Members of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Island City Elementary were as busy as holiday elves on Thursday, December 4th. They were unpacking and sorting more than 1,000 poinsettias and wreaths from the annual school Poinsettia Sale. Fifth grade students helped with the work.
This is the 30th year the PTO has done this fundraiser.
PTO President Katie Merrick said this year they added wreaths as an option for people to buy. Students this year sold 1,001 poinsettias and wreaths! “We have an amazing community that supports this sale, which we are very grateful for,” Merrick said.
The incentive for students this year was that if they sold 1,000 items, Principal Brett Smith would be a student for a day at the school. Get ready, Mr. Smith!
PTO funds multiple projects for ICE, including teacher/classroom start-up grants at the start of the year, books for the library, busing for school field trips, teacher and staff appreciation, a new water fountain, playground contributions, an inflatable obstacle course and more. Future projects include a large metal Rams sign, created by LHS shop students, and potentially a paved path around the field behind the school.
The PTO thanks local businesses and organizations who donated prizes for the student top sellers: La Grande Parks and Recreation, Perky’s Café and Allstate Insurance and The Local.
Thanks for your support, La Grande community!
From left: Amanda Gross (PTO Hospitality), Katie Merrick (PTO President) and Rachel Weidner (PTO Volunteer) pose with the poinsettias.
