Wesson News
The WAC PTO “Rent the Rock” fundraiser allows parents and community members to sponsor the “rock” being painted in support of special events, team support, birthdays, and the like.
Those walking down the halls of Wesson Attendance Center (WAC) would be hard-pressed to find something the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hasn’t had a hand in. The PTO’s mission is to make the lives of students, faculty and staff better through encouragement and assisting in creating an environment conducive and welcoming of fun and learning for all students.
With a new board and many new parent volunteers, PTO leaders say this year is poised to be another great one for WAC students. Their work kicked off before the start of the school year, with a joint effort alongside local hairstylists to create an event offering free back-to-school haircuts for kids in the community, which was held in the gym of Wesson Baptist Church. Destiny’s Delights provided free sweet treats, and Wesson Baptist Church members were on site administering free school supply signups.
Organizers said the event was such a success that many from the community requested it be turned into an annual event, with multiple inquiries on how to support the event in the future.
The PTO has a few fundraisers planned throughout the year. One is a “Rent the Rock” fundraiser. Parents, grandparents, extended family and even businesses can give a child (or children) a special shout-out for their birthday, sporting event or any special occasion. PTO representatives say the new fundraiser is already a big hit.
Visiting the PTO’s Facebook page (Wesson Cobra PTO) allows interested “renters” to sign, reserve a date and brainstorm their perfect design at the Signup Genius link.
Students are currently selling cookie dough through September 9. The fundraiser kicked off on August 26, with cookies and lemonade for all elementary students to enjoy. As an incentive, for every five boxes of cookie dough a student sells, their name will be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Every student in grades kindergarten through sixth will also get to participate in a “fun day,” with different activities being added - such as popsicles, games, music and bounce houses - depending on how many boxes of cookie dough are sold all together. As a bonus, the high sellers from each grade will have the chance to be on the first-ever Pee Wee Homecoming Court, with the overall sellers being crowned King and Queen.
Back by popular demand will be the Spring Carnival. Last year, parent representatives from each grade were tasked with coming up with games to play and manning their respective “booths.” Students reported having a blast hopping from game to game, jumping out their energy in the bounce houses and partaking in carnival-inspired concessions.
PTO fundraisers provide money for incentives, activities and treats throughout the school year, including such events as Meet the Teacher night, pumpkin painting contests, a hot chocolate cart around the holidays, incentive parties, student of the month prizes, the Accelerated Reader Store, teacher snack carts, student awards at the end of the school year, teacher appreciation gifts, and much more.
The PTO also keeps a coat closet stocked with different-sized coats for any student who forgets a coat at home - or for those that don’t have one. Their goal is to grow the closet to include other items, such as hats, gloves, socks, etc. The coat closet offers a way for the community to get involved in the school, as it is strictly donation-based.
“It can’t quite be put into words the amount of time and effort our PTO puts into our school and community,” said first-time president Leanne Mcleod Duet.
PTO membership is open to anyone with a student at Wesson Attendance Center, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other extended family welcome.
“There’s a place for everyone who truly wants to make a difference and assist in making each school year a success,” said Duet.
Those interested in volunteering time or skills to ensure WAC students have an excellent school year are encouraged to contact PTO President Leanne Duet at 601-757-6305.
“Through community and parent partnerships, the PTO will continue to grow and assist in providing the best learning environment for our student,” said Duet.
