The Bluffton elementary PTO never stops to take a breath. Melissa Knauss, PTO president, provided an update from the organization for the Icon. It follows:

"The PTO committee continues to look at ways we can help our school, teachers, and students. 

"Nineteen lunch box totes were purchased and are being used by the majority of the first through fourth grade classrooms. The students can now take lunch boxes with ease to the cafeteria, as the totes have wheels and a handle. 

"We are looking at helping teachers with general supplies they may need in their classrooms. We are also looking into purchasing one or two Smart Boards for classrooms. We have approved and will be purchasing new dividers/privacy shields, along with an organizer for them for each fourth grade classroom. 
 
"We are excited to announce the school met its goal of 50,000 Box Tops. This year's profits from Box Tops were over $5,300.  Due to the school reaching its goal, we have a special event planned for April 9 for all the students  

"We are waiting for Scholastic Books to arrive for some classrooms with the Sunny D labels that were turned in. Don't forget about turning in Labels for Education, Spirit UPCs, used ink cartridges, and other items we collect.  

"Market Day had its first winner of a $25 gift card in February. Drawings for a $25 gift card will continue for March, April and May. As a reminder, when you purchase Market Day products, they now have to be pre-paid. Teacher Appreciation Week is on May 4 through 8. We have planned an agenda for the week for our teachers

"As we near end of the school year, we invite anyone who interested in becoming a PTO member. Get involved with helping our school. It is a lot of fun. We will be in need of officers too, including a president, treasurer and secretary. 

Please contact Melissa Knauss at [email protected] or 419-659-5436 if you are interested. You can drop a note with your name and contact information into the PTO mailbox located in the elementary school's office too. PTO's next meeting is Monday, April 6, at 6:30 PM in the elementary library.