As our youngest child heads off to college this week, I am reflecting on the wonderful education our children received in Park City. We are so fortunate to have educators, administrators, coaches and support staff who work very hard and truly have our students’ best interests at heart. We have strong, welcoming, and supportive school communities. One key component is our parent teacher student organizations (PTSOs).
The Park City School District has seven hardworking PTSOs which support our parents, teachers, administrators, and students. They provide programs like classroom grants, teacher meals, staff appreciation week, safe graduation events and college scholarships. They enlist parent volunteers when needed. They help build the school communities. Our PTSOs are entirely volunteer-run and are primarily funded by parent donations. PTSOs are not politically affiliated and their efforts are guided by the needs of the school.
If you have a student in the district, please take a moment to support your school’s PTSO! It’s easy to find donation information on the school websites and in back-to-school information — and annual dues are $30-40. Each PTSO has a Facebook page, a family directory, and periodic newsletters as well, so make sure you have access to those helpful resources.
In my years volunteering for several PTSOs, I frequently heard that parents did not join/pay dues because they did not have the time to volunteer. If that’s you, don’t worry! While PTSOs do ask for and appreciate volunteers, paying dues will not obligate you to volunteer.
Back to school is such an exciting time. I hope all of your students have a wonderful year!
Amy O’Reilly
Ranch Place