[Music] Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of the Inside Wisetta podcast. I'm Zach Nelson, the host and today I have three special guests with me who I've known for a time now and thought they would be great to talk about all things parent teacher organizations associations. Um, we have Sarah Hag who has a recent Weisetta High School graduate and an incoming ninth grader. We have Alicia Little who has a sophomore at the high school, an eighth grader and a sixth grader. And Diana Chovin who has students at Central and at the high school as well. and all of them have been heavily involved in these parent teacher groups since their students were in elementary school. And we're going to talk about all things parent teacher organizations, associations, why you should care, why you should get involved as a as a parent or guardian with students in Wisetta schools. So, thank you for joining me. Excited. >> Thank you for having us. Yeah. >> So, we're going to start with the basics. So we're we're going to mention PTO, PTA, PTSA. So that's parent teacher organization, parent teacher association, parent teacher student association. These are all different names that the different groups in our district use. So if you hear that throughout the the podcast, they're effectively talking about the same thing. So I'll start with you, Sarah. Can you explain what these groups are in a simple way? >> Yeah, thanks for having me. Um I think essentially at their core whether whether you are a PTA or PTO um they are meant to just be the link between parents and guardians and families and the school and creating a a vehicle for parents to um engage with the school and also support the school um and the school's needs and supplement some of the needs that um um that teachers and administrators think would be helpful. >> What about you Alicia? Yeah. I mean, I think if I can look back to when my first child started as a kindergartener, I remember seeing the sign in the banner and always kind of feeling like, oh, I'm not sure that that's going to be something. I don't know anything. I'm a brand new student or, you know, brand new parent. But I think I quickly learned that once you get a little involved in the school, it's really helpful to be a part of a group that is telling you, you know, what the teachers are needing or what the principal's goals are for the school. And then also like what you can even do as a parent cuz sometimes there's different rules about we had room parents and then maybe we got away from that or you know what type of activities or events we could do. So I personally just liked it as another vehicle of communication of like what was happening in the school building and then if I could help out in any way it was just like the most direct access. Thanks again for having us. I would say the other aspect is that it allows the schools to do some of the fun events that otherwise you know the staff and students are not able to organize obviously carnivals and bingo nights and even the book fairs. Um so various things that bring a sense of community and bring a little um sense of fun to their days and weeks and add some highlights throughout the course of the year. and they need extra support to do those things and make them a reality. >> So, you mentioned carnivals and different events like that. I think a lot of families when they think parent teacher groups, they might think of bake sales or fundraising. What can you talk about the full scope of like some of the different things you've been involved in and some things that people might might not know you're involved in and they might just appear at their their child's school. Yeah, absolutely. I think one of the aspects that I was not aware of when I initially got involved was the is the district liaison committee and that provides visibility and coordination across all of the schools at Weisetta. Um we're able to meet with the district leadership and receive updates about what is happening in the schools, what are the current issues. uh we meet with the the school board attends and represents as well and it allows a forum for the PTO's and PTAs to communicate with each other and learn best practices and leverage the resources we have across multiple schools rather than kind of everyone trying to work in their silo. So that was a really unique opportunity to be aware of many of the aspects of our district that I otherwise would not have especially when I only had elementary school age students. Um because you also have visibility then into things that are happening at the middle school and the high school. So that's a really unique aspect. uh you get visibility into some of the legislation that is happening or what is happening with facilities, what is happening with curriculum. Um so that that's been really uh a unique opportunity and that again was through the PTO and PTA. Um they also are able to support a lot of grants um throughout for teachers and things that are happening in the school. I think a lot of people hear about, you know, an addition to the playground perhaps um and other aspects that the additional funding that the PTO's and PTAs bring in are able to uh uh support at the schools. You guys want to add? >> Well, yeah. I was going to say I think um with the you're mentioning the district leazison a lot of what goes on at that meeting and those updates about some of the bigger picture district initiatives or legislative initiatives um those then those individuals are then utilizing their building organizations to communicate that more widely to other parents. Um so that's you know that link between parents on the ground and some of the larger um district initiatives. Um the PTA and PTO's really can sort of coordinate that link through their communication vehicles and through their meetings. And yeah, I agree that grants um are are a big portion. They're not as, you know, forward- facing as carnivals and book fairs and things like that that the kids are seeing, but um I'd say most of the buildings have some semblance of a grant program. Um, and if you probably asked a lot of teachers in the district, like what do they appreciate about PTAs and PTO's, um, I'd say a lot of them would say they've really been able to supplement their classrooms and their programs because of grants that can be, um, given by the PTAs and PTO's. Yeah, >> it seems like I mean overall the big picture is these parent teacher groups exist to support the buildings, right? That's that's absolutely >> that's the function of them. Um and so when we think of like just very basic like bake sale fundraising, is there what are some of the more like obscure maybe obscure is not the right word. What are some of the more unique things that you guys have been involved in that again is the goal is to provide resources for the school. >> I think um at the elementary level I found a little difference between elementary and middle school level where I've been pretty involved. Um at the elementary level, I think appreciating that, yeah, we will get grants from individual teachers, especially, you know, some of our um specialists like art, you know, that maybe need some special supplies to do an activity or whatnot that goes above and beyond what the district is providing. But I also think we can help fund um various like resources for the entire school or maybe a whole grade level is using some sort of an online program that they're asking for um a membership to and that's something that we can provide that sort of takes away from you know the overall budget in other areas. And so I know at Central Middle School specifically, I've been on the grant committee the last few years which we've kind of created really it's been a more streamlined process and you know we see the gamut of you know requests coming through and it's really nice to feel like we're meeting such a wide variety of needs especially with my time coming in at the middle school level. A lot of teachers are really thinking out of the box and coming up with some cool ideas that students are you know saying oh I want to try this. We were actually just saying, you know, podcast equipment has come up and as as a grant request, it's kind of cool to see um that we're able to bridge that gap. I mean, that's kind of how I think about the the grant committee is it's just bridging the gap between what teachers have access to through the district and then what some of the wants and needs are otherwise. I mean, another program that jumps out at me is um and again, it varies from building to building, but um you know, giving some extra financial support to some of the uh the non-classroom teacher staff. So, um maybe an extra little fund for the counselors and social workers um that they can have on hand um to run some of their programming or for certain student issues that come up or you know at the middle school level for the deans to you know again supplement the programming that they're doing. Um, so I I think some of those unique features that you again, not all parents might see, um, because they're not as forward- facing as those big events, but you know, they are they are part of what the PTAs and PTO's are funding. >> I was just going to add, I mean, maybe just to distill it even more if you're really not familiar with kind of how it usually works. And I can't speak for every elementary school, but I feel like most of us have gone to a fun run, which usually happens within the first month or so of school starting. And so that's the big push. And we're usually working with a budget that, you know, we've sort of revised and finalized at the end of one school year. And so we're coming in with line items of like these are the things we've typically funded in the past. And we're hoping that's how we come up with the goal for each school of what we hope the fundraiser will bring in. And then we can always adjust that and we will vote on okay, maybe this is a line item that we don't really need anymore and we can, you know, funnel that funding into that. So, I do think, you know, I know back to school can get really chaotic and busy and then all of a sudden it's like, oh, now we got to donate money, but know that those funds are very thoughtfully utilized in our buildings and are usually funding things that we've just come to expect are going to happen in our schools. And so, if those monies don't come through, things inevitably are going to kind of fall off the table. So, that's just kind of just to really get really basic about what we're thinking about. And I think that's the primary. I mean, even at the middle school level, we don't do a run anymore, but a lot of schools are doing more of a, you know, it's an incentive to get kids involved at school, but it's um more of a what would you call it? I mean just a >> sort of just a a you know an encouragement of parents to be willing to donate but with um activities and prizes that are um the kids are having access to by you know um when those donations start to flow in. So, I know we we set it up so that, you know, um the top sixth grade, you know, um advisory, you know, was going to win a pizza party or whatever it is. Something to get the families excited and the kids excited about making that donation once we've moved beyond some of the the fun run and some of those types of things. But just other ways for middle schoolers and uh to be excited about supporting their school. And I would just throw out I know I'm sure at some point we're going to talk about you know some of the again more of the nitty-gritty and meetings and stuff but you know in all buildings all of this information about the budget is is for everyone. It's not just for the small group of parents who are you know on the executive committee or on the board. Um, you know, it's it's available to all families to look at to see where their dollars are going and um and it's voted on, you know, you know, by um you know, the parents um who are coming to meetings and are participating a little bit more. So, um but even parents who don't want to come to a meeting and aren't going to get that involved, that financial information is available to everyone to see. So, they know where their dollars are going and they feel good about making those donations. Yeah, absolutely. One thing I was going to add is that the the way the funds are spent and the things we're able to support with PTO's and PTAs is unique because it's obviously specific to each school and each school has very different needs. Like Birch View, the PTO PTA supports a a beautiful outdoor garden and they're very involved in that. The community continues to support it. um you know, Northwoods and Meadow Ridge, two schools that I have attended and been involved with, they were newer and so their playgrounds were pretty small. So that's kind of been a big push and encouragement to enhance those and add to that space. So as the needs evolve for that school, the PTO and PTA can respond in, you know, close cooperation with the leadership at those schools. So it's always really fun to see those things come to fruition. It seems like it's a little bit of filling the gaps on like what a school or the school district. There's not a ton of flexibility necessarily in terms of those dollars from a district perspective. >> And so it it seems like these parent teacher groups help bridge that gap a little bit and where where can we as these groups get involved and support the buildings, right? >> Yeah, absolutely. I think bridging some of the times you'll see something that seems very basic. Um but again we all know school funding is is tight sometimes and so sometimes it's just bridging a very more basic gap but sometimes it's you know really a larger project that is when a building or a teacher is really trying to like think out of the box and and bring in a new program or supplement a big capital project um that maybe would have taken the district a longer time to fund. I know at central a couple years ago we you know the district was um involved financially in um an audiovisisual upgrade in the cafeteria when all the remodeling occurred. But we were able to add some supplemental funds to sort of um push that project faster so that some of the equipment could that they maybe they would have spread out. now we could jump in and say, "Okay, we can supplement that and get this project up and running and finalized quicker." Um, so it's exciting to see those, you know, come about and, um, and parents then get to see the the benefits of that. >> For sure. So, I kind of want to summarize what we've talked about so far. We've hit the financial piece a lot. So, I think for parents and and guardians, families that are new to this, they're probably going to see some sort of messaging marketing for these kind of big school events to start the year, whether it's a fun run. I know carnivals typically come later. Those seem like they're the most common >> events. And these these are the big fundraiser pushes that these parent teacher groups have. And yes, it can fund very specific things, but a lot of it is there's things that happen throughout the year that then these dollars go to that aren't just like, you know, it might not be a big playground. It might not be some big project, little things like supporting classrooms. So, it's kind of this like let's we have this big fundraiser and then that kind of supports it's kind of ongoing support for some big things with some little things throughout the year. And don't forget, yeah, teacher appreciation is a huge piece of that. I mean, which I think the schools that I've heard from, I think all the schools do a great job of that's a year-long thing, you know, like we're doing things for conferences, we're doing things around, you know, major breaks or, you know, it's a very consistent throughout the year and it may be everything from, you know, a small snack cart that is just a little pickme up for teachers all the way to catered meals over conferences and, you know, different gift card giveaways and incentives and things. And so just know too that you know I think even when I was on the board and we were looking at the breakdown I mean don't feel like even when it comes to fundraising time that you need to donate a ton of money. I mean like if every student would do like $20 even it's enough to get us to the goal if everyone participates a little bit and just realize that that's something that if you really want to you know support our teachers too. That's a huge piece I think of most budgets honestly at least. But there are other ways for parents to get involved if like financially donating isn't the best option for them. >> Um you know just you know a lot of times schools will ask for donations for some you know staff appreciation events um or volunteering. So even outside of that you know if that's not the best fit for your family there are other ways to still get involved and feel like you're supporting your school and helping your teachers. >> Absolutely. I think a big part of it too is that sense of community that some of those events allow. Um, you know, there there is I think everyone enjoys that, but there's not a lot of opportunities for parents to be in the schools with their kids and participate in things and PTO and PTA events really are the the main ones at least at the schools that my kiddos have attended. So, that provides a really great opportunity for families and parents to connect. um you know, even a community night where there's food trucks and some music. You know, all of those things are they seem simple and some of them are very simple, but they still need to be organized and there are expenses associated with that. So hopefully everyone can enjoy those events and come and participate even if you don't have the ability to volunteer or donate money. Um that's a a way to support it as well is just to be engaged and participate in the school and and show up with your kiddos. So shifting away from like the financial piece a bit. So being part of these organizations also allow families, parents to have a voice in what's happening at the school. So can you talk a little bit about that piece of it of having that voice, having that input of what's happening at your >> child school? Yeah, most of the buildings I've been at, um, the main vehicle for that is, um, the meeting schedule, whether I'd say most schools probably are doing monthly meetings. Some might, um, spread it out a little bit beyond that, but um, coming to the meetings, whether it's virtually or in person. Different schools again are handling that piece in different ways. um is an opportunity one to meet with other parents and it's also and and I think this has always been my favorite um piece of it. It's a way to be in a small setting with your building administration. I'd say every building um principal in in Weisetta is coming to those meetings or an assistant principal um and they're giving an update on what's going on in the building, what are the initiatives, um what are you know what are the upcoming events, what are you know concerns or things that they're working through. Um and it's just so great to hear from the administration in that type of setting. And then on the flip side, you as a parent getting that opportunity to engage with them and say, "Hey, this was this is something that's come up for for us or that I've seen in the last month that I, you know, feel is something that needs to be addressed." And um just not that you can't as a parent ever, you know, always on your own reach out directly to an administrator, but just in that type of forum, I think it's a great way to um be involved and and connect with with the school. We have a lot of times teachers will be at those meetings um to give updates from their perspective on the the teacher end and the classroom end. Um so yeah, it's a great way to to be involved. >> Yeah, we typically try to, you know, have a focus at most most of the meetings whether it's a guest speaker, you know, like Chase Anderson, our superintendent, usually makes his rounds to most of the PTA meetings. Um I know I was on the board you know vice president president for a few years and the major thing I tried to change because I did see you know meeting turnout is tough and >> typically you know you need a quorum as a board you know you need to have enough people there if we are voting on different things but a lot of times it's just like only a handful of other parents and so we've tried you know different timing and different days of the week um and that can get tricky so when I came onto the board one idea I had that I don't know mother's schools might have been doing, but we weren't, was if anyone had signed up and paid their usually pretty nominal fee to be a part of the PTA, we would send out direct emails to that list serve. So like in addition to getting maybe your weekly newsletter from your school, you're going to get a copy of the minutes from the meeting of the current budget that we just discussed and any you know note-taking that was done by our secretary is going to be sent directly to every single PTA member rather than the entire school just to kind of make you feel like you've got a little bit tighter of a pipeline there. Um, and I felt like that was really beneficial and I did see more parents then either responding to those, you know, emails that were being sent out or being more inclined to show up to the meetings and get involved because ultimately a PTA I mean the other thing I really was trying to do is make sure it's representative of the building. Like you don't want to just have the same four or five people at the meeting cuz we maybe don't have the same ideas. I mean, I said we we let go of a few of activities at Kimberly Lane that we had been doing for a long time and tried to introduce some new activities that maybe were going to meet the needs and the desires of the current population and get a better turnout and more parent involvement because we're all busy. I mean, it's always the joke like you feel like sometimes if you're on the PTA like people go scattering when they see you like walk around the neighborhood cuz they're like, "Oh, she's going to be going like, "Hey, you want to help with this?" >> Sometimes we do and we do. We definitely do that. But I think for me it was always I love collaborating with everyone and hearing different ideas and different perspectives and if I hear a family say like oh we we've always wanted to attend this event but it's a little chaotic for my kids or it's a really tough time of year for us like let's collaborate on like what's a different activity we could do or a different and also if you have friends and family that want to maybe get involved like let's make it happen. So I think that's a huge piece of PTA to me. I do think parents sometimes get a little concerned like oh if I start coming to the meetings they're going to be and um but I'd say most buildings are not I mean most buildings would be thrilled if more parents were there because like Alicia said the attendance is usually >> um low and obviously again parents are busy and and it's hard to figure out the best timing. Um, but yeah, just the more input and the more people who are there, even if you're not going to be able to volunteer, but just to to hear what's going on, the better. Or have resources. I mean, how many people are like, "Oh, I work for a company that could, you know, donate this or I know someone who's great at web design or, you know, there's all those like little features that sometimes it doesn't take much, but we have so many resources available and if everyone is just willing to kind of share." >> Absolutely. And if you're aware just enough to recognize that, hey, maybe they do have a need for a marketing expert or maybe they need a little accounting help or financial input, um, you know, an hour or two of time can be a great help to an organization um, trying to do things for the the school and students and staff. But I think my obviously the the ability to be aware of what's happening at the school and that access to information is probably you know the the best way to have some influence in the building because you know what's happening and frankly the administration and leadership at all the different district and schools is very welcome and open to feedback from parents and PTO's PTAs and district liaison committee is probably their first stop for some of that information. >> One thing that I think Alicia mentioned when um a little bit ago was I think when I think about it, it feels a little bit like this exclusive club, so to speak. Like if we're thinking like one of the myths of these parent teacher groups of you have to be really involved, you have to attend all the meetings, you XYZ, right? It almost feels like you have to do all these things on a checklist >> to be involved. And what I'm hearing from all of you is you don't necessarily need to attend all the meetings or any meetings. I think it sounds like just being aware, being involved, getting on a list >> um for communication and being willing to offer input and feedback is still welcome whether you're, you know, your attendance at a meeting is 100% or not at all. >> Absolutely. I mean, I I tell people all the time over the years when we're, you know, especially at those beginning of the year activities and you're trying to sign up parents and try to communicate and advertise what we're about. um like you absolutely cuz that's the number one question you get is like what am I going to have to do what you know and it's intimidating and um we always are saying like you actually don't have to do anything you know you just can read what's going on you know if that's all you want to do is just hear that communication that's fine >> just be aware and provide your thoughts along the way insight yeah I mean >> I think that And um I was just going to say too, we've really tried to get creative about like we've done co-presidencies or co- vice presidencies like it can feel really intimidating to be like you know that's just in the board but even when it comes to volunteering a project like it used to be like who wants to lead this and I tend to say have a co-lead have a triille like find a few of your friends you each kind of find what you know you're really good at and it just it's the many hands make light work theory and philosophy of >> and I I think unfortunately because we live in such a busy chaotic world, a lot of us feel like we just can't add anything else to our plates. But the reality is we've gotten away from that community which actually makes all of our life easier if we're having those natural, you know, connections. I think that's the biggest thing for me being a part of the PTA, the district liaison, like any of the district groups I've been a part of is it's just a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people that have kids about the same age that are going through the same stages of life and it's like a little parent group in a way. I mean, it really is like a great support. I mean, it's great to talk to staff and have the administrators there, too. But if you just need a reason to like get out of the house and think about something else besides your day-to-day life, I think we're really missing that as a society. and PTA is a really great way to get involved and feel like you're a part of your community again. >> So, when if if a if a new parent um with students to the district is listening, they're like, "Okay, I understand this is important. I understand the value. I understand that this is something that is worthwhile supporting." Like, where do they start? like how do you where would you recommend starting on like getting involved or just being aware of what's going on? >> You will get communication at the beginning of the school year definitely. Um social media I think all the PTO's PTAs have a representation there. They also have a link through the school's website under usually under families I feel like. Um so those are the easiest ways. Um, if you can attend the first one or two meetings, that's a great glimpse into the year and what is to come. But all of those are, you know, easy. The goal is to make it easy and for you to be able to access and participate to whatever level is you are able. >> Yeah. And I think a lot of the buildings at their back to school events will have tables set up um to you know if parents are interested in specifically signing up or just getting information. Um and then I'd say most of I would think I would think all of the buildings are also putting information in their weekly or bi-weekly newsletters that come out through parent square. So, um, you know, when you get all that information just about the building in general, most of the schools have a a section in there that is also PTA and >> at the bottom. Sometimes you got to scroll. Sometimes at the bottom you got to scroll, but you know, >> precious real estate. >> Exactly. Exactly. Um, but and I think that continues throughout the year. So when you think about as the year goes on and the events happening or volunteer opportunities, sometimes the communication might go direct to that list serve that they've created as a starting point, but ultimately almost it always is going to end up in the general broad communication to the building so that all parents are seeing what's going on in carnival or we need volunteers or how can you help if you are interested. What about if like there's questions? Like I assume >> that all all of you and and people in your positions like you're more than happy to when people reach out like I don't know what this is. I want to help but I don't know how. >> Absolutely. They're again on the school website the generally I would say the officers are listed and with contact information and more than >> the front office. I mean, I think it's as easy as when you do drop off or if you call the front desk, they're going to know who to direct you to. Most PTAs are going to have a direct email or contact person. So, um, yeah, I think as much as we're reaching out to you, I think it would be great anytime you have any question and again, not to have that sense of like, oh, if I even like give them my information, you know, I'm going to be roped into anything. I think it's really important to just know that we're here to answer questions and no strings attached. >> Yeah. I mean, I know over the years a few times I had parents reach out who again, they just the whole process was new to them and they just weren't sure. And I mean, I was even willing to meet with parents one-on-one like, "Hey, let's grab a cup of coffee." And just again, I'm not not trying to recruit them, but just in a more intimate setting, more personalized where it's not as intimidating, you know, just give them an opportunity to ask questions and see how they might get involved. >> Absolutely. the more people that are involved, the stronger and better it works because like like Alicia said, many hands make light work. >> I also think it's important to mention that, okay, maybe they miss an initial communication and miss an initial meeting or maybe it's January and maybe there's a shift and they're like, "Hey, I want to get involved." I would assume you're open to any involvement whenever you can get it. >> Absolutely. And I mean, don't be the one thing I'll warn at least at the meetings I go to is like when we have new people, we're always like, "Yay!" You know, I mean, it's an excitement to see some new faces at the meetings sometimes because we all love each other, but when you're seeing each other, you know, every week it's just the same group. I mean, it's always so exciting. And bring your kids along. I mean, I guess double check, but I feel like at any, you know, especially at the elementary level, a lot of times younger siblings will come along with some activities, and that's totally fine. We want to be there and be flexible. A lot of times we're offering donuts and coffee, or we're, you know, have different incentives to get you into the meeting. But yeah, and again, if the physical meeting is hard, it's always worth reaching out via email or, you know, just checking in with whoever the point person is and seeing how you can get involved. >> Absolutely. So, as we wrap up, we're going to go around and if you could have all families in the district hear one message about parent teacher groups, what would it be? >> I would say join it. It'll be it is a good experience to get involved, get to meet more of your neighbors, friends, community members. Um, but even if you can't give a lot, just participate by attending and supporting the activities and events that are happening at your school. Uh, I would say for me it always comes back to more communication and knowledge. If the more involvement you have, whether it's being in the buildings themselves, attending the meetings, um, volunteering in any capacity, I just think it really sheds light on what our district really is. And I do think that sometimes parents that maybe aren't as involved in the buildings and they may want to and maybe they don't really want to. But a lot of times it's it takes me having a conversation and explaining a few things that just really clarifies like, oh wow, I had no idea that that was even something that was happening in our schools or I didn't realize that that's what the district was, you know, their incentive or motivation was for that. And so communication, I just think really makes you feel a sense of empowerment and feeling like you're a part of something. And yeah, if you want to share your voice, I think the Zisetta school district has always been great at taking in feedback and making changes and trying to make sure each and every family and student is being heard. Yeah, I think I mean we're really lucky in Weisetta um to have, you know, a great school district with a lot of resources, but I think the best schools have a strong um parent base. So just join in so that we can continue that because I I know that our >> our schools appreciate the parent involvement and um I think when a school has parents who are involved and engaged to whatever capacity um is comfortable and and and you're able to do um it just it it makes your school better for your kids and um that's I think at the end of the day everybody's looking for for their child to just have a great community in their school and a great experience. >> Absolutely. And some of the the more unique things that stand out, the school is very busy focusing on the day-to-day activities and education of the students, but the things that you remember are those more unique aspects of the year. So whether it be the fun run and the DJ and the mascot being outside or maybe it's an author that's brought into the school or your teacher getting some new supplies for their particular classroom. Um all of those events are the ones that stand out in your memory and the PTO's and PTAs are the ones that enable a lot of that. So however you can support it, it would be great. I also want to take the opportunity, I did not mention uh previously, but I have also gotten quite a bit involved with the Weisetta education fund, which is not a PTO PTA, but it is across Weisetta for all of the schools at Weisetta, including early learning and the intermediate uh support postgraduation. All of those schools have, you know, needs and activities that sometimes span grade levels. um they sometimes uh are more unique for that particular school or they're frankly a higher dollar value than the PTO's and PTAs are able to support. So the Wisetta Education Fund is another thing to look for as you're getting going this year. Uh we have a couple of events, fundraisers, but primarily focused on outdoor education at in the middle schools this year. We're really excited to bring that back. Um, it was a big event that was fell to CO and was unable to come back to have an outdoor camp experience for our incoming sixth graders. So, we're really excited to see that come back as well as teacher grants that are again above and beyond what the PTO's and PTAs are able to support. So we welcome you to get involved in any and all otherwise that education fund kind of spanning across all of the schools and then each individual school has its own PTO PTA and also want to emphasize we we do work closely with the PTO's PTAs um to complement each other um so no competition there we're we're very friendly >> and I mean we we talked about it at the beginning a little bit but we all are involved in the district leaison um committee also though. And that is another way that you could get involved by usually, you know, a good way to get your name in there or to know about it is to um let your PTA at your home school know, but typically we say at least two or even more representatives from every single building are invited to be part of the district less on committee. A lot of um parents that are like, I know I can't do that every month, but I'll split it with another, you know, parent. Um, and again, that's just a really great way to get involved, to get, you know, information all the way from the top to be able to share, you know, this is what I'm seeing in my school. I love I mean, some of our favorite meetings are when we go around and say like what's working or what are the cool activities that your school's doing and, you know, you get just great ideas. It's a great opportunity to collaborate between our buildings because I know Weisetta is working really hard to make sure every student's experience is going to be very similar across the elementaryaries or across the middle schools, but the reality is we all have our own little unique cultures and different events and activities that are working and it's kind of cool to be able to share all that. And so that's another great way to get involved. >> Well, thank you all for joining. Um, again, the common theme I'm hearing is when the school year starts up here in in a little bit, get involved, be open to communication. It's all about that awareness, getting that information. So, >> thank you for joining. >> Don't run away from us on the street. >> Thank you, Zach. Yes, thank you. This is really fun. [Music]