After rescheduling because of cold weather, the Big Lake Parent Teacher Organization held their Annual Literacy Night in the gymnasium at Big Lake High School Tues., March 18.
The event was to be held on Feb. 18 to coincide with “I Love to Read” month which aims to promote reading, writing, and the joy of literacy for all ages, particularly children and families. This year’s theme was “Follow the Yellow Book Road”.
Fun and Games
All members of the community were welcome to attend, however, the BLPTO’s focus was on elementary age kids and supports Liberty and Independence Schools. Students of those schools took part in a book cover contest where children designed book covers for the titles they made up. The book covers were displayed throughout the gym for attendees to view and judge. Winners from each grade, K-5, received a $10 gift certificate to Dairy Queen.
Donated books were given away. Games were played, including a book walk and ring toss. Stations was set up where attendees could make their own bracelets and create their own Wizard of Oz themed bookmarks. There was even a photo booth for people to dress up as the Cowardly Lion or one of the witches of Oz.
Fundraising
Unbakeable Edible Cookie Dough was on hand selling their “Delicious spoonfuls full of love and gourmet cookie dough”. Ten percent of their sales that night were donated. According to Event Organizer and PTO Volunteer Heather Miller those proceeds amounted to $380.
A raffle was held instead of featuring an invited guest to speak.
“We went out into the community and asked area businesses and donors to donate,” said Miller.
Among the prizes donated were baskets from Jess Say Yes, Lupulin Brewing Co., Groom My Friend, MN Babe Candle Co., Evolution Tae Kwon Do, The Buff, and Ember Coffee Co. Gift certificates from the Tattooed Lady and C&B Home Remodeling and Repair were given, as well as electric toothbrushes from Dentistry for Kids.
“We are so appreciative of the support we receive from our community for our elementary kids,” said PTO Independence Chair Natalie Davis.
She noted that fund raising efforts have been down this year, but was optimistic that they would eventually meet their goals.
What They Do
“A lot of people are unaware of what the PTO does,” said Davis.
Every year the PTO funds all the field trips for elementary students, help teachers obtain the supplies they need, and provide T-shirts for students as they transition to new schools. Kindergarten students receive a T-Shirt that announces the year they will graduate and Third graders get a STEM shirt that they can wear for STEM Fridays and Special school days. Last year, the BLPTO donated new keyboards for kids and bought mats for gaga ball pits totaling $27,000.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help us meet student needs,” said Miller.
Monthly meetings are held the second Monday of every month during the school year, alternating between Liberty and Independence Elementary Schools. Their next meeting is May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at Independence Elementary. For more information go to www.biglakeelementaryPTO.com.
