OTS Parents' Association

The OTSPA supports school-wide programs that enhance the educational and social experience for the Old Trail Community. We implement the following programs:

• The Buffalo Buddy Program welcomes and supports new families into the school community.
• Parent Coordinators facilitate communication and volunteerism in each grade level.
• OTS Connects Events are held throughout the year to bring our community together to celebrate our families, school and beautiful campus. 
• Volunteer Coordination helps parents discover ways they can get involved throughout the school.
• Fundraising efforts include shopping/reward programs that benefit our school.
• Staff Appreciation Events are held throughout the year to honor and thank our beloved staff.

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. These meetings provide an opportunity to hear from school leaders about curriculum and programs and connect with other parents. This year, meetings will be held in person with a remote option using Zoom for every meeting. Before every meeting you will be sent a link with instructions on how to join.  
• 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. We know this is so important to many of you and after the challenges of last year we’re ready to reimagine what this looks like for the 2021-2022 school year. We are looking forward to some new events and some old favorites as we explore ways of bringing everyone safely together this year.
• Share your ideas. OTSPA is always open to ideas from our parent community. Please email otspa@oldtrail.org to share your great ideas.

The OTSPA is committed to helping all parents stay involved and connected at school! What this looks like may change as the year progresses so keep an eye out for updates. 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 incredible 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 events so families can connect remotely and in person 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.

Volunteer

The OTSPA is involved in several fundraising programs each year to support our School and students. Thanks to these efforts, OTS has been the recipient of thousands of dollars in recent years, which have been used to assist in projects both big and small around campus depending on the needs. Some of the bigger projects include: 

• 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. Learn more

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.
   

Do you have questions or have suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Please direct messages to otspa@oldtrail.org.