Did everyone have a chance to check out this year's holiday shop and do some Christmas shopping? I know the ladies in there were quite busy helping the students shop, check out their items, and restock all last week. This event is sponsored by the PTA to help raise funds for our Toys for Joy drive. 

Toys for Joy is a drive we have done for several years to help some Orange Grove families during the holiday time. As a PTA we adopt a number of families and try to grant their child(ren)'s holiday wishes. By picking the oranges from the Christmas tree these last few weeks and the funds from the Holiday Shop we are able to do so. Thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts. 

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday. See you again in January!  

We hope everyone had a fun night last night, I know we sure did have fun putting it on of you. Thank you to all of the families that came out to this community event. Thank you to all of the volunteers and teachers who helped with the event. It takes a lot of people to do an event like this. 

In case you didn't know this event is not only put on for the families enjoyment of spending some time together but all of the profits go back to the teachers to be used in their classrooms. So a HUGE thank you to all of you! 

Next week is Carnival! This event is a family event that the kids just love. Join us for an evening of games, food and lots of fun. There will be bounce houses for the kids, games that they can win prizes and come dunk a teacher at the dunk tank! Texas Roadhouse will be serving up some yummy BBQ and there will be popcorn, cotton candy and Kona Ice for dessert. 

It will be located in the PE field on August 18th starting at 4p. 

Pinellas County Schools has announced the fall workshops for parents. There will be 19 workshops focusing on student achievement, parent advice, and personal growth. 

Some of the sessions include: Student Safety, 504 Accommodations, Industry Certifications, Scholarships. IEP's, Bullying, Navigating the Enrollment Process, Setting Social Media and Gaming Boundaries, are just a few. To view the full list and register click here. Many workshops are in webinar format so you can join wherever you are and the courses are free. 

For questions contact Sheila Kane she is the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator. She can be reached at kanes@pcsb.org or 727.588.6000 x 1846. 

Thank you to all who came out last Thursday for our open house. It was a huge success. We hope you had a chance to sign up for your PTA membership before visiting your child's classroom. If you didn't that's ok, you can sign up anytime either through your child's teacher or at an event, just look for our OGE table. Membership is only $5 per person and $1.50 of that goes back to the school to fund the activities we do for the children and their families. It's also used to help the teachers with supplies they need for their classrooms. 

If you missed the meeting Thursday no worries, the meeting minutes you can find here. If you have any questions we are always here to help. Please email us and we will respond as soon as we can. 

Thank you to Carrie Henderson, Amanda Zuzek, Chris Zuzek, Monica Srkal, Lindsey Dicus-Harrison, and Kate Gogolen for volunteering to serve on the this year's budget committee. 

Developing a PTA budget: 

1. Determine the PTA's goals and objectives
2. Determine revenue sources to cover costs of our goals and objectives
3. Determine expenses to follow through with the goals and objectives
4. Balance the revenue and expenses

If anyone has any new ideas or programs you'd like to propose for the PTA, please email our incoming president Amanda Zuzek. Once the budget is approved with the board, the committee will present the proposed budget to the general membership at open house in August, date TBD. Please join us to share your voice and vote to pass the budget. 

Before you know it, school will be here. Kindergarten is a big step for some children and we want them to excited to come to our wonderful school. Below is a "Countdown to Kindergarten" activities packet that you can do with your child. These are fun activities that can be done with a parent or an older sibling. 

Have fun and see you in Kindergarten! 

Help your child read this summer with Reading with the Rays program. Starting May 27th you can pick up a game card from your local library or Tropicana Field. The rules of the game: 

- Have your child choose their favorite book to read. 
- Track their hours by rounding the bases and collect Rays prizes along the way
- Once your child has accumulated enough hours to get on first as a parent or guardian you will initial it
- Bring the card to the library and the librarian will sign the card and give a reading award. 
- Once the child rounds the bases by reading a total of 24 hours they will receive 2 tickets to a game

Orange Grove PTA is really excited for the opportunity to continue to help students be active with their peers. We have planned a day filled with games, relay races, sack races, and more!  Below is the link where you can check out all of the opportunities where you can help us have a fun, safe, successful Field Day!


Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

• Field Day (12 - 2 PM)

3rd – 5th Grade

• Field Day (9 - 11 AM)