Haisley Elementary PTO spreads holiday cheer with treats for staff

Across the district, PTOs are showing their appreciation for staff

Let’s face it: Monday mornings can be tough.

But this week, Haisley School Social Worker Emily Fitzgerald had an extra incentive to get up and go to work.

As she carefully selected one cookie after another displayed in the staff lounge, Fitzgerald dubbed the Haisley PTO Cookie Event “amazing.”

“This is what helped me get out of bed and into work this morning!” she said with a smile. “It’s so nice, and I know it took so much time to put all of this together.”

Across the district, PTOs are making by holding similar events as a way to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

At Haisley, this second annual cookie gift was coordinated by parent Kelly MacArthur, who said about 40 families signed up to bring two dozen cookies. Some gave monetary donations, which were used to purchase about 14 dozen from local bakeries Aunt Kay’s, and The Dexter Bakery.

One by one, staff stopped in to fill a box with their favorites. Boxes were also assembled for bus drivers and custodians.

“I think the event was a huge success,” MacArthur said. “There was a lot of joy in the staff lounge today. We hope they all felt our love and appreciation.”

“They go above and beyond every day for our kids, and they mean so much to us.”

Principal Robin Kosher said such events let staff know they’re valued, appreciated and thought about.

“We are so spoiled by our PTO here; they’re so kind and gracious and thoughtful and do lots of things to support teachers and staff and build staff morale,” she said, adding that just before Thanksgiving, the PTO surprised the staff with bagels and notes of thanksgiving on their doors. “And Kelly is terrific. She’s amazing, committed and dedicated. She does these kinds of things, she volunteers in our lunchroom. The kids know her, and she knows more kids than I do, that’s for sure.”

She said the efforts of the PTO make a big difference.

“They let staff know,” Kocher said, “that when our work sometimes feels so hard, someone is noticing.”