Helping Hands

By Mimi Vanderhaven

When it comes to schooling, it takes a village to provide the most well-rounded experience for students and families. With the school year nearly over, Mimi caught up with several of the thriving parent groups of Willoughby-Eastlake Schools for a recap of their efforts.

• Royalview Elementary PTA: Royalview’s main fundraiser was the Fun Run in the fall. Funds raised went to student events like the Valentine Dance, School Carnival, Halloween Party and Holiday Singalong, as well as classroom supplies and field trip transportation.

• Edison Elementary PTO: This group recently purchased a variety of soft seating to use throughout the common spaces in the building, so that teachers can create intimate learning environments outside of the classroom. The Edison PTO also purchased and installed new and improved whiteboards for each classroom. Throughout the school year, this active PTO hosts no-cost family events.

• Longfellow Elementary PTA: Through four fundraisers, this PTA spends funds on green folders for each student at the beginning of the year and second-grade rulers, class parties, teacher appreciation lunch, free T-shirts and more.

• Willowick Middle School PTSO: Funds raised go to two dances with a DJ, photo booth, food and drinks, a motivational speaker telling students about being kind, Eighth Grade Day held at local park, breakfasts for staff during professional development days and a teacher appreciation lunch with a food truck.

• Warrior Families PTO (Willoughby Middle): This group has financially supported and provided volunteers for the creation of student clubs, open houses, spirit wear, STEM Night, Kindness Week, teacher grants and staff luncheons, just to name a few.

• North High Music Boosters: Keeping the music playing, this niche group raises money for instrument repairs, sheet music, piano tunings, scholarships, awards and recognition, competition fees and transportation.

• North High After Prom Groups: These groups fundraise for their individual classes to hold an after-prom event for students’ senior year.

• Willoughby South Athletic Boosters: Funds are raised for South High sport teams. The group holds an annual Boosters raffle and offers scholarships to seniors.

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics from grades K-12 in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools System. For details, visit WESchools.org.