Established 2015: PTSA Appreciation Day

For the first time in history, Palmetto hosted the annual PTSA Appreciation Day on October 22, hoping to incentivize more students to join the organization. The current PTSA membership surpasses approximately 700 members, but current teachers and parents are looking to build on the number.

“The goal is to inform the students about the PTSA and all it does to support curriculum, resources, technology, and their education…[Ms. Farkas] suggested that we do something. Originally, we had thought of doing something outside of school and then we decided that maybe we could do this membership drive together and offer an afternoon tea for the core of the PTSA”, AP English Literature teacher Andrea Spivak said.

Students were shown a promotional video provided by a former student-member of the PTSA, accompanied by a PTSA appreciation lesson in their English classes that describes the purpose of the PTSA. An incentive to join will come through a food party, given to the class that produces the most new members.

The tea and snacks following school hours were held in the media center alongside a meeting recognizing the PTSA president, Anna Hochkammer, and awarding her with flowers. The drama department also performed a small preview, incorporating a song, of their upcoming production of “Little Women” for faculty members.

“It’s really shocking and surprising”, Hochkammer said. “I’m used to being somebody who honors and recognizes other people and I don’t get that much of that in this line of work so having this kind of event it a little bit overwhelming. I’m incredibly flattered and incredibly honored that people think highly of the work I am doing”.

Fees to join are $6.50 for an individual student membership, although family membership of up to 3 is also offered for $36.50. Dues are recycled back into student education funds, contributing to textbooks, study guides, computers and sound equipment, among other things.

“The PTSA has done so much for this school and for its reputation,” Spivak said. “We feel it’s time to let [students] know about how much we appreciate all their effort”.

The class with the most gains in membership will be calculated October 26 and will be promptly awarded for their contribution.

To view photos from the PTSA Appreciation Day, check out The Panther’s Twitter, @PantherUpdates.