OES Fun Day Presented by PTO
OES Fun Day 2011
The Parent Teacher Organization or PTO of Oskaloosa held it’s annual Fun Day at the Oskaloosa Elementary School.
Students were treated to inflatable games in the commons area and gymnasium. There they could find slides, bounce houses, skee ball and a multitude of other fun things.
The day used to be somewhat smaller, but has become a super-sized event since the elementary schools were combined seven years ago. The inflatables cost almost $5,000.00 for the day, with those funds being raised throughout the year by different events. Every grade level gets about 1 hour and 45 minutes of time with all the inflatables. The funds for this event are raised during a corporate fund drive and the annual Read-A-Thon.
Kim Tighe, of the Oskaloosa PTO, says that if you have a student that goes to OES, then you are already a member of the PTO. The PTO has meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the commons area of the elementary.
The day’s events were carried out by PTO volunteers and about 100 parent volunteers as well. Volunteers also take part in the kids’ classrooms, holiday parties, as well as helping out during the Read-A-Thon.
Ms. Brackney, a 5th Grade Associate, said, 1 on 1, of the day, “Probably one of their most favorite things we do.”
An obvious question is then: Do the kids start to behave better as the Fun Day approaches? Ms. Brackney responded by saying that the kids do, overall, act better leading up to the event. “None of them want to miss out on it.” she said.
“The PTO does a great job of supporting us,” said Josh Manning, Oskaloosa Elementary 3-5 Principle. “They’re all about doing what’s best for kids, I really respect that.” Manning went on to say about the PTO and their efforts.
“I think it might, actually, be an extra motivator.” Manning said of the event helping to keep students in line the final days of school. This type of motivation is one that he prefers not to have to rely upon, but it has been helpful in the final days of the 2010-2011 school year. He enjoys using PBIS to help build character, respect, being attentive, motivated and honest.
From all of the pictures we took, I would say the day was a success; as a frown was difficult to come by during our visit to OES.
