Four years ago, the Litchfield PTO selected a focus. The focus was decided upon for the following reasons:
1. We are fortunate to have organizations like LEF, the Litchfield Historical Association, White Memorial, Oliver Wolcott Library, and others focusing on diverse areas of intellectual enrichment.
2. We responded to the need identified in school surveys, and discussions.
3. Research - kids can't focus on learning if they are not emotionally comfortable.
It matters for everyone, and together we create our culture, one act of kindness at a time. Social behavior is contagious.
Emotions shape behavior and learning.
"The behavior of a child who feels unsafe, threatened, inadequate, judged or vulnerable to ridicule is driven by his or her brain's reaction to threat. Children who feel continually "on alert" are unable to engage in mindful behavior because their amygdala blocks incoming stimuli from reaching the rational prefrontal cortex. The brain gives priority to emotions because they matter. Emotions are associated with the places and people in children's lives. Children who learn to associate school with a feeling of safety become confident enough to move out of their comfort zone. They feel safe expressing their ideas, working together, asking questions and trying new things--even if it means making mistakes.
From "The MindUp Curriculum Grades Pre-K-2", p. 61.
This year, the goals of the 2021-2022 PTO are:
- That everyone (parents, caregivers, teachers, staff, administrators, children) in our community will feel that they are part of PTO and that all involved will feel a sense of ownership and belonging.
- That we will create a culture built on a foundation of kindness, social justice and equality, inclusion, and belonging. Additionally, that we will incorporate and support growth mindset and mindfulness initiatives, which are important for the wellbeing of our children. (We will align with social/emotional curriculum at our schools.)
- That we will offer programs to support parents/caregivers and provide helpful information.
- That Membership Toolkit will have as close to 100% participation rate as possible.
- That we will fundraise effectively, unobtrusively, and creatively.
We can't do as much as we would like because of restrictions on gatherings but we have been able to:
- Give bouquets of sunflowers to all teachers and staff at Center and LIS to brighten their first days.
- Conduct a video talent show at the Torrington Drive-In. (We supported and cheered for each other on October 2nd.)
- Create a new, socially distant "Dark in the Park" event in partnership with White Memorial (10/30 - 10/31).
- Celebrate birthdays with drive-by birthday parade.
- Celebrate the winter holidays with a drive-by the lights parade.
- Conduct zoom session "coffee talks" and "listening sessions" for parents to talk about the start of the year.
- Conduct a virtual book fair and donate social justice/emotional wellness books to class libraries.
- Support our teachers with grants.
- Purchase items from teacher wish-lists to make a tough year a little more fun.
- Partner with the Oliver Wolcott Library to promote social justice programs.
- Honor the Facility Maintenance Professional staff with $100 gift certificates.
- Begin a pen pal program to help kids and teens feel a little more connected in a disconnected time.
- Initiate monthly meeting, open to all, the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
- Send out meeting minutes to our community after each meeting.
In the works:
- A "Flow" Painting Night for Parents/Caregivers
- A sustained effort to build awareness of healthy use of social media and screens. (First community conversation will take place soon).
- An LIS spring virtual book fair
- If weather and restrictions allow, another outdoor, socially distant event at the Torrington Drive-in
- Virtual Bingo
Stay tuned for details.
