Ghosts, goblins, princesses and action heroes descended on Bush Elementary School on a recent Friday night. They weren't trick-or-treating but attending, with their families, the Bush Elementary School's Fun Fair sponsored by the PTA. The fair had a fantastic turnout with families playing games donated by the Fletcher Elementary School PTA and run by the JHS National Honor Society students and Jefferson Middle School Junior Honor Society. They also marched in a Halloween parade, listened to the "Bubble Gum Man" DJ and visited a haunted house put together by the fourth-grade Bush teachers. Donations came in from Pepsi, Tops and Pizza Express. The all-school event, which Bush staff also attended, gave a great reason for families to visit the school and have fun with their children in a safe environment. It is just one of many ways the Bush Elementary School PTA helps the school.
"Our goal as a PTA is to encourage family engagement," said Brad Joy, PTA co-president. "I got involved because, as the only parent to my daughter, I wanted to participate in her life. I didn't realize how much the PTA is needed at the school and all that they do. I think it's particularly important for dads to get involved. We are very lucky to have a strong volunteer base in our parents, the Bush School staff and the local community. We couldn't do many of these events without their support."
The Bush School PTA offers many activities and events throughout the school year including a Scholastic Book Fair, movie nights, popcorn days every Friday, buying Twister T-shirts for every child in the school, running the Secret Santa Shoppe, developing fundraisers for the school and putting on a Valentine's Day dance. In the planning stages is participation in the National PTA's "All-Pro Dad" program through the National PTA, which encourages dads to join the PTA and invest quality time in their children's lives. Often it includes a monthly breakfast.
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Bush Elementary School PTA members include Jill Spitzer, Ann Marie Pratt, Bradley Joy, Delia Crooks, Kristen Maloney and Hillary Meyer.
"Parents and teachers have much in common," said Bush Elementary School principal Dan Bracey. "When they come together, it helps build the relationship in the school, and all children benefit. It has been very encouraging this year to see such a fantastic PTA, and we always welcome all who want to participate."