One of the reasons Somerset has such a strong community and sense of
pride is because the PTSA works hard to promote it. Twenty dedicated
moms and dads head up 16 committees aimed at increasing school spirit
and pride at Somerset. Financial resources and the creativity and time
of many parents are paired to help make Somerset a great place for our
kids. Among those committees are:
As the year progresses and the PTSA events begin to
add up, the question inevitably arises: “What does the PTSA do with the
money it raises?” Although supporting academic, creative and artistic achievement is the
#1 area where PTSA funds are spent, promoting school spirit and pride is
also an area that requires quite a bit of funding.
School Spirit & Pride Committees
Child Safety and Emergency Preparedness which is responsible for
ensuring Somerset students will be safe in the event of an emergency.
This committee has prepared and stored emergency materials so students
will be safe, warm and fed for up to 72 hours after an emergency,
putting Somerset in what may be a unique position among area schools.
Health Room which organizes volunteer staffing of the health room during
recesses. Beyond tending to bumps and bruises, these dedicated parents
sooth teary youngsters having a tough day on the playground.
PeaceBuilders which provides anti-bullying curriculum and
promotes responsible citizenship. Student Peace Coaches, materials and
assemblies are part of this important program.
Room Parent Coordinator who organizes and supports room parents as they
carry out their role of helping classroom teachers. Beyond planning
parties, room parents are responsible for classroom emergency phone
trees and many other functions that directly assist classroom teachers.
Staff Appreciation which plans and carries out events throughout
the year to honor the teachers and staff as they serve our children.
Back-to-School BBQ which brings our community together each fall and was
especially important this year as we celebrated the opening of our new
building.
Pizza & Bingo provides a fun
community building event for the whole school.
Carnival, a long time student favorite, will be returning this
year in the spring.
Care & Share which plans events to bring the school community together
to provide philanthropic assistance to those of need within our greater
community.
Sharing Over Somerset (SOS) which helps support families and staff at
our school if they are faced with family or medical emergencies. From
sending notes of concern to organizing delivery of meals, this committee
works to help our community come together in times of need.
Art for the New School which is responsible for the personalized
tiles, the Totem Pole refurbishment and the soon-to-be installed art
glass panels.
Superstar Spirit Wear which provides Somerset Elementary clothing, water
bottles and other merchandise for sale so students, staff and families
can wear and show off their school spirit and pride.
Complimenting these committees are School Pictures, Yearbook, and 5th Grade Activities. Although what
happens in the classroom is obviously the most important part of our
kids’ education, these many committees help to make Somerset a truly
excellent place to call “My School!”
It is our community’s varied talents, interests and perspectives that
make the PTSA strong. If you have feedback about PTSA programs or ideas
for the future, please drop a comment in the PTSA box in the school
office. Your input is needed and welcome.
Stepping back to consider the varied programs the PTSA funds and brings
to our school to enrich the classroom experience helps clarify how the
funds PTSA raise are spent. More important, it is the combination of
financial support and busy parents generously volunteering their time to
support the school that clearly shows our children how important we all
believe their education is.
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School Spirit and Pride |
School Spirit and Pride Activities are not
fundraisers but are geared towards the students. |
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