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PTO Welcome

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION-- Getting ready for K-12!

FIRST PTO Meeting August 15, 6:30pm in the media center—All are welcome!

 

Welcome to the 2023 school year from Bethany Christian School’s Parent Teacher Organization!  The PTO welcomes new leadership this year: Sarah Kanagy Gingerich, a 1997 grad of BCS and parent of a BCS second grader and fifth grader, will be serving as the PTO chair.  Former Chair Heidi Birky Sawatzky has become a full-time staff member, serving as Bethany’s librarian (congratulations to Heidi!). Additionally, the PTO administrative liaison support roles are being handed over from Principal Hank Willems and administrative assistant Robin Yoder to the advancement team, Admissions Director Vanessa Adcock and Advancement Director Sarah Lind. Principal Juanita Hershberger will continue in her PTO support role.

 

While this is a lot of change for our organization, the new leaders have already been active within the PTO and are excited to have the opportunity to serve in these new roles. The PTO leaders are particularly excited to work with parents to re-envision the PTO’s role as Bethany becomes a K-12 school. This significant change to who Bethany is offers a unique opportunity to consider new events and practices that can build on the PTO’s legacy of building relationships, supporting Bethany teachers, and celebrating with the Bethany community. 

 

As a parent of a student(s) at BCS, you are already a member of the PTO!  This is a community effort, not an exclusive club!  BCS PTO meetings will take place monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm, with the first meeting of the 2023-24 school year taking place on August 15. All parents are welcome to attend!  PTO meetings offer an opportunity to learn about the school and what is happening in the community. 

 

Our PTO needs volunteers! Being a parent volunteer is a fantastic way to actively support a productive learning environment for our students and faculty. You can get to know teachers and administrators in a casual environment, spend time with other parents, and help support Bethany’s vision of being a dynamic K-12 learning community in which students are known, loved and prepared for their journey beyond school. BCS PTO depends on volunteers to participate in a wide array of activities throughout the year, ranging from celebratory and community-building events to service-learning collaborations. Both year-long ongoing volunteer roles and short-term volunteer roles centered around a specific event are available.

 

While the PTO does some fundraising, the main purpose of that fundraising is to support the events we host.  Occasionally, we may decide to host a larger fundraising event to reach a specific goal or support a specific BCS project.  Any PTO budget surplus supports student programs, tuition aid, or core improvements to the student experience.

 

FAVORITE EVENTS and FUNDRAISERS

 

  • BCS Kickoff (games and snacks to celebrate the start of a new school year- August 18)
  • Bruin Bistro (coffee and donuts served at morning drop off-  One morning in fall, spring and winter)
  • Dine to Donate at local restaurants - Culver’s, Hacienda, dates TBA
  • BCS Movie Night (spring)

 

We are looking forward to a great year! We hope you will join the PTO in supporting our teachers and staff, supporting the school’s mission, and making sure each of our BCS students feels KNOWN, LOVED, and PREPARED.

  

Thank you,

 

Sarah Kanagy Gingerich, BCS PTO Chair

Vanessa Adcock, Admissions Director

Sarah Lind, Advancement Director