Meadowlark has a remarkable amount of parental support. Organizing school wide events, volunteering at those events, volunteering in classrooms, serving on Site Council, supporting the Meadowlark Parent Organization and organizing fundraising opportunities are just a few of the ways our parents support our school. Meadowlark parents are committed to the success of the school and their positive, supportive, caring attitude and energy are an important part of why Meadowlark is such a great learning community.

The Meadowlark Parent Organization (MPO) is very important to our school's daily instructional life. Gone are the days of only supporting classroom parties and buying treats. Our MPO is taking up where the State of Oregon funding has left off. Their budget helps fund educational field trips, technology purchases, after-school experiences and much, much more. The MPO supports our school with funds totaling over $8,000. This is organized by a team of dedicated parents and accomplished by a school of dedicated families. The MPO organizes exciting family centered all-school events including Grandparent's Day, a Reading Incentive Program, and the school carnival. Each event is pivotal in generating school spirit and in recognizing student, teacher and parental accomplishments.

We invite parents to be educational partners at Meadowlark by participating in their child's education and volunteering their own unique talents and skills. We encourage parents to join us as support in the classroom, the library, or on the playground. Parents can also help with special activities, field trips, and health checks, or can become reading buddies or crossing guards. Our new playground exemplifies parents, staff, and community working together to improve our school.

The Meadowlark Parent Organization is vital to the success of the school and its programs. This organization concentrates on building community, academic incentive programs, and fundraising.

MPO Fundraisers include:

• Jog-a-thon
• Sale of Entertainment Books
• Scrip Sales
• Sale of Sally Foster Catalogue Products
• Carnival

MPO Sponsored Events include:

• Family Night
• Book Fair
• Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
• Field Trips
• Reading Fun Program
• Spirit Week
• Grandparents and Special Friends Day
• Author/Artist in Residence Program
• Meadowlark Art Show
• International Dance Festival

Each event is pivotal in generating school spirit and in recognizing student, teacher, and parental accomplishments.

Meadowlark Elementary School follows the site-based decision model. This model encourages parents to be instrumental in guiding important educational decisions for their children. Parent members are elected to the council and represent the larger parental community. Their primary function is to help evaluate and articulate educational goals, and to facilitate decision-making processes to reach these goals.

MPO Contacts
2006-2007

Elected Board Postions:
Erin Regali - President
Lisa Korth - Vice President
Tamara Nelson Harell - Treasurer
Site Council:
Amy Wanichek - 1st year term
Natalie Schmaedick - 2nd year term
Non-Board Postions:
Natalie Schmaedick - Volunteer Coordinator
Fund Raising Committee:
Stacey Elledge - Newsletter/School Directory
Fund Raising Committee
Kathy Thomas - Chinook Books
Marianne Glausi-Brigham - Sally Foster
Amy Wanichek - Jog-a-thon