Pottsgrove staff preview "1 Grove, 1 Goal" community night May 2; organizers seek volunteers and vendors

Pottsgrove School District staff previewed a community engagement event called "1 Grove, 1 Goal" scheduled for May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pottsgrove Middle School and asked the board and community to help promote and staff it.

Assistant principal Tom Frivert was unable to attend; Principal Paladino spoke on his behalf and described the event as a districtwide initiative that began as a middle-school idea and expanded as other schools and community groups joined. The presentation said roughly 38 participants had signed up and organizers expect to host as many as 65 vendors in the Pottsgrove/Pottstown area. Activities planned include vendor tables, face painting, DJ entertainment, yard games, a basketball shootout, Ringing Rocks PTA concessions (popcorn), emergency vehicles on display from Upper Pottsgrove police and fire, and door prizes donated by local businesses such as Crayola Factory, Shipley Energy (a $100 account credit and swag), the Reading Royals and Longwood Gardens.

Organizers asked for volunteers to help set up, staff and break down the event. Parking will be directed to the middle-school lots, with staff prepared to guide overflow to lower lots if needed. The presentation said the event is intended to increase community involvement, show families where tax dollars are spent and strengthen district-community ties.

Why it matters: the district and staff said increasing community engagement is a recurring goal and the event is intended to showcase student programs and district partnerships. Board members affirmed the importance of outreach and encouraged trustees and families to participate and promote the event.

Ending: organizers will circulate additional contact information and volunteer sign-ups ahead of the May 2 date.