History of our PTA

Accomplishments of the PTA, Page 28 of the Seventh District Consolidated School District History, 1933, Parkton, MD - (Excerpt)

When the PTA was organized in September 1932 a total sum of $419.95* was received from the temporary committee in charge of the suppers held in June and September 1932. At this meeting the old organizations of the district also gave several dollars to the PTA. This without doubt was a considerable amount of money for a new organization to possess. It provided conclusively that the people of the community would cooperate to provide for the children's education.

The new organization was soon aware of the needs of the school they thought of the pupils first purchasing $30 dollars worth of athletic equipment. This equipment, with that which the schools had given, was enough to provide for every child. When school opened and the pupils began using this, they were made to feel they were a part of the school and that the PTA was trying to provide for them.

For the first meeting of the PTA the chairs were borrowed. At this meeting a furniture committee was appointed. By the next meeting this committee had purchased 180 chairs at a cost of about $178. A grounds committee was also appointed at third meeting. They discussed the possibility of grading the land in front of the building and sowing grass. They, as well as the complete PTA body, realized the importance of the appearance of the grounds. It was decided to get a person who had experienced to do this work this task was given to Mr. Mays. He completed the work for the small sum of $173.03.

These were not all the accomplishments of the PTA during the early fall but the ones most quickly noticed. A more careful investigation would show a piano in the music room, a piano in the auditorium, and a well equipped room for the children who may get sick. Something that could not be observed but is of no less importance is the fact that the PTA has joined the Federation, and has provided a principals fund for him to spend in case of emergencies in the school.

NOTE: *Inflation Results - $417 in 1932 equals $6,895.69 in 2017.

Info and Excerpts From PTA Minutes

In the late 50’s as a means for raising money, PTA held card and game parties each month.
School store to accommodate children was started in Nov 1959.
May minutes 1960 spoke of May Day Program - The May Pole Dance - included crowning of the Queen & her court. Later in the afternoon, there would be a ball game, dancing outside, band concert and a variety show.
Memorial Committee formed for Dawes Garrett. The committee decided to have a portrait painted. Excess money would be used for scholarship fund or a find for needy families. PTA Memorial Program held on May 1960.
PTA Accomplishments 1959-60 Public Telephone installed, playcourt and parking lot enlarged - drive widened. Painting and plastering, 1st Electric all clocks, new filmstrip machine, reading teacher 3 days a week.
May Day Program changed to June Festival in 1961. Later changed to June Jamboree and in 1979 changed to Fall Festival.
Oct 1961 PTA Program - Film & discussion on a family fallout shelter.
Lavatory facilities were on 2nd floor only. In 1946, Principal requested facilities for 1st floor because of health reasons. Succeeding two principals also put in requests for additional lavatory facilities. Finally, in 1962 request was granted.
In 1962, a request was made that PTA look into starting a foreign language program. Due to lack of enough interest, program was not instituted.
Reviewed Standard of Dress in 1965 - decision to make no changes. Standards would remain the same - girls in skirts & dresses. Boys - shorts and slacks.
Petition put into circulation at June Jamboree in 1965 for purchase of 8 acres additional land. Letters were sent every year for years before land purchase was finally ok.ed after rebuilding of school.
Scholarship fund to student of 7th District graduating from Hereford was started in 1967.
Seventh District was a pilot school for the new Family Life & Sex Education course in 1969.
Family Nite Suppers were a big fund raisers in the 60’s & 70’s. A local organization would sometime donate hams or turkeys. A PTA committee would to preparation for meals.
Balloon Ascension - 70’s fundraiser - prizes awarded to those children selling the most balloons & 1st, 2nd & 3rd place to balloons going the furthest.
7th District PTA pledged $100 reward in 1970 ($640.40 in 2017) to be used as a reward for anyone having info leading to arrest & conviction of person responsible for setting fire that destroyed 7th District School.
Due to emergency, PTA started a second budget & placed at disposal of principal, Mr. Wilson $1,000 ($6,404.03 in 2017) to be used to help replace lost supplies & material for maintenance of education program. PTA had a community door-to-door campaign to raise funds for the long-range additional budget. This resulted in collection of $3,622.42 ($23,195.40 in 2017). 7th District received $16,000 ($102,464.51 in 2017) worth of books from Board of Education. Money donated to Library Fund from other PTA’s totaled $1,805.
September 1971 - the PTA general meeting included discussion of proposed landfill in Parkton & the possibility of pollution of the school well. Assembly was urged to call county councilman & protest landfill.
May 1972 - Minutes state that upon completion of new school, 7th would have to share media center with 6th District. Letters of objection were written to a Mr. Naeny but to no avail. At a board meeting, Mr. Naeny explained that he & his committee made the decision to combine library services for the benefit of maximum children. Nowhere in the minutes was this subject mentioned again.
Sunday, November 5, 1972 - open house and dedication of new school.
1981 - Approval for new Middle School.

End of handwritten notes. Author unknown.

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