Beatrice Elementary School starts up PTO to increase parental involvement

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) — A school in Beatrice is looking to create a parent-teacher organization.

It’s a move the district says could bring a positive change to the way families and staff support students.

The hallways and playground may be empty now, but the idea of forming a PTO is already creating a buzz of excitement inside the Beatrice Elementary School building.

Parents should be just as much a part of the education system as anyone else, said Philip Voigt, an administrator in the school district.

“Sometimes it’s hard in today’s life; everything is so busy,” Voigt said. “So parents want to be involved, but they’re not sure what avenue or how to get themselves involved in the school.”

The school said the group could help with everything from teacher appreciation efforts to classroom supplies and after-school events.

“We want to look at using our school as a tool to help not only our students her in our school, but also our community, come together for the benefit of our kids,” Principal Missy Timmerman said.

She said this idea did not just come out of the blue.

“It’s something that we had on our list of things to do last year and just didn’t get it done with our initial year here at Beatrice Elementary School,” Timmerman said. “So, it is a very important thing for not only our families, but our students, and to support our staff here at school.”

The group is in its early stages, but administrators said they’re ready to support the parents every step of the way, with the goal of building a stronger culture for every child.

Voigt said in Beatrice, “we believe everyone succeeds.”

There will be a meeting for interested parents at Beatrice Elementary at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.