Home and School Assoc. Defines Mission

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg's Home and School Association (HASA) has increased its efforts to support Waitsburg's schools and build community this school year. Last week's annual school carnival is just one example of how HASA is working to ease parents' burdens. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase school supplies for students for the 2015-16 school year.

HASA secretary and second-grade teacher Deanna Coulston is pleased with the changes HASA has made this year. She said the group has a new slate of officers and has made a point of holding regular monthly meetings.

"We are using social media to get more people involved and I think it's working," said Coulston. "I personally feel it is so important to nurture a closer relationship between parents and the school. I want parents to feel more connected to the school and what is going on in their child's educational career."

This year's HASA officers are: Jamie Gleason, president; Danika Hankins, vice president; Lisa Morrow, treasurer; Coulston, secretary. The group spent the last few meetings nailing down the mission statement which is posted on the Waitsburg Home and School Association Facebook page.

The mission reads: The Waitsburg Home and School Association exists so parents and faculty can work together on behalf and in support of the school. The Waitsburg Home and School Association also seeks to create and enrich a sense of community and school family.

Coulston said that, in past years, the group would meet only a few times a year to plan fundraising events. By meeting more regularly, they hope to garner more input and create a stronger sense of community.

HASA meets the first Tuesday of each month and everyone – not just parents and teachers -- is welcome. "Everyone in our community touches the lives of our children in some way or another. We encourage parents of children of any age, school staff in any role, and community members of all ages to come and be a part of our group. Each of us has unique talents that we can use to benefit the education of the children in our district," said Coulston.

Coulston said Morrow was instrumental in helping the group decide on the goal of purchasing next year's school supplies and has been working to create a master list of supplies. "From now through summer, we will be purchasing all the supplies our students will need. There will be no burden on families!" said Coulston. Gleason said the carnival – the group's largest fundraising effort - netted approximately $1,300 to go toward purchasing supplies.

With the carnival over, HASA is already looking toward their next event – coordinating with Dayton for a Father/Daughter dance. Dayton PTSA members were invited to the February HASA meeting to discuss ideas for the joint event. "We are excited to join with Dayton and expand our community," said Coulston. "We have heard input from many community members wanting something for mothers and sons so we are already brainstorming ideas for a Mother/Son event next year," she added.

Coulston said she would love to see even more parents involved both in the group and in the school. HASA's next meeting will take place on April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Waitsburg Elementary School library. You can receive updates online by following the group's Waitsburg Home and School Association page on Facebook.