PTL - Parent / Teacher League
All of you! Every parent or guardian; every teacher; and anyone who has an interest in our school and wants to be involved. Yes, this means you.
The official purpose statement says, “The PTL serves the school’s best interests by supporting the mission, programs, and activities of ESM; and to make every effort to involve parents and to develop a closer relationship between the home and school through close cooperation between parents and teachers.” We are constantly rethinking ways we can better serve this purpose. As the committee approaches each PTL activity or event, we discuss them in great detail to determine if and where changes need to be made. We are also looking into new ways we can help to make the relationships between the home and school even stronger.
Some of the things we help organize, coordinate, and/or fund include the Fall Fundraiser, Carnival, Grandparent’s Day, Spirit Wear, Skating Parties, Christmas Shop, Teacher Appreciation, special projects (see below), and many others.
At the auction in March 2015, the PTL raised more than $17,400. Just in time for the National Lutheran Basketball Association tournament, the PTL purchased an eagle mascot using some of the funds raised at the auction. The proceeds from this auction also benefited several different areas including, but not limited to, physical education, classroom funds and field trips. During summer 2016, the PTL purchased over $15,000 to upgrade technology at the Union Street and Getz Road campuses. This technology brought high definition projectors and chromebooks to many of our classrooms. Most recently the PTL has organized and put on a school walk-a-thon called “Eagles in Motion.” This event has not only promoted healthy living, but has raised over $17,000 both years it has been held.
How can I get involved or have my ideas heard?
First of all, there are regularly scheduled PTL meetings. We meet about every other month during the school year for approximately one hour in the evening. We post information about these meetings in the Thursday newsletter sent via email. Currently, we have about 10 parents who attend these meetings regularly. One of the Principals and at least one teacher also attend. These are not closed meetings! We would be so excited to have lots more families involved! But, even if you don't attend the meetings, it doesn't mean your ideas can't be heard. You can come to just one meeting to present your ideas. You can write a letter. You can talk to someone who regularly attends the meetings and ask him/her to share your ideas.
Second, volunteer to be a part of a PTL sponsored activity. Volunteering it is a great way for you to use your talents and abilities to help your child's school, teacher, or classroom and to glorify God. There are many volunteer opportunities connected through PTL. There were many opportunities to sign up for helping at the registration tables. If you missed the opportunity to sign up, please stay tuned for additional emails of help needed for events throughout the year. If you missed the opportunity to sign up, please contact the school office and they will put you in touch with our PTL president, Jennifer Clendenen. We want you to be involved in your child’s education!
Let’s have a great school year together!
ESM Parent & PTL President