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When a person donates their time, their ideas and their skills, they are called a volunteer. In the Chisago Lakes School District, we are blessed with hundreds of people who give of themselves to ensure a quality education for our young people.

Our parent organizations run smoothly because of many of these tireless volunteers. At the elementary buildings, we call these volunteer groups our PTOs. Last spring, I visited the Taylors Falls Elementary PTO meeting. I was so impressed by their dedication and desire to provide fun activities for Taylors Falls students.

After attending over 200 combined PTO meetings for Lakeside and Primary elementary schools, I marvel at the positive discussion and enthusiastic support our parents have offered there also. It's quite apparent that parents throughout the Chisago Lakes District have a single goal of quality education for our youth in mind.

Through hundreds of fundraising projects, our PTOs have provided our students with many amazing things. Below are just a few of the items they have purchased for the students at Lakeside through their fundraising efforts: bleachers, posters, ribbons on track and field day, microphones, palm pilots, choir t-shirts, instruments, treats for students, dinners at parent/teacher conferences, reading rewards, continental math materials, novels, accelerated reader books, cameras, lyceums, artists in residence, dynamath materials, challenge activities, games and LCD projectors.

For 24 years as principal at Lakeside, I have been impressed by the high level of parent involvement in our schools. I consider it a privilege to have worked all these years with so many wonderful people. Be proud, Chisago Lakes! Our parents care!

Thanks to all our volunteers and what they do.

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