Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/19/2022
MONSON – Despite being a transition year for the Monson Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), their efforts have not depreciated.
During the Oct. 12 Monson School Committee meeting, Denise Newland, president of the PTSA, provided an update on all they have been working on. Although Newland has been a member of the PTSA for four years, she was appointed to her new role in June. Aside from her, the board is made up entirely of new members. Newland said this requires a lot of catching up, learning the new roles, assessing where they have been and where they want to go.
She went on to recognize the outgoing officers for their work over the past four years, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. However, with new leadership, Newland looks forward to accomplishing new tasks.
For this half of the 2022-2023 school year, Newland said they are going to be focusing on school spirit activities and connecting with families and staff.
Some of their upcoming activities include “reflections” which is an art competition open to students of all ages.
On Oct. 22, the PTSA will be hosting Trunk or Treat. The event will take place in the Quarry Hill Community School parking lot from 4:30 to 6 p.m. At the time of the meeting, Newland said there were about 18 trunks signed up, although they were looking for more. The event is open to all ages. The PTSA asks that anyone bringing a child, brings a bag of candy to donate to the event. Monson Police and Fire departments will also be in attendance.
A fundraising event that they are looking to do is a night at the Springfield Thunderbirds. She noted that they just need to pick a date to host the event.
Differing from previous years, Newland said they are changing their traditional holiday fundraisers. For instance, the PTSA has put on the gift card fundraisers for several years. “Looking at our records, it’s not worth doing it anymore,” she shared. “It’s a lot of pressure to have all this money involved and we really don’t make much out of it.”
The other change is in the popular “holiday shop” fundraiser. Newland said this was a “tough decision” to make because the children thoroughly enjoy it. To still have this offering, she said, “Together with the school, we’ve picked out a local company who will come into the building and do it themselves, so we don’t rely on staffing a whole business for a week or two with volunteers. We’re going to give it a try.”
Depending on how it goes, she said they may continue this offering or revert to their traditional fundraiser.
In the second half of the school year, Newland said they are hopeful to bring back more fundraisers – both old and new.
“Right now, we’re really focused on just connecting with people and getting people to know what we’re all about,” she shared.
She encourages the community to attend the PTSA meetings which take place the first Wednesday of each month. Newland said people can also send them an email at any time at monsonptsa@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/202230186479555.