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Fisk Elementary PTA shows board how after‑school enrichments and family events bolster student engagement
Summary
Fisk Elementary School leaders and PTA officers presented examples of after‑school clubs, fundraisers and community events that the PTA funds and organizes; students and teachers described participation rates and benefits.
Fisk Elementary School leaders and members of the Fisk Parent Teacher Association presented to the Salem School Board on March 18 about a broad set of after‑school enrichment programs and family events that, they said, increase student engagement and social‑emotional learning.
"The PTA at Fisk is not just about fundraising or organizing community events. It's about making a tangible impact on student achievement, social emotional, and physical development during the school day and beyond," Principal Amy Favreau told the board.
The PTA funds and runs a wide range of activities, presenters said: LEGO and STEM clubs, STEM and art classes, cooking and no‑bake baking clubs, kickball and dodgeball, karate, karaoke, a planetarium visit, author visits and annual events such as the Bughetti supper, Santa's breakfast, Festival of Trees and Fisk Got Talent. Teacher Jim Rose described the PTA’s after‑school program as a “thrumming buzz of activity” where students explore multiple interests.
Teachers and PTA leaders provided participation data and anecdotes. Fourth‑grade teacher Rose said a classroom survey found about 60% of his students participate in PTA enrichment sessions and 75% of those attend multiple classes each week; staff said some clubs—LEGO club in particular—had to expand to two sessions because of wait lists. PTA president Sherry Morales told the board about fundraisers such as Fisk Ninja Warrior and about efforts to make events inclusive of families.
Student speakers described benefits in their own words. Fifth‑grader JJ Morocco said after‑school programs sometimes make him “more excited to come to school,” and that events such as the Bughetti Dinner teach students practical skills like collecting and counting money. Other students said clubs helped them make friends, learn new skills (crochet, baking, painting) and build confidence.
Board members praised the PTA presentation and asked whether the district tracks equity across PTAs. Attorney Bernard Campbell asked if the district compares PTA offerings among elementary schools to ensure similar opportunities; Superintendent Mara Palmer said the district is taking stock as part of the strategic plan and that schools tailor PTA offerings to local needs, though many schools run similarly active programs.
No formal board action was taken on the presentation. PTA leaders and students left the meeting with a small Fisk swag bag and board members thanked presenters for the report.
