On September 3 the DPTO had our first general meeting to kick off the new year at Discovery. Over 25 parents and teachers joined us to share their ideas for the DPTO and the school at large for 2008-2009. Our brainstorming exercise produced lots of creative input, which is summarized here. However, we still want to hear from you! Please review these ideas and submit your own suggestions by email to discoverypto@gmail.com.
Theme: COMMUNITY SERVICE
Many great ideas for promoting Community Service at Discovery emerged. Individual classes may choose to follow up on these as well, including: Promote “safer driving” in and around school, conduct literacy classes/read aloud in communities/lower income schools, plant-a-tree reforestation project in nearby communities, English classes for a public school for older students, etc. The most mentioned were to create a “green” school at Discovery, and to conduct a toy/book/clothing drive for a hospital/orphanage.
Theme: COMMUNICATION
Parents wanted to see the school improve emergency communication through parent-led phone trees, and a “Parent Buddy” system. For general Information sharing and discussion they suggested parent meetings by grade, and open house meetings organized by topics of interest (discipline, sports, etc.) Parents asked for a School Directory, which is coming soon! And they suggested technology improvements, such as website upgrades, a school blog and class blogs. A new DPTO blog will soon be linked to the school website. Visit it now at www.dptoblog.blogspot.com and tell us what you think!
Theme: WHAT AREAS SHOULD DPTO INVEST IN?
Of the many great suggestions presented, we think several are possible for the DPTO, such as: playground equipment, gym equipment, musical instruments to support an expanded music program, trees and plants to improve the landscaping, mosquito zappers, books and workbooks for classes and the library, a laminating machine for the teachers, an improved teacher lounge, and above all, cafeteria tables and chairs (which DPTO has already committed to purchasing!) Note: Many suggestions were given that require major fundraising or capital investment, such as: swimming pool, paving of school entrance road and parking, and improving school access from the main road. The School Administration may consider the following suggestions: Sports activities, and/or organized transport for after-school activities to Villa Olimpica or other places that provide sports activities for kids, an enhanced instrumental music program, and a drama program.
Theme: FUNDRAISING IDEAS (or, How to Pay for It?)
Some of the fundraising ideas were great for the DPTO, and others were more appropriate for major fundraising campaigns by the school itself. For the DPTO the ideas were: a bilingual cookbook with parent recipes (and recipe contest), bake sales at different events, a wine fair, kids’ read-a-thon (to fund a small project at school that the kids pick), bingo, selling pizza/popcorn at school events, garage sale of donated items, or flea market – sell table space. Another idea was “donate-a-book week.” The most repeated ideas were Family Fun Run and a student fashion show. Other ideas might be taken up by the school, such as noche beneficiosa at Burger King, where they give a percentage of the sales, and auctions of donated services/products. A Silent Auction could be combined with and evening event for parents, for major fundraising.
Theme: TEACHER APPRECIATION
Here are some thoughts: Prepare calendar/schedule for teacher appreciation week, to do something nice for your teacher each day, a luncheon (parents donate the food), Teacher of the Month, with prizes, and a farewell party for departing teachers.
Theme: CREATE COMMUNITY
We can’t write all of the great ideas down, but these received the most votes: class parties for students and parents, student movie night/parent café, karaoke contest between parents and children, student performances, student fashion show, Saturday BBQ’s for families and teachers, Family Fun Run, walk/picnic at La Tigra, welcome activities for new families, language lessons by parents, sports tournaments or soccer skills clinic.
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