Milton Tri-School PTA Offers Opportunities

The Milton Tri-School PTA inducted its new officers for the 2011-12 school year at its May meeting.  The new officers are president: Donna Costanzo, executive vice president: Tracy Orlandoni, vice president of volunteers: Jody Rabtzow, vice president of fundraising: Heather Peterson, vice president of programs: Theresa Tice, corresponding secretary: Monica Soules and recording secretary: Georgia Pease. 

The PTA holds many fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual tricky tray, to improve the education, programs and building facilities.

Being a PTA member entitles parents to volunteer in the schools, attend class parties, and be directly involved in their child’s education. If you are interested in joining the Milton Tri-School PTA, print out a membership form from any one of the school websites and send it in. Contact Donna Costanzo, 973-208-5381 if you have any questions.  

Bringing technology to our schools is a very important way of keeping our children current in this fast paced world of technology. Smart boards have been placed in the majority of classrooms for grades K – 5.  A smart board is an interactive whiteboard that provides touch control of computer applications.  It allows the teachers to teach via the computer.  Classes can Skype to other schools and classrooms around the world, helping Jefferson students go global.  

Also purchased this year was a laptop cart for White Rock which has 12 laptops for all classes to use.  

Sports and activity equipment is also donated by the PTA for recess and physical education classes. 

The Reading Incentive Program was another success this year.  It is one of the PTA's most popular programs, encouraging children to log their minutes read, enabling a sense of accomplishment individually, but with an added twist of team spirit as classes compete against one another to be top readers in each grade level.  An ice cream party awaited each class winner.  

The Scholastic Book Fair is open to students and their families.  Each student receives a $3 gift certificate to spend at the book fair, compliments of the PTA. 

Due to budget cuts this year, the school board was unable to provide the annual $10 per student donation to class trips.  The PTA stepped in to donate $5 per student toward class trips, hoping to make a difference for Jefferson families.   

Many of the extra programs at the schools are sponsored by the PTA. This year the PTA brought to Milton: Ken Galipeau, Sadecky’s Puppets “A Little White Lie," and the Bossy Frog Band.  Cozy Lake and White Rock students were entertained by Meet the Musicians “Chopin,” Omega Man and Jack Branagan.  Slim Goodbody taught the children about the body at Cozy Lake.  White Rock had Kits Kaboodle and Welcome to NJ. These diversified programs enhance the curriculum by adding some educational fun and festivities for our students. 

Families enjoyed math, science and physical education nights held throughout the year at the schools. Children and their families are encouraged to come and participate in educational games led by our certified teachers.  

 Milton Tri-School PTA Members contribute in many ways to the schools, not just through fundraising. They decorate and beautify the entrances to the schools, hang art work in the halls, assist at lunch time and more.  

The Milton Tri-School PTA also provides two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who have attended our schools and have volunteered in the community.

With funds raised, they donate playground equipment, organize and host the fifth grade picnic,farewell dance, organize the yearbook and much more.

Thank you to all who have donated to any of our fundraisers over the years.  As you can see, your dollars are well spent on the future scholars of our community.