COOK- Parents and staff gathered on Monday in the North Woods School library for the second organizational meeting of a new Parent Teacher Organization, aiming to build stronger connections between families and the school, and to ease some of the burdens facing both.
PTO President and founder Kandis Garcia facilitated the meeting which was attended in-person by about a dozen North Woods parents and staff members, with several more joining the meeting virtually. The organization sees virtual access as a vehicle to engage more members on a regular basis.
Much of the conversation focused on a familiar concern for parents and teachers alike: school supplies.
As one person put it, “It’s not just the cost—it’s the inconsistency.” Families often receive long, varied classroom supply lists, and many teachers end up covering the gap out of their own pockets. While the school offers parents the option of buying a pre-made supplies package, many said the packs were overpriced, and several parents noted that their students often came home at the end of the year with leftover supplies.
To facilitate getting the right kinds and amounts of supplies, which are more extensive and critical in the elementary grades, the group decided the best approach would be to ask for monetary donations so that teachers could maximize the supplies purchased by taking advantage of sales and buying in bulk. The PTO discussed launching a donation campaign at the April 17 elementary school music concert. A flyer would go out in advance, giving families a heads-up, and collections would be taken at the concert.
The PTO also discussed launching an “Adopt-a-Class” program where community members or businesses could sponsor classroom supplies directly. Organizers said they hope the campaign will evolve into a yearly tradition.
“We want this to be easy, dignified, and helpful for everyone,” one participant said. “No child should go without, and no teacher should feel like they have to pay for basics.”
Beyond supplies, the PTO tackled a wide range of topics, from volunteer support to next year’s shift to a four-day school week. Proposals to create Friday enrichment programs or fund scholarships for families needing childcare received strong support.
Volunteers are still needed for a number of committees, which include:
Fundraising and Event Planning
Teacher Relations / PBIS
Indigenous Representation
Special Education Representation
Community Engagement
Legislative and School Board Monitoring
Safety Initiatives
The group also discussed a wide array of possible activities and fundraisers, including fall and spring carnivals, movie nights, Bingo, trunk-or-treat, elementary school dances, a book recycle, sponsoring area food trucks at the school’s open house, and more.
The PTO plans to meet monthly, with a promise to keep meetings under an hour.
“The goal is to solve problems, not just talk about them,” Garcia said.
Interested families can contact the school, call Garcia at 218-966-7894, or keep an eye on the North Woods Grizzlies Facebook page for upcoming event details.