Shamong HSA hosting events for the whole family
As the weather turns and the trees empty their leaves, the Shamong Home and School Association will fill residents’ social calendars.
Beginning with kids’ bingo on Nov. 21 at Indian Mills Memorial School, the HSA will then give residents an opportunity to knock out that holiday shopping list by hosting a holiday shop Dec. 2–4.
Hosting events that are of interest to the community and not just fundraising opportunities has been a goal for HSA president Scott Caloiaro. The group held a Halloween party open to parents and kids at the end of October.
“The Halloween event went great, really successful,” Caloiaro said. “A lot of people in the community took part in it. It was an outstanding event for us.”
The results of the HSA’s fundraising efforts are seen in the classrooms of the Indian Mills Memorial School and Indian Mills School.
Teachers put together a list of requests for the HSA before the school year and present it to the group. The association then meets to decide what requests it will be able to grant.
“We try to purchase the items that aren’t in the schools’ budget,” Caloiaro said. “When there have been curriculum changes in the past, we’ve been able to step in and purchase things teachers need when the budget doesn’t have room to allow it.”
At its November meeting, the HSA approved requests for magnetic whiteboards to cover chalkboards, washable markers, language arts blocks and risers for the chorus to use. According to Caloiaro, the HSA isn’t finished.
“All the requests in November were approved, which is good news, and we’re hoping to get some bigger list items as the school year progresses and into next year,” Caloiaro said. “We’ve looked into getting a new kiln for the art department, a new sign outside of the middle school and new playground equipment for the elementary school.”
Encouraging the community to be a part of the HSA has been a focus for Caloiaro since he took over as president earlier this year. For the first time, the general membership will have voting rights at meetings.
“My goal is for the HSA to become a social club. Parents and those in the community coming together and meeting with each other, talking about things,” Caloiaro said.
With a new focus comes new spirit wear representing both township schools.
“We formed a new logo that will be the same for both schools. I want our logo to engulf the community and become a symbol of our community’s commitment to our schools,” Caloiaro said.
HSA meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Indian Mills Memorial School.
