Eckstein School Teachers And Parents (Continued)
THE PARENTS
Parents were a very important part of the Eckstein community. They gave their full support to the school and the teachers. They supervised after school clubs, planned parties and social events, organized fundraisers, were active enthusiastic members of the PTA, and supported their children in their academic endeavors.
THE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Parents and other members of the local community organized to support the school.
The Eckstein School PTA was very active and provided lots of support for the school. They held many fundraising events throughout the year to supplement the school’s operating budget. Proceeds from their 1943 play called “Mushroom Patties” bought new tables and chairs for the 1st and 2nd grade classroom.
The PTA organized annual Halloween parties, Valentine parties, Christmas fun including trees for the classrooms. They worked on plays with the students, worked with teachers to provide equipment for the school and funds for trips and extracurricular activities.
They also participated in more serious missions. In January 1957, they were involved in a polio inoculation project. All children through nineteen years of age, and all adults under fifty who worked with or around children, such as teachers and cafeteria workers were included.
The following excerpts from the Eckstein Parent Teacher’s Association show the wide variety of activities supported by the organization.
May 9, 1935: $2.22 was voted from the Treasury for the payment of the grocery bill for the Underweight children’s lunch.
A discussion about giving some money for transportation of Joe Saunders, and the Track Team was followed by a motion by Miss Medley and seconded by Mrs. Todd that $5 be drawn from the treasury and given to Mr. Hines. This motion was carried.
May 19, 1936: The group seemed in favor of purchasing radios. The purpose of the radio in the classrooms is to take advantage of the School-of-the-Air programs. The president appointed a committee to make plans for raising money for the radio project.
February 16, 1939: It was suggested that a committee be formed to meet with the Board of Education to discuss the renovation of the school and the possibilities of a kindergarten.
March 20, 1941: The PTA was asked to pay a part of the cost of Tuberculosis x-rays recently given to the Eckstein children. It was moved by Mrs. Wilkinson and seconded by Mrs. Parrish that we donate $5.00 to the Community Nurse.
Jan 21, 1943: Mrs. Terrell is to continue the house-to-house canvas for donations for new desks.
Nov 15, 1945: Mrs. Parrish suggested that the PA as a unit and as an important representative of the community be responsible for some welcoming project for the returning veterans.
March 21, 1926: It was moved and seconded that we pay Mr. Kelly $12.50 for the dry cleaning of the boys basket ball suits.
January 30, 1947: The PTA also received a letter from the Sister Kenny Foundation asking for a donation towards establishing a hospital for polio victims. It was agreed that we would give ten dollars.
November 21, 1946: Mrs. Simpson suggested that we do something for the children for Christmas. Mrs. Burr suggested Xmas trees for each room. It was decided that PTA would hold a turkey raffle and let the children themselves work with the tickets in order to pay for the Christmas trees and refreshments.
