List of 5 items.

• How We Support OTS

  The OTSPA implements the following programs in an effort to enhance and support the mission and core values of OTS.
  
  

  • The Buffalo Buddy Program supports the entry and transition of new families into the school community.
  • Parent Coordinators facilitate grade level communication and volunteerism.
  • OTS Connects Events are held throughout the year to encourage families to engage in our school, learn about our curriculum, and celebrate our beautiful campus. 
  • Volunteer Coordination helps connect parents with ways to get involved throughout the school.
  • Fundraising efforts include shopping/reward programs that benefit our school and an exciting new project for our centennial 2020-2021 school year!
  • Staff Appreciation Events are held throughout the year to honor and thank our beloved staff.

• Get Connected

  The OTSPA welcomes and encourages all mothers, fathers, grandparents, guardians, and friends to engage in whatever way they can. Our community is stronger when everyone is involved!
  
  

  • Attend an OTSPA General Meeting. OTSPA General Meetings provide an opportunity to hear from the school leaders about curriculum and programmatic issues and connect with other parents. Meetings will be held via Zoom until further notice.

                      ◦ September 16, 2020 (9-10:30 a.m.)
                      ◦ November 18, 2020 (6:30-8 p.m.)
                      ◦ January 13, 2021 (9-10:30 a.m.)
                      ◦ March 10, 2021 - General Meeting (6:30-8 p.m.)
                      ◦ May 19, 2021 - General Meeting & Volunteer                                   Appreciation (9-10:30 a.m.)        
  

  • Join Us at an OTS Connects Event. OTS Connects Events bring families together to further learn about our school, celebrate our diversity, and deepen our connections. Events will be outdoors or in a virtual setting for the 2020-2021 school year.
    • Fall Hiking Spree - September 12 & 27, October 10 & 18, 2020
    • Virtual Heritage Night - November 6, 2020
    • Virtual Family Bingo Night - February 19, 2021

  Share your ideas. OTSPA is always open to ideas from our parent community. Please email otspa@oldtrail.org to share your great ideas.

• Get Involved

  While our year is beginning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, OTSPA is committed to helping all parents stay involved and connected at school! We know this is so important to many of you. What this looks like may change as the year progresses. We've reimagined ways to support OTS this year and hope some of our traditional and beloved opportunities can be safe again soon. This school year, some ways to get involved may include:
  
  

  • Volunteering to support your child’s classroom.
  • Supporting our Staff Appreciation efforts throughout the year to thank our beloved staff.
  • Helping with school functions and events.
  • Participating in fundraising initiatives such as shopping/reward programs including Acme Community Cash Back, Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, iGive and Amazon Smile.
  • Mentoring new families through our Buffalo Buddy Program to support their transition into the school community.
  • Participating in virtual or live OTS Connects Events.
  • Helping to plan and host new virtual events so  families can connect remotely this year.

  Don’t see something here? Make a suggestion! Now, more than ever, is the time for our community’s creativity to shine. Email otspa@oldtrail.org.
  

• Fundraising

  The OTSPA is involved in several strategic fundraising programs each year to support our School and students. Thanks to these efforts, the School has been the recipient of thousands of dollars in recent years, which have been used to assist in the following campus projects:
  
  

  • ECP & Primary School Nature-Based Playscapes featuring a new outdoor block set, mud kitchen, and tricycles. Our students will learn, imagine, and develop cognitively and emotionally in this special space.
  • Marnie Carabell Library Courtyard including all new hardscape and plants many of which will be from books our students read in the library. 
  • Library renovation and update featuring nature-themed furniture connecting the library space to the outside world.

  Parents are encouraged to support our simple fundraising programs that don’t require any out-of-pocket contributions. These include shopping at Amazon, Acme, Heinen’s, and iGive. 

   

  Click here for instructions about how each of these programs works and how you can sign up today!

• OTSPA 2020-2021 Goals

  The mission of the OTSPA is to bring families together to build a strong OTS community in close partnership with the school with an emphasis on enhancing the dynamic educational experiences of our children.
  
  

  Every OTS parent is a member of the Old Trail School Parents’ Association (OTSPA).

  
  

  This year, our focus will be on the following goals:
  

  • Supporting our children, families and school by aligning with our core values through volunteerism, community engagement and service.
  • Fostering a strong sense of community and inclusion by engaging and celebrating our diverse families.
  • Supporting the OTS faculty, staff and administration as a representative voice for the school community.