Colby PTO providing the spirit through new signs

There are few things in the Midwest as traditional as the community getting involved in the public school system, and Colby is no different.  Recently the Colby Grade School/Middle School Parent Teachers Organization completed the installation of modern signs on both the grade school and the middle school.   

            For decades Colby public schools has seen parents getting involved through the Parent Teachers Organization, and this year’s group involves Jenna Brunner, Kayla McCorkle, Kristina Hills, Wendy Hayes, Codi Carter, Jenna Gatz, Audra Fisher, Heather Dible, Melissa Schneider, and Jada Tubbs.

            The PTO recently used money raised through their two annual fundraisers, the proceeds from selling school spirited t-shirts, and from food sales at home events.  Raising enough funds to purchase and install the new signs.  The first was a large Power Eagle installed on the East side of the grade school, one that will remind students and parents of our community’s pride every day. 

            “We hope that the students, parents, and community feel the impact of this project,” said Gatz member of PTO for two years.  “I joined PTO to be more involved with the school because I had a kindergartener back then.  In my time we have done a lot of great projects for the staff and students, my favorite was surprising the staff with gifts and seeing how excited and grateful they all were.”

            Then PTO installed large lettering on the North side of the middle school that reads “Colby Eagles,” to remind the older students of the pride they should carry and represent at school.  “PTO was motivated to take on this project to help create school pride in the community, and enhance the aesthetics of the campus,” said PTO member Tubbs.

            The cost of the project was just over $9,300, with Burnin Metal manufacturing the signs locally, and the group is still planning to add some landscaping and lighting upon approval from the school board.  

            While the group hasn’t confirmed its next project, they are leaning toward implementing a “random acts of kindness” week in February, assisting with the grade school reading carnival in March, and then an end of the year teacher luncheon.

            “We would love for everyone to know that anyone who wants to help create a fun learning environment that supports both students and staff are welcome to join us.  There is no membership fee, just show up and be excited to help impact Colby Grade and Middle Schools,” said Tubbs. 

            PTO member Hills said, “As a parent joining PTO, it has helped me learn so much more about the school than I would have just by going in for parent teacher conferences and class parties.  We really get to know teachers and staff a lot better by being more involved.  In the time my kids have been at Colby schools, PTO has donated play equipment, water fountains, furniture for the corridor that they use daily, and we host carnivals every year for all students. Of course, the thing my children like best is the carnivals!”

            The next PTO meeting will be Feb. 5 at 12 P.M. in the Administration Building Board Room at 600 W 3rd St. in Colby.