Saturday, December 1, 2012

December Newsletter

Please click here for December's Newsletter


Thank you so much to all the families who donated for the Country Fair boutique. We had a great success are excited to bring you fun things at the Country Fair on May 10, 2013.

This week is Dads & Donuts, Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. Park in the surrounding areas of the school, in the neighborhoods or at the church. Bring a book to share with your Dad, Grandpa, Mom, Grandma or other grown up in your life.

PTO meeting is Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. All are welcome!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

November's Newsletter

Please Click Here to read November's Newsletter!


Thank you to the many volunteers who have helped with Halloween Parties, Vision Screening, Chick Fil A Spirit Night, Red Ribbon Week and in the classrooms. October has been a busy month!

During November we will have no school Nov. 2 or 9. Short day will be on the previous Thursdays and will run from 8:25 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. Remember the early days are only on Fridays.

Fall Break will be Nov. 21-23. Monday and Tuesday of that week will be FULL school days.

We have another exciting Dads & Donuts coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. Please bring a book to share with your dad, mom, grandparent or other adult. We love to read!

Don't forget to continue collecting Boxtops, Tyson A+ labels, Campbell's Soup labels and bringing in your empty ink cartridges. All these things help make money for our school. There's more info. in the newsletter!

Thanks for helping make Southland student's Extraordinary Tigers!

President
Katie Larsen

Friday, October 19, 2012

Red Ribbon Week

October 22-26 is "Say NO to DRUG" week at Southland. We have a fun week planned. Please ask your students what they are learning about.

Monday
"Don't Be a Chicken, Say NO to Drugs."
Wear black and white clothing to school
Join us at the South Jordan Chick Fil A for Spirit Night from 5-7 p.m. Our school earns 10% of the proceeds during our Spirit Night.

Tuesday
"Smarties don't do drugs."
Crazy Hair Day

Wednesday
"I pledge to stay off drugs."
Wear red and come sign the banner in the cafeteria during your lunchtime.


Thursday
"Keep your feet moving-walk away from drugs."
Crazy socks or mismatched shoe day

Friday
"Let's wipe out drugs together."
Wear your favorite sports team shirt.

WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK?It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.  Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, Oct 23rd - 31st.

WHY?The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.

WHO?
Remind your students the many reasons drugs are dangerous.


WHY SUPPORT THE NATIONAL THEME?A theme unifies each year's campaign and helps to broadcast one message creating a tipping point to change behavior. 

HOW?
Help your students to remember what each day's activity is and encourage them to participate!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

October Newsletter

Here is our latest newsletter. Our next meeting is Friday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m.!

October PTO Newsletter

Monday, September 24, 2012

Donations, Donations, We Need Your Donations

We have several great programs running this year that provide easy ways to send the Southland PTO financial donations with things you ALREADY have.

Boxtops

Many of you are aware of this program from year's past. We collect Box Tops for Education off of products you likely already buy. Betty Crocker, General Mills, Progresso, Pillsbury and other products have a 10 cent box top coupon on them, like the one pictured above. Cut them out and send them in! We do several contests throughout the year, so watch for the purple papers coming home to let you know the details. For more info click here.

Campbell's Soup Labels

We can earn lots of equipment for our school when you turn in your soup Labels for Education, on Campbell's products. You can learn more here.

Tyson Labels
Image Rotator Item 1
This year we have a new program called Tyson A+ labels. They are worth 24 cents for each label. Watch for the letter coming home at the end of October. These are on many of Tyson's bagged and boxed, refrigerated or frozen products. More details are here.

Fresh Market
If you shop at any Fresh Market, please save your receipt and either turn it into the customer service desk at the store, or put it in the clear box in the main hall of the school. We earn a percentage of all the sales.

Smith's Fresh Values Card
Please sign up here to link your Smith's Fresh Values card to Southland's account. We earn money every time you use your Fresh Values Card. You must do this each year, so if you did it last year, please do it again. We are planning on sending more info home soon, so watch for the purple papers.

Spirit Night
chick-fil-a
Chick Fil A has given us two Spirit Nights at their South Jordan store this school year. The first is October 22 from 5-7 p.m. We are celebrating Red Ribbon Week here, by reminding students "Don't be a chicken. Say NO to DRUGS!" We hope you will join us help our school earn 10% of all sales between 5-7 p.m. that night.

As you can see, there are many small ways you can make a big difference for our school. Every little bit helps us provide our clubs and programs to your students. Thank you for your support!

Monday, September 17, 2012

New Start Times for Southland

The new times are below. Hopefully this post won't confuse anyone.

Mon.-Thurs. Regular Schedule
1st-6th 8:25 (first bell) to 3:05 p.m.
K AM 8:25 a.m. (first bell) to 11:10 a.m.
K PM 12:25 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Friday Short Day Schedule
1st-6th 8:05 (first bell) to 1:05 p.m.
K AM 8:05 (first bell) to 10:05 a.m.
K PM 11:05 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

Short Day on a non-Friday
1st-6th 8:25 (first bell) to 1:25 p.m.
K AM 8:25 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
K PM 11:25 a.m.- 1:25 p.m.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Green Ribbon Week

   This week is Green Ribbon Week at school. Why do we have Green Ribbon Week? During the week kids will be reminded of fun, safe ways to get to school. Wednesday, September 19 is our official "Walk to School Day." We are encouraging all our students to walk, ride a scooter or bike on this day to get to school.
   As parents and members of the Southland PTO, we want to promote healthy lifestyles and green living. It's a chance for our kids to talk with their friends and for parents to catch up with neighbors. We encourage you to read over the "contract" coming home with kids this week, and have your student(s) and you sign this pledge to be safe driving, walking or riding to Southland.

   We need six parents to help with "Walk to School" day. If you are able to help please email Aileen Johannson at acjc1991@yahoo.com.

Be Happy and Safe this week!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Start the Year Off Right

Here's a list of important dates for the year. You can also download a general Jordan School District calendar here.


Upcoming PTO Events
Sept. 17 Green Ribbon Week
Sept. 19 (Wed) Walk to School Day
Oct. 5- Dads and Donuts
Oct. 18 -19- Fall Recess
Oct. 22-26 Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 22- Spirit Night at CFA as part of RRW
Nov. 2- No School
Nov. 7 & 8- Parent Teacher Conf. & BOOK FAIR
Nov. 9- No School
Nov. 6- Hearing Screening
Dec. 7- Dads and Donuts
Dec. 22- Winter Break starts
Jan. 2- School resumes
Jan. 18- No School
Jan. 21- No School
Feb. 1- Dads and Donuts
Feb. 18- No School
Feb. 25- second CFA Spirit Night
Mar. 1- No School
Mar. 6 & 7- Parent Teacher Conf. & BOOK FAIR
Mar. 8- No School
Mar. 11-15 Teacher and Staff Appreciation
Mar. 28, 29 and April 1- Spring Break
April 5- Dads and Donuts
April - Date TBA- Evening of the Arts
May 10- Country Fair, 5-8 p.m.
May 27- No School
June 5- School Out

Next week is Green Ribbon, or Safety, Week.  
We have had a discussion with Mrs. Daly, the State Transportation team and the school district about a possible early start time on Fridays to help with the congestion and safety concerns for our elementary students walking past Riverton High. As of this post, no final decision has been made, but when it is the school will be sending home a letter to communicate the changes. 

If possible please walk with your kids, or have them walk in a group to school on September 19--our official "Walk to School Day." It's a great way to get your body and mind ready for a busy school day, and the PTO will have a reward for those who walk that day. We want our kids to be healthy, active and safe. 

We can always use help in the PTO. Thank you so much to the many of you who have already volunteered to help with being a room parent, in the class, or with a PTO program. We can't be truly successful without you. There will be a purple paper going home in the next few days with the positions we still need to fill. PLEASE read it and send it back if you can lend a hand.

Lastly, we are beginning to collect Box Tops, Tyson A + labels and Fresh Market receipts. Fresh Market receipts can be turned into the large clear box in the teacher's lounge, or at the courtesy desk at any Fresh Market. Please make sure they mark your receipt with Southland's name so we get the funds.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Katie Larsen or Shauna Eccles. 
Thanks for being part of our Southland community.


Friday, August 24, 2012

September Newsletter

Here's our first newsletter of the year. Hope to see you all Monday for Back to School night. We are starting at 6 p.m. Come meet your teachers!

Check out the newsletter here!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Get Ready, Get Set and Join Us!

We are excited for Back To School Night, Monday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. Please take this opportunity to meet your teachers and find ways you can help out. Official needs list vary by teacher, but here are a few good ideas to stock up on and donate if you can.

*Glue Sticks
*Colored Pencils
*Disinfecting Wipes (like Clorox Wipes)
*Expo Dry Erase markers
*Facial Tissue
*Indoor games or puzzles for inside days

Also we have a few new opportunities for you to consider.

*Chinese Liaison-we need a parent with a child in the Chinese Immersion program to work with the PTO and help us know what's going on in the class, where help is needed and how we can lend a hand.

* Math Club- several parents have asked for this opportunity for the lower grades. We are willing to offer the program, but we need a parent to head up the group in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades or we won't be able to bring the programs school wide. There are some materials available and knowledgeable volunteers in the upper grades to help volunteers in the lower grades.

*Dads and Donuts- we would really like to offer this to all students. This program happens four times a year. We need someone in charge of picking up donuts and doing flyers to remind kids and parents to come; we will also need volunteers to just serve donuts. This is a great way to have parents and kids spend time together--you don't have to be a Dad to bring your child, any adult is welcome to bring students.

*  Room Mom and Class room help sign up sheets will be available in your teacher's classroom on Back to School Night. Look for the light purple paper.

*Field Day Coordinator- to help plan the year end field day in May for all grades.

*Country Fair- We need lots of help at this event: Food Chair, Publicity, Donations, and people to help set up, clean up and run games. We will be more successful with your help. This event will be May 10, 2013.

We need everyone's talents and time. Don't forget our Six for Southland Challenge where each family is asked to give 6 hours of service during the year to our school. We have great teachers, kids and parents. Together we can make a difference!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Welcome Back to School

We are so excited to be on the brink of another new school year. Hopefully you've had a great summer and the kids have kept up on their reading.

We have some important reminders for you.

Monday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. is Back to School Night.
Friday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. is the first PTO meeting. Everyone is welcome.

We are still looking for volunteers. Hopefully you've all filled out the volunteer info. in the online registration packet--step 8--and have printed it off ready to come back to school the first week. If not, please consider helping the PTO this year either in the classroom, with a program or at the annual Country Fair.

We are still looking for someone to Chair "Dads and Donuts,"  and a chair for the Chess Club, and someone to help coordinate Field Day in the spring. The following are programs that we really need support in this year so we can continue to offer them at Southland.

Dads and Donuts happens four times a year, and the person chairing this event would be in charge of picking up donuts, milk and paper goods and working with the school to get the cafeteria set up. We have a group of parents who come to help the morning of the events, so the chairperson won't be doing everything alone.

The Chess Club was a new club last year, open to all the students. We need one person to chair the committee and 8 parents to help supervise during the lunch hour. The schedule is flexible for this club. However, if we don't have parents support, the club will be in jeopardy.

We are excited to announce that the Math Club will be provided to all grades IF we can find enough parents to help. K-3 will be doing Monster Math and 4-6 will be using the Singapore program. Jen Preece and Shauna Eccles will be helping guide volunteers along the way, so you don't have to know everything, they are happy to show you what to do. We need help in Kindergarten, First, Second and Fourth grades.

The Field Day Coordinator would help streamline the annual end of the year field day, work with teachers on planning what we are hoping to be a school wide Olympics. This is also a flexible volunteer position and the planning and prep can be done from home.

We are also looking for a Donations Chair who is an organized individual to help us track our donations. There won't be cold calling involved, but mainly letter sending and tracking who's donated to our programs during the year. This can be done completely from home.

If you are  a creative person who likes to design flyers and posters we need you! We are looking for a Publicity Chair to help with the designing and printing of flyers for our programs, and especially helping us get the word out when it comes to the Country Fair next May.

Don't forget if you like to be a room mom or help with class parties, you can sign up for that with your teachers on Back to School Night, or by sending an email to Room Mom Coordinator Heather Parry (hparry78@gmail.com).

We are looking forward to offering all our students many great programs this year, but can't do it without you! Please contact President Katie Larsen (larsenkatie@comcast.net) with any questions.


Monday, May 7, 2012

One Last Post Before the Event

The PTO would like to thank everyone who has made this event possible. Tiffany Adamson has worked countless hours on getting food, volunteers, bounce houses and games ready to go. Katie Larsen, Gaye Brady, Audrie Pace and Brooke Valencia have received donations from over 50 companies or individuals with some pretty fantastic auction items. The most recent donor is Coinstar. Thanks guys for your support.

Misty Rollins and Michelle Johnson have been extremely helpful in getting out ticket sales organized and tracked. Thanks ladies for your help. Thanks to Jen Preece for organizing some of our volunteers too.

We'll have something for everyone. Thanks to the parents who've pre-purchased tickets and wristbands. There will still be an opportunity to purchase more of these items the night of the Country Fair. Don't miss our Ticket Store too. We have a place to spend those last few tickets, or if you just want a souvenir, visit the ticket store before you leave.

The event starts at 5 p.m. and will end at 8 p.m. We look forward to seeing you all there. Thanks for a great year.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Finding us on Facebook

We're aware our FB page has some glitches. We are working with Facebook to work this out, however please direct your browser to www.Facebook.com/Southland.PTO to find us. Please don't forget the period in between Southland and PTO. Spread the word!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Thank You Everyone!

Thank you to our latest donors The UPS Store, Maryellen Hilton and Avon and Kristy Medina. Our baskets are all wrapped up and ready to go. Pre-sales of tickets and wristbands will continue until May 4, and you can buy them the night of too, but you'll pay full price, so get them now.

The wristbands are only good for the bounce house items, the speed pitch and the bell ringer. NO TICKETS will be accepted for these items. Tickets are for food and games. We have great prizes including a Rocketballz 5 Iron, autographed sports pictures, and a gift card or two. These items can only be won at certain games through an entry process, so check it out.

Here are a few last pictures for our auction. The auction will start at 5 p.m. and the first half will end at 6:30 p.m. The second half will end at 7:45 p.m. We separate the auction into two different times mostly for logistics, and because we are lucky enough to have so many items. Hope to see you there!
Here's our BYU Basket. Filled with tshirts, a signed Dave Rose picture, a signed basketball poster, hats, a patio set cover, a BYU wooden logo, Napa Auto stadium seats and more!


Dinner and a movie anyone? Enjoy Stephano's Gelato, a movie at Carmike or Megaplex theatres, frozen custard from Bombdiggity's, dinner at Taco Bell or Papa Murphy's and more. Aren't you excited to bid?

Here's something for your car. We have two of these baskets, although they are both unique, so of course, you'll want to come take a look. Gift cards to Maverick, Holiday Oil, Napa Auto, Crystal Clean II car wash and plenty of car care items to keep you runnin' smooth all summer long.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Tempting??? Yes!!!

We're trying hard to entice you to come to the annual Country Fair. We've got so many great things to share this year! Please follow us on Facebook (Southland PTO) if you don't already and encourage you neighbors and friends to join us there too. It's an easy way to learn what's going on at our school!

Here's a few more baskets you may want to check out May 11 from 5-8 p.m.

Our Gardening Basket includes this fun birdhouse from "The Fine Line, garden seeds for many veggies--and yes, you can still plant these this season, a pass to Trans-Jordan Landfill to take your garbage and a pass for compost from Trans-Jordan Landfill too!

 You can never have too many date nights. This one includes a $25 gift card from Scrumptious Elegance where a chef comes to your house and cooks for you, and a $10 gift certificate to Golden Spoon.

 Another amazing gift basket with games from Fongo Bongo.

Overall we have 30 baskets and 15 other items to bid on this year. Thanks again to all our donors and volunteers who've made this event possible.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

HUGE THANKS TO SAM'S CLUB

We have some exciting news to share! Sam's Club has agreed to donate ALL our nacho chips and sauce, bagged chips, hot dogs and buns for our Country Fair. This is an incredible amount of support. We are sure to have a successful event with this type of help.

THANK YOU SAM'S CLUB for your generosity.

Our sponsor list is growing, so please remember to support those local businesses who support our school.

See you May 11 for the annual Country Fair.

Silent Auction Preview

We have about 45 auction items this year. Some are baskets, some are not, but you won't be sorry you came by and bid on a few things. Remember, the money raised in this auction goes back to the PTO programs for next year. Check these out.

Do you need a break? Here's a Date Night package featuring a $25 gift card to Rock Creek Pizza and a $10 gift certificate to Golden Spoon, plus the group game, Wheedle and a few fun treats. The date's planned and ready for you--just go!


Want to awake your sweet tooth? We've got just the thing. This basket contains a $10 gift card to "Over the Top Cookies" and a second $10 gift card to "One Sweet Slice." There's also a "Biggest Loser Desserts" Cookbook, frosting, candy molds, an apron and a cake plate, from Kate's Creations.


 Fongo Bongo has done a lot for us this year. Thanks guys! Here's one basket of games for the youngster in your life. Don't forget to stop by the Fongo Bongo table and play some of their games for FREE.


Don't forget we are a charity and some basket purchases may be tax deductible.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Our Donors Rock

We've got about 50 donors this year with a few still trickling in. Here's another preview of what you'll miss out on if you don't come to this year's Country Fair.

Above: This fabulous Spa Basket includes a luxurious Gilligan & O'Malley bathrobe, Ulta body products, a cut and style from Krista McMillan, a spray tanning session from Jamie Gilson and a haircut from Dollar Cuts, plus a few more surprises.

Above: Cookbooks, Cookbooks and More Cookbooks. Many to choose from including "The Eat-Clean Diet," Taste of Home's "Back to School," "Countertop Cooking" and more.

We are trying to offer baskets at several price points this year, so come check us out under the tents at the fair.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Thank you new donors

Thank you to our most recent donors: KFC/ A&W Riverton,sSam’s Club, CNC Cut-N-Carve, Five Guys, ProStop, Diagnostic Automotive, Carmike Cinemas, Bombdiggity’s, JCPennys Portraits, NGL (Next Generation Lighting Supply) and Stephano’s Gelato. Your support is amazing.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Order Your Tickets

Don't forget to pre-order you tickets and wristband for the country fair by April 27th. Extra Forms in the office or you can download an order form here.

We also need volunteers to help with games. We have two, 1 1/2 hour shifts. You can choose from either shift and you'll receive 15 tickets for your hard work! Please email larsenkatie@comcast.net if you can help. Also watch for the volunteer form coming home this week.

Thanks for supporting our many wonderful programs.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

We're Basket Cases

A few more weeks and one of these could be yours.

Our Sports Basket

We've got footballs, and dodge balls, kites, jump ropes and more.
Please come bid on our basket,
and your summer will not be a bore!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Country Fair Auction Reveals

We don't want to give away too much, but we do want you to get excited. Excited enough to make a Family Date Night on May 11 and come to the greatest event ever. Ok, well the greatest event of the school week at least.

Here's a peek of a few great baskets we've got comin'.


This is our Gourmet Cooking basket. It comes with a new Cocoa-Latte machine to make foamy hot cocoa or other luscious treats, a cute green and aqua apron from Jillie Willie, "Families on the Go" cookbook, a Taste of Home cookbook, cooking wines and special spices too. There are a few more surprises in there, but you'll have to come to the fair and see.



The University of Utah donated a bunch of great things, and we had a couple other donors, like photographer Russ Isabella, contribute to this basket. There is an amazing picture of gymnast Stephanie McCallister, t-shirts, sports posters, a mini desk lamp and a U of U watch that will have the true Ute Fans in a bidding war!
We'll be throwing a few other tempting baskets your way so please join us on Facebook or follow this blog to get the latest scoop on this year's event.

Country Fair Ticket Info

You won't want to miss out on our ticket and wristband sale.

Click here to check out the flyer and ticket options.

Thanks for your support.

Southland PTO

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Our Sponsor List is GROWING

Thanks to Audrie Pace, Tiffany Adamson, Katie Larsen and Gaye Brady for helping out with so many amazing sponsors.

Our baskets will be amazing!

Thanks to Atkinson Electrical Services for sponsoring our Cotton Candy!
Thanks to Taffy Town, and the Allgaier family, for 20 lbs. of taffy!

Thanks to Nuttal's Fabric, Holiday Oil Co., Walgreens, Crystal Clean II, Great Clips, Hair Connection, From Our Home to Yours, Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza, Taco Bell, Discount Tire, State Farm Insurance, Allstate Insurance, Napa Auto Parts, Taylor's Bike Shop, Riverton Family Eye Center, Maverick Country Store, BYU, Wax Me Too, Imagine Studios and Jana Little, Beyond Glaze, All Star Fun Centers, Cinemark Draper, Costco and Wayman Studio of Photography for their donations.

If you want details, you'll have to come by and bid on the wonderful baskets.
Have we given you enough reasons to join us May 11? We hope so! See you there!

Monday, April 2, 2012

April Newsletter

We hope as the next school year begins more of you will be checking out our blog.

Here's a link to our April Newsletter.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

May 11: Country Fair Fundraiser

This year is going to better than ever before! We have new games and
entertainment for the WHOLE FAMILY. Please join us on May 11 from 5-8 p.m. for a great time at this year’s Country Fair!

This year Jump-n-Jims Bounce House, Double Giant Slide, Obstacle Course,
Pedestal Joust, 4 -n-1 Bounce combo will be there for kids of all ages to enjoy. We are bringing back the Bell Ringer and Speed Pitch too. There will be Face Painting by Changing Facesut.com. We will also have many fun, new games with awesome prizes, hair painting, cotton candy, snow cones, drinks, pizza, hot dogs and nachos.
You will want to stop by the Silent Auction to bid on baskets including date nights, games, summer fun, Stampin’ Up products, spa treatments, the U of U, picnics, subway art, and more.

This is a great event that will benefit all Southland students. The event’s proceeds will provide for next year’s PTO programs such as the Reading Program, Dads and Donuts, drug awareness, health and safety programs, talent days,
Evening of the Arts, science club, chess club and much more.

You won’t want to miss it! More information will be coming soon, so watch future newsletters, follow us on Facebook (Southland PTO) and on our blog, www.southlandvolunteers.blogspot.com.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Strike that Number 4, We're No. 2

After turning in our last batch of reading minutes, we are now ranked NUMBER 2! Thank you teachers, PTO volunteers, especially Megan Crandall, parents and students for making our year so successful. Channel 13 here we come!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

We're Number 4!

Southland is number 4 in the Ken Garff Road to Success Reading program. Our wonderful Reading Program Chair Megan Crandall is working to get our February minutes in and that will hopefully move us up to number 2 or 3. Way to go Sabertooths!

FOX 13 news will be coming to interview us and cover our success on March 22nd. Keep it up readers!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Thank You New Donors

Jillie Willie- cute apron
Stampin' Up- a basket of crafty goodies worth $300!
Russ Isabella- gymnast photos
Fongo Bongo- games
Trish Jacobs- earrings
Kate’s Creations-hair pins and cake plates.

Thank you to all our awesome donors. Our baskets are rockin'! Come bid on May 11.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

PTO Volunteer Positions Still Available 2012-13

First of all, I can't thank you all enough for being so willing to volunteer. When I was first asked about becoming PTO President, I was extremely apprehensive. I wasn't sure I could do it, but I feel really strongly about supporting my kids and being involved with their educations. We have almost our entire board filled, within a week, and I am so happy to be working with those of you who have stepped up and decided to support your kids, our teachers and me. THANK YOU will never be enough.

We are creating some new clubs for next year. If you'd have one you'd like to run, we are considering ideas now. As of March 1, 2012 we have the following positions open for next school year:

Evening of the Arts- since we are a PTO and not a PTA we aren't able to hold the official "Reflections" contest, so this is our version. This event takes place in the spring and is usually a combined Visual Arts and Performing Arts night. We need two people to be in charge of coordinating the date with the principal, getting the word out to parents and finding judges to help with the event. Refreshments are also served.

Main Bulletin Board- decorating and updating the events calendar on the PTO board in the main hall. This is a monthly or bi-monthly duty.

Jump Club- this is a new club this upcoming year, but we thought it would be fun to do 2 groups, one older and one younger, depending on interest, and teach the kids jump roping skills. We aren't sure of the full details yet, but we are looking for a chair to help form this club.

Math Club- this is a currently running program, helping kids who excel in math.

Chess Club- this is a new club this year, open to all ages and held during lunchtime. You don't need to know how to play chess, and supplies/ information is provided. We have Jennifer Edwards as our school liaison and need a chair to organize volunteers and eventually, tournaments with other local schools.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please email President Elect Katie Larsen (larsenkatie@comcast.net) and she can provide further details.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Thank You to Our Awesome Donors

We have a great Silent Auction coming together for this year's Country Fair on May 11. You should start saving your pennies now.

We have gift cards from Rock Creek Pizza, Sports Chalet, One Sweet Slice, Over the Top Cookies and Dollar Cuts. We have a spray tan from Jamie Gilson, handmade stationary from Laurie Peterson, a vintage-inspired apron from MG Draper,an apron from Jillie Willie, a cake plate from Kate's Creations and quilting items from My Sister's Quilts. We also have a huge sponsor basket from the University of Utah and photographer Russ Isabella that will make you so happy, you'll splurge. Laura Crane donated a bunch of cute baskets and tins to put all this great stuff in.

Thank you so much for your generous donations. Your support will help us provide reading programs, art programs, health and safety programs, and much more. We couldn't do it without you, so on behalf of our students, THANK YOU.

We do have a few more donations that we are expecting, and of course, if you or your company want to contribute we are always open to suggestions. Please visit us on our Facebook page to contact us--Southland PTO.

Friday, January 20, 2012

For Our Great Donors

This post is for all those companies we've been asking to donate to our wonderful Country Fair Silent Auction. Here are the details of our event.


We are Southland Elementarty PTO. We serve 500 families, including 800 students in Riverton, UT. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing opportunities to our students. We provide Drug Awareness, a Science Club, Safety programs, Arts programs, Literacy programs, a Talent Day program and several Health programs.


We are all volunteers and work closely with the teachers and administration to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.


How can you help? We are having our annual Country Fair fundraiser May 11, 2012. It will include food, games, face painting, hair painting, and a silent auction to benefit our amazing programs. We are asking businesses to donate in kind items, gift cards or money to the silent auction baskets.


In return, participating companies will receive recognition in our newsletter, which is emailed to the 500 families that attend our school. We will include a recognition article on our blog and Facebook page to let the community know of your support. We will also put your company name on our Thank You banner which will be displayed during the week of our event.


If you have any other questions, please contact President Elect Katie Larsen at larsenkatie@comcast.net.


Thanks for all your consideration.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Save the Date

The Country Fair is scheduled for May 11, 2012.

We will be having food, games, prizes, face painting, hair painting and the silent auction. Please put the date on your calendar, you won't want to miss out.

We are pleased to announce that we have several parents and local businesses that are already supporting our auction. Thanks to Krista McMillan, Jaime Gilson, "One Sweet Slice," "Over the Top Cookies," "Dollar Cuts" and The University of Utah supporting our cause. Thank you also to L. Crane who donated all our baskets. What a great surprise!

There are a few of you out there that have verbally agreed to help. If you still want to we need your donations, please contact Katie (larsenkatie@comcast.net) or Tiffany (tiff.adamson@live.com).

We will have many wonderful baskets for you to bid on. We look forward to seeing everyone there.