Personally, my kids have been working book fairs with me since they were newborns!”

A few key activities and events are still on the calendar for this school year, and Panther Cubs PTO would like to encourage community members to volunteer for one of the following: Staff Appreciation Week, the Book Fair at Smith (April 15-19), the book fair at Heritage (May 20-24), the Family Glow Dance, and the Summer Kick Off.

The Panther Cubs PTO meets once a month on a Wednesday, after school from 4:00 until 5:00, in the Heritage cafeteria. The next meeting, on April 10, will include time for our board member nominations.

“Everyone is welcome to come,” Walz said. “You can just show up and you are a member. You can help with whatever you like, whenever you like. We are pretty chill and relaxed. We just like to help support our students and staff.”

Walz added a special thanks to all who support the PTO regularly. “Thank you to our amazing crew of popcorn poppers, the incredible staff support provided by Mr. Anderson who is at everyone’s events and whom the kids cannot wait to see. I also want to add special thanks for our board members Jessica Lane, Robin Bergman and Amanda Scheller. Without these ladies there would be no PTO!”

If you would like to volunteer or become a Panther Cubs PTO board member, contact Reaghan Walz at reaghan@gmail.com. You can also follow the Panthers Cubs PTO on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/panthercubspto where you will see updates about current events.

All photos for this story credited to Reaghan Walz.

Taylor Walz shows off her masterpiece at Family Paint Night.

Emmy and Max Walz enjoying the corn sensory bin at the fall Family Fun Night.

Clay Grover helps work one of the book fairs hosted by the Panther Cubs PTO.

Justin and Max Walz take a break after helping set up for an event hosted by the PTO.