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This article is part of the following categories:
Parent Group Hall of Fame


PGY 2008: Small School Group

For PTO Today’s Outstanding Group at a Small School, size is no object.

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Photo by MICHELLE NELSON

St. Mary’s Catholic School Home and School Committee, Tomahawk, Wis.

With just 120 students at the school, the Home and School Committee’s list of accomplishments rivals those of larger parent groups. After declining enrollment threatened the school’s existence a few years ago, a new principal and some energized parent group leaders took action. To get more families connected and involved, they decided to provide dinner at every meeting—and made sure those meetings were well-organized and to the point. They also emphasized fun for everyone: A gala fundraiser for adults is preceded by a “kids gala” with a DJ and a break from wearing the school uniform. Many events were opened to the community at large, including a Halloween haunted house and costume party. For a communitywide mother/son night, the parent group provided dinner, a movie, popcorn, and play money so the boys could take their moms on a date. Field trips for students ranged from local farms to the science museum in St. Paul, Minn., some four hours away.

What the judges loved: The parent group at this small private school built participation with a focus on organization and fun but also strived to increase its profile beyond the campus. They hit all the bases: involving parents, serving kids, supporting teachers, and engaging the community.

Cool fact: The Home and School Committee sponsors a student-run bake sale during an annual Harley-Davidson motorcycle event in town; all profits are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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Comments

  1. Posted by LouAnn DuPlayee on Sep. 06, 2008

    GREAT LITTLE SCHOOL!!!!

  2. Posted by Juanita Skubal on Sep. 06, 2008

    We LOVE our School! Proud to be apart of something so great!

  3. Posted by Tom Streicher on Sep. 06, 2008

    Parents that get involved is what it takes to make a school and community successful. Good job demonstrating that it's the size of the HEART that counts.

  4. Posted by Rita Lee on Sep. 08, 2008

    Both parents and teachers are proud to belong to our St. Mary's! We are very impressed with our Home and School!!

  5. Posted by Beth Kanning on Sep. 09, 2008

    Congrats everybody! You do an amazing job!

  6. Posted by Sue Steckbauer on Sep. 10, 2008

    Way to go, St. Mary's! You've made all small Catholic schools proud!

  7. Posted by Tami Stewart on Sep. 11, 2008

    Congratulations to the parents and principal at St. Mary's on a job well done!

  8. Posted by Brent Balsavich on Sep. 11, 2008

    St. Mary's, you've come a long way in a short time. Congratulations and keep up the great work!!

  9. Posted by Shirley Heise on Sep. 12, 2008

    Congratulations to the entire St. Mary's school and parish family on your success. You are an inspiration to all Catholic schools.

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