Adopt-a-Class to Fund Supplies at Mittye P. Locke

Local businesses can help teachers and students at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School in the New Port Richey area this school year.

The school’s PTA is continuing its “Adopt-a-Classroom” program for the second year and is currently enrolling businesses that wish to participate. The program funds materials and supplies for teachers at the school.

“It allows the teachers to buy what they need,” said Andrea Morrow, the PTA member who leads the program.

In the program, businesses adopt a classroom by making a donation that goes to a teacher to buy classroom supplies. The teacher then has the discretion as to what to buy for the class with the donated money.

The business also get public thanks and exposure on the school’s website, marquee, newsletter and on Facebook page.

The economy is not great, Morrow said, and teachers are having to pay for educational or supplemental materials out of their own pockets.

Morrow said approximately 65 to 75 percent of students at Mittye P. Locke are on free or reduced lunch plans.  

Morrow first established the “Adopt-A-Class” program last year and got 15 class rooms signed up. Purchases made with “adopt a class” funds last year included learning software, headphones, books and other materials, Morrow said.

“It brings a sense of community to our school, and the children are so appreciative,” Morrow said in an email.

The average donation is for $150, but business can give more or less than that and can buy items off a list supplies requested by teachers.

Morrow is a businessperson herself. She owns Forget-Me-Not Photos and adopted a class last year. The students wrote letters of thanks.

“The teacher bought small gifts for (a) treasure box” with the adopt-a-class money, Morrow said. “Several children wrote how it changed their life. They used their school prizes to bring home Christmas gifts for their siblings, who otherwise would have had nothing that holiday season."

So far, Farrell Roofing and All Sports Arena have adopted classes.

If you would like to adopt a class, contact Morrow at mplespta@yahoo.com or 727-237-8408.