The Morris School PTO supplements an enriching program of events, educational assemblies, cultural programs and school trips to enhance our children's education, build their self-esteem and increase their awareness of the world around them. Did you know that in the past year, your PTO supported a program of events and activities that provides: ADVENTURE! The PTO supplements school trips when state and local funding is cut.  For example, the PTO covered the expense of bussing 4th graders to Mt. Greylock, 3rd and 4th graders to The Black Violin at The Colonial Theatre, and K’s and 1st graders to Strega Nona at The Mahaiwe. CULTURE! The PTO funds a cultural education program with Shakespeare & Company as well as an in-school performance by Berkshire Theatre Festival. LITERACY! The PTO distributes free books to every child in school. ART! and MUSIC! The PTO provides instrument sponsorship for the Morris School Band and pays for Teachers’ Wish List items such as a block press for the Art curriculum. FUN! We recognize every child’s birthday with monthly on-stage celebrations and organize Thanksgiving festivities. GAMES! The PTO plans the annual all-school field day. SPIRIT! The PTO funds and plans the Staff Appreciation Week and the 5th grade class picnic. HEALTH! The PTO sponsors educational assemblies such as the Healthy Choices Assembly. NATURE! This year the PTO is sponsoring Mass Audubon Society’s in-school weekly lectures. SCIENCE! The PTO organizes the annual Science Fair for grades K-5, Star Lab and Mr. Science Assembly. COMMUNITY! Your PTO organizes Kids’ Park for all the community to enjoy as part of the Lenox Apple Squeeze. FRIENDSHIP! and FAMILY! The PTO plans ice cream socials, Family Movie and Luau nights.

The Morris March Mingler event is on March 23.  Leave the kids at home and join us at the Country Club of Pittsfield for dinner, cocktails, and an incredible silent auction. Best of all, you’ll have a chance to mingle with the Morris community while supporting enriching school programs. Watch for invitations coming home soon in children's backpacks.

We would greatly appreciate your help gathering donations for the silent auction. Donations can be big or small- a gift certificate, a product, or a sponsorship of goods and  services. If you have something to donate to the silent auction (or if you know someone who does), please contact Jen Sacon. We are also beginning to stockpile photos of our kids at PTO-sponsored activities. If you are willing to share some photos with the PTO, please email them to Jen Sacon. Thank you

Please consider coming to the next PTO meeting on January 17 at 7 p.m. in the Morris library.  You’ll have a chance to meet new people, and hear about what is going on at school.  Feel free to bring your own, new ideas!

If you can’t make the meetings, you can still make a positive difference by becoming more involved with specific projects that interest you.. Regardless of your skill set or how much time you have, everyone is welcome to participate.

Keep in mind another great event in 2012!  LEEF (Lenox Education Enrichment Foundation) cocktail-movie-dessert fundraiser on Saturday February 4, 2012.  Contact Joanne Sheehan Keator or Jen Reinholt for advance tickets.