PTO NEWSLETTER April 2021
Vol. 1 St. Mary PTO seeks to support the mission of St. Mary Catholic School to provide a classical education curriculum that unifies faith and reason. We support that mission yearly based on the needs of the school through working with the administration. We actively seek ways to bring together the families through fellowship, as well as fundraising events that financially support our growing school. Our goal continues to be to hold fewer number of fundraising events that are able to raise larger sums of money. Those events continue to be: Late Summer/Fall: St Mary 5K run/walk The BIG Raffle Spring: The Main Event Golf Outing Each one of these events require volunteers leading up to and on the day of. We recognize and honor the time commitment needed for these events. These events enable us to continue our efforts to make a Catholic, classical education affordable for all!
“It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” - Mother Theresa
THE MAIN EVENT GOLF OUTING Two in one year! This event is normally held in the Spring but thankfully we were able to reschedule to August. Our committee consists of: Corey Messner (parishioner), Drew & Sarah Santini, Kevin & Chandra Kwaske. We had a record turn out and raised about $10,000! A big thank you to our Gold Sponsor – CG Financial/Crooked Foot Our next golf outing is coming up quickly, June 5, 2021, join us for a fun day! Sign up to golf or sponsor: https://the-main-event.perfectgolfevent.com
ALL SAINTS FESTIVAL A new twist on an old favorite!
We had an opportunity to do something different this year. Terry Rabideau and the Family Faith Formation brought this annual event to the entire parish. Trunk or Treating, Saint games and fellowship brought many families together safely. The Edwards family won 1st prize for best decorated trunk with a very striking depiction of St. Michael the Archangel.
THE BIG RAFFLE Our best year yet!
WOW! Our 2nd year came in even better! We sold 775 f tickets this year, which outpaced last year. Our two winners did accept their prizes but we netted $44,000 for the fundraiser. As last year, we asked for each family to sell 9 tickets. Families that turned in their quota sheet won a Free Dress Down Day! Thank you again to Sarah Santini for spearheading the event.
VOLUNTEER SURVEY The results are in! Thank you to all that participated. Many were not quite sure how they can volunteer for events. We are excited to be able to point you in the right direction.! We also understand that many of you simply are pressed for time and we thank you for donating as needed!
CLASSROOM REPS Something new this year! The idea was brought to us last year to seek classroom representatives. These individuals are not only tasked with helping to solicit volunteers from their classrooms but can also serve as a valuable point person for the teacher. We seek to improve communications and strengthen our families. This is an ever-evolving position. We are taking feedback and appreciate patience as establish this position.
UNIFORM VAULT A resource for our families. In our first year we have had over 50 transactions! The Uniform Vault serves our school family by curating new and gently used pieces from our designated uniform. The pieces are available to families for $5 each or an equal exchange. Orders can be place via the PTO web page and donations are always accepted in the main office.
PIZZA LUNCH A monthly treat for students. IBe on the look out for Volunteer Sign ups! Thank you for your help with this, Emily Riley, the students have truly been enjoying this treat!
CLASSROOMS ICONS PROJECT Did you know your child's classroom has a Patron Saint? We are excited to have funded this wonderful project for the school. Each classroom picked a patron saint to represent their room. Please check out PTO tab on the school website for the full presentation. This project was funded largely due to the Uniform Vault proceeds. The last school request we funded was in 2019- a laminator for the teachers.
UPCOMING EVENTS Teacher Appreciation Week May 3rd-7th Keep an eye out for a link to donate towards a wonderful week for our teachers and staff! Fun Day TBD (near the last day of school) The Main Event June 5th Brookshire Volunteer, Sign up to Golf or Sponsor NOW! 5K Pace the Priest August 7th Held in conjunction with Williamston Jubilee PTO Meetings 2nd Thursday of the Month 6:30 via ZOOM or in Parish Hall
HOW CAN I HELP..? MAIN EVENT We are seeking a volunteer to coordinate and reach out for sponsorships. Expansion outside of Williamston to Fowlerville, Howell, Lansing, Dansville, etc! You will work directly with the committee to help secure sponsorships, and make sure our sponsors are appreciated!! TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK Sign up to donate treats, time or funds towards making this an amazing week for our spectacular staff! Sign-up Genius coming soon! JOIN OUR TEAM! We are accepting nominations for all offices for the 2021-2022 school year. Details about each position can be found in our bylaws on our PTO tab on the school website. Please reach out to RJ Lomas or any current officer if you have any questions!
President: Chandra Kwaske Vice President: Sarah Santini Treasurer: Meg Holt Secretary: Anna Thelen