PTA Revved Up for the New School Year

Now that you've settled into the school year routine, the PTA events begin! We have so many to look forward to, starting with October's family dinner and more. Events coming up:

October 2: Kindness in Chalk
October 4: International Walk/Bike to School Day
October 5: Family Night + Flu Clinic

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, Waite Park PTA is sponsoring its annual Kindness in Chalk event on October 2nd. Behind this campaign is the idea that, sometimes, when having a hard day, all it takes is a kind word to lift us up.

So, Monday, October 2nd, the kids are chalking kind words EVERYWHERE! As they come off the buses, or join Rec+, they're going to cover the Waite Park sidewalks in words and images. If you want to volunteer to hang out with the children for the event and monitor the kind words, keep a look out for the the volunteer sign up. We'll send it soon via email, the Waite Park newsletter, and on the PTA Facebook Page. (Also, try the PTA Discussion Page).

International Walk/Bike to School Day 2017

This event is another October staple at Waite Park. Groups of kids do "walking school buses" from various parts of the neighborhood and travel together. Some bike ride in groups. They can get Walk to School Day swag and have a good time (click that link for more info on the global event). 

Family Dinner Night + Flu Clinic

This event is one of our most popular community get-togethers (and another where you'll soon see a request for volunteers). This is a night for families all over the neighborhood--whether they have Waite Park kids or not--to come and enjoy dinner and dessert. It's usually a couple dollars per person, and group discounts are available if you want to come as a family or friend unit. If you're a big fan of baking, bring desserts. While we cover the main course prep, we've relied on the amazing Waite families for the after-dinner treats.

While there, get your flu shot with the help of the Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association. Prepare by having your insurance information on you, and keep in mind that you'll need to fill out a form before you and your kid(s) officially get immunized. If you don't have insurance, don't worry. You can still get the flu shot.

Last but not least, the school will also be doing an information session on the new reading curriculum your kids are learning this year. Teachers will be available at Family Dinner Night to explain it, so if you're waiting for the line to go down for food or flu shots, head over to hear more about the things your kids learn in their classrooms.

Have a Fantastic School Year!

And keep a look out for more information in folders that come home with your kids, on this blog, on Facebook, or anywhere else you typically look for information (okay, maybe not Twitter...this intrepid blogger has yet to figure out the PTA tweeting thing). We'll make sure you can take part in the PTA, school, and community in whatever way works for you and your family. Call the school, email people listed on the sidebar of this blog, hunt is down through teachers--whatever works, we want to hear from you. 

Happy School Year!