Dear Editor:

We are writing this letter to recognize and thank the Powhatan High School Parent Teacher Organization. The PHS PTO defines itself as “an organization whose mission is to arrange activities and special events to supplement the academic program and to enhance the school’s sense of community; to serve as a liaison to encourage and facilitate communication between families and the school’s administration, staff and School Board; and to be a vehicle for fundraising to help meet expenditures that may not be covered by the school that serve to benefit all students.” We would seek to share with you last school year’s Executive Committee’s accomplishments.

The PTO enjoyed a strong membership with financial support from high school families and staff. They combined that membership support with fundraising activities and gave back almost $8,500 to the PHS community in the following ways:

Scholarships to 5 seniors ($500 each)$ 2500.00
Family life class (donation) Infant simulator $1100.00.
Academic pins and awards $1086.50.
Cosmetology (donation) Clippers and mannequins $850.00.
English 9 (donation) classroom novels $100.00.
9th grade class (scholarships for Washington D.C. field trip) $150.00.
Foreign Language (donation) Book cart
JROTC (donation) Color guard gear, scopes, mat, etc. Art Dept (donation)
Projection screen $500.00
Web Design Classes (donation) Photoshop subscription $126.00. Guidance Dept (donation) 2 year Scanner Service Agreement $232.00.
Bailey’s Café (donation) equipment $200.00.
Operation Post Prom (donation) $250.00.
Donation to School fund (returned from “Bring Connecticut to Powhatan” movement) $500.00
Repair Microwaves in commons $52.74.
Total: $8335.24

*Along with money spent, items were donated by local businesses or individuals, saving the PTO hundreds of dollars.  This total does not reflect PTO expenses: Student of the Month, Food Lion Gift Card Giveaway, Secretaries Day, Refreshments at Homecoming and Staff Member Appreciation Gift Card. 

You can see we have enjoyed an outstanding effort from the 2009-2010 Executive Board – Sheila Mason, Julie Atkins, Teresa Prizzio, Robin Phillips, Alice Bolden, Chris Anthony, Milum and Laura Livesay, LaDonna McLennan, Margaret Lawhorne and Cindy Morris. These parents, along with many others, volunteered their time. We can’t always see that gift as readily as we can the financial results listed above. We absolutely appreciate these efforts, as well as the unnamed parents who volunteered to assist in other ways.

Parent involvement continues to be a positive and powerful source of influence for the achievement of adolescents and young adults. The PTO is a wonderful way for you, as a parent, to get involved. We invite you to consider joining the PTO Executive Board for the 2010-2011 school year, either as an officer or a committee chair. Our PTO will meet September 23 at 7:00 in the PHS Library.  It’s an excellent opportunity to get involved or stay involved in your child’s educational experience in Powhatan.

Sincerely,

Bob Carden
Principal, PHS
Kathryn Garrett
Kris Gwaltney
William L. Lewis
Assistant Principals, PHS