On Sunday, May 2, the day before the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week, members of the Paradise PTO invited the school community to come to the school and write uplifting and grateful messages in colored chalk on the sidewalk outside the entrance of the school. "When the staff came in for Teacher Appreciation Week, that is what they saw," reported Rick Esche, Paradise Elementary School principal.

According to Esche, such positive activity is consistent with the PTO, officers of which are president Christy Fieldsa, vice president Katie Knaub, and treasurers Shannon and Broc Passmore. "They keep a nice presence, and they constantly support us," said Esche, who noted that on Fridays, members of the PTO take orders and pick up food for the school staff from local restaurants. The service is a boost for both the teachers and the nearby eateries. Esche noted that the PTO found many ways to be supportive during the 2020-21 school year. "The big thing is that even though they can't be here in the building, their presence is greatly felt," he shared.

Kindergarten learning facilitator Sara Tomison noted that the Pequea Valley community has always been supportive, but the PTO went above and beyond in a challenging year. "'Thank you' doesn't begin to cover the depth of our gratitude for everything they've done to help us feel supported and appreciated," she said. "We're so very grateful."

Esche lauded the way the PTO and the school collaborate, mentioning that the officers meet regularly with assistant principal Jodi Houck, as well as second-grade learning facilitator Christy Brown and first-grade learning facilitator Bethany Weismandel.

Esche noted that during a school year of challenges, the PTO members were undaunted. "(I was impressed with) the way they work together and problem solve," he said, adding that the group was willing to jump in and try new things when the traditional way did not meet COVID-19 safety standards. "(They said), 'Here's how we can overcome that and make it work this year,'" recalled Esche, who stated that few events were canceled because the PTO was able to redesign them instead. "We were able to have interaction with the community in a safe and socially distanced way," he said, adding that some events became virtual, others were turned into drive-throughs. "They found some really creative ways to fundraise," he said.

Lindsay Arbutina, speech and language pathologist, agreed with Esche. "We've all had to get creative this school year, our PTO did an amazing job of thinking outside the box to find ways to shower the school employees with treats, thoughtful notes, and an abundance of generosity," she said.

Among the many other PTO activities were staff shout-outs on Facebook, sponsored virtual field trips, book bingo, mask decorating, and restaurant fundraisers.

More information about the school, located at 20 N. Belmont Road, Paradise, may be found at http://www.pequeavalley.org/paradise.