Pink with a purpose
PTSA raises thousands each year for middle school
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

MILLSTONE — The Millstone Township Middle School PTSA is heralded as one of the hardest working groups in the community.

Chances are anytime you see pink — pink fliers, pink lanyards, pink shirts — it's their calling card. Last year, "the pink ladies," as they have come to be known throughout town, used their color sense and common sense to raise over $100,000 for school programs and items that went unfunded by the district's budget.

PTSA President Susan Cantagallo said, "We're a group of very determined individuals, enthusiastic and tireless. Basically, we want to give back to the school and the students by providing educational programs for them throughout the school year and doing things over the summer."

Cantagallo said there are numerous items and programs in the new middle school that simply wouldn't be there had the group not formed three years ago. For example, when the school district budget could no longer fund the sixth grade overnight trip to Camp Fairview, the PTSA stepped in to pick up the tab so students could continue what's become a rite-of-passage tradition in Millstone schools.

The PTSA also spent $10,500 in 2007 to stock the school store with spirit wear, school supplies and project supplies. The group is also paying $550 annually for a new program called "Career Cruising," an Internet-based program that will help students narrow down potential fields of study and career options before high school.

The group has also taken responsibility to pay for items such as Student of the Month and GEPA testing breakfasts, student contests and events, the school's geography and spelling bees, an anti-bullying program, peer-to-peer sweatshirts, dances, back-to school night hospitality, staff appreciation gifts and services, teacher-requested programs and supplies and planners for every student. Through its book fairs, the group also earned enough money to donate 1,100 books to the school library.

The PTSA also lends volunteer support to various school events, with members serving as hosts, greeters and chaperones. The group also holds special events that aim to bridge relationships between students and teachers, including an annual sundae contest during which students make sundaes on top of teachers' heads. The PTSA sponsors Diversity Day, hosts educational speakers for parents and students, helps with open house, researches programs for the school, maintains communication among the schools and community, operates a recycled clothing bin behind the middle school and recycles print cartridges.

"We help out with a little bit everywhere," Cantagallo said. "That's why we're always fundraising so much."

Marilyn Bernardi, a vice president in the organization, said the PTSA tries to organize fundraisers that give something back to those who contribute.

"Over the past three years the support we've gotten from the students, parents, administration and community has been overwhelming," Bernardi said. "We wouldn't be here without everyone's support."

Proceeds from dances last year totaled $3,183 and book fair proceeds totaled $1,692. The PTSA earned the most money from its Entertainment Book sales in 2007, garnering $4,300. The group also collected $602 from pasta sales and $393 by collecting box tops, to name a few of their other fundraisers.

The PTSA earns 10 cents per box top and last year, after sending in two collections, earned enough money to purchase the bench in the front of the school, which states, "Millstone Township: A family community."

The PTSA also raises funds by co-sponsoring a ladies night out gift auction with the elementary school PTO, as well as holding a student walkathon. The money from the walkathon this year will go toward purchasing a marquee for the middle school.

"With $4,700, we're almost at the halfway mark for the marquee that's not in the budget," Cantagallo said.

All of the funds the PTSA collects each year, which in 2007 totaled $133,000, is spent completely on students and staff before year's end.

"We start with zilch," Cantagallo said. "We couldn't be prouder of what we all do. All of the efforts work so well together."

The PTSA currently has a gift card fundraiser program that does not cost those participating in it more than what they would spend at various retail establishments. By purchasing a gift card for any number of area stores through the PTSA, the group can earn 1-20 percent of the sale during which the gift card is used. The PTSA has a long list of participating retailers, including Walmart, Starbucks, Michaels, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Toys-RUs, Walgreens, Blockbuster, Albivi and AMC Theaters.

"You earn money for our school without spending a single additional penny," Cantagallo said. "Just spend your regular shopping dollars at the stores that participate in the program."

The PTSA also has $23 tickets to Philadelphia Souls, Bon Jovi's arena football team, games. The group is also raffling off a football signed by Bon Jovi, a Souls jersey and four VIP seats as part of the fundraiser.

PTSA volunteers also serve as liaisons between the school and local businesses, garnering services and donations for middle school events. The group encourages the community to give back to these businesses, such as Albivis and McDonald's, by participating in such events as "No Cook Mondays," when patrons who bring coupons (available on the PTSA Web site) to the establishments can have proceeds from their orders donated to the organization.

Beyond taking part in the various fundraisers, Vice President Judy Faber said community residents could help the PTSA through volunteerism.

"We could use more volunteer help," Faber said. "An hour of time makes a huge difference."

Cantagallo said, "If each parent gave one hour, we would have 634 hours each year."

Volunteering is always an option for PTSA members. The group does not call on anyone who does not want to be called on and notes that simply paying the $5 membership fee means a great deal to the organization.

The group's executive board would like to see more community residents, both with and without schoolchildren, join the PTSA or take part in any of its various events and fundraisers.

Bernardi added, "You don't have to do anything. We want you to join because you want to be part of the community."

Middle school Principal Michelle Vella said the PTSA's value to the school and the community is priceless.

"They are the hardest working group of ladies I have ever seen or heard about," Vella said.

She continued, "They do little things to make the staff feel supported and appreciated. It's their presence and support that makes the world of difference. They make the staff feel like professionals."

Vella said the members of the PTSA listen to both staff and students with unbiased ears to determine what their needs are and how they can fulfill them. The principal also noted that the student component of the group is evolving nicely.

"It's the kind of school involvement kids need to be a part of," Vella said.

Student members attend monthly meetings and have a say in what events and programs the PTSA produces. Student members also have a chance to work in the school store, to design fliers and posters, and to help set up for fundraisers and events.

All the PTSA does culminates into one overall mission — helping children spread their wings and soar to new heights.

Bernardi said, "It's nice to see the faces of the children smiling. It breaks up the monotony of the regular school day."

For more information, visit mtmsptsa. com.