BEVERLY — The growing contributions of volunteer parents in the public schools were on full display last night at the Beverly Citywide PTO's annual Evening of Accomplishments.
Teachers, principals and staff members from the city's seven public schools paraded to the stage and talked about the array of programs made possible by the city's parent-teacher organizations.
"We are so appreciative of our PTO," Cove Elementary School teacher Kara Maclean said. "They're up and down the hallways all day. Whenever we need something, we just ask."
About 70 people attended the event in the high school auditorium, which was recently renovated as part of the $80 million high school project.
Citywide PTO President Julie DeSilva said the city's seven PTOs raised $213,530 in 2009-10. They donated $12,000 for new computers at Briscoe Middle School, $8,904 for smart boards at North Beverly School and $7,000 for a new sound system for the cafetorium at Hannah School.
Teachers explained such PTO-supported initiatives as an anti-bullying program at Centerville School, a family math and science night at Cove School, a "responsive classroom" program at Ayers School, an accelerated reader program at Hannah School, and community outreach programs at North Beverly School.
Briscoe Middle School Principal Matthew Poska mentioned several PTO-funded events at his school, including an appearance by the U.S. Navy Band. Poska said the school invited President Obama, who was in Boston that day, to attend.
"He couldn't make it, but we have a nice letter of regret from the president for our archives," he said.
In addition to aiding the schools, DeSilva said PTOs contributed $13,851 to the community through events and high school scholarships. The Citywide PTO's annual Beverly Bootstraps Backpack Drive resulted in backpacks with school supplies for 634 children.
"It's really heartening when you work in a school system and see how all the parents pull together to support the students," Beverly High science teacher Joseph Clement said.
Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or pleighton@salemnews.com.
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