KHS PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Kirkwood High School encourages parent involvement. Our school community believes in the development of the whole student: academically, artistically, physically, and socially. Each area of student development is supported by a parent organization. The performing arts have support groups made up of parents, friends and community members. These groups help raise funds for and promote the performances of the students. The 22 sports are supplemented by the avid Pioneer fans through the Pioneer Boosters. Mothers' Club hosts many safe social gatherings for the students, while the Parent Network educates parents how to ensure safe socializing for their students. The PTO actively promotes academic achievement through recognition and communication between school and home.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is the communication link between the high school and the parents. A newsletter, "Pioneer Parent," is published bi-monthly. A comprehensive calendar is given with each $15.00 membership. The KHS PTO holds no fund­raisers. Membership dues are used to host grade-level coffees, open house, conferences, a college information night, middle school information nights, academic awards assemblies, and teacher appreciation activities. PTO supports scholarship funds for KHS students. Monthly board meetings in the lecture hall are open to all parents to express views or concerns and to hear the principal report on what is happening in school, positive and negative. Contact Co-Presidents Steve and Betsy Humphreys (821-3453) and Rob and Sandy Halama (965-7456).                                      

Parent Network is an organization sponsored by PTO that creates an awareness of the social pressures that our teenagers face and strives to prevent potential problems through open communication with and support for our teens and each other. Parents join by signing the Network Pledge with their students. Parent Network also presents programs for PTO meetings and school assemblies. Contact Kathy Pope (821-1725), Lisa Von Doersten (966-4668), or Jamie Gagliarducci (821-7527).

Pioneer Boosters, Inc. (PBI) is a group of parents, alumni, faculty, and friends formed to help the Kirkwood High School athletic program. PBI believes athletics are a vital part of the high school experience, and is proud to supplement the school district in maintaining a quality athletic program at KHS. Kirkwood athletes do not have to pay a fee to participate. PBI obtains funds from concessions, membership fees, and advertising revenue generated by the Pioneer Pride sports program. Pocket schedules of upcoming athletic events are printed three times a year as a service and made available in the athletic office and the main office. If you are interested or have questions, you may contact the President of Pioneer Boosters,

Stuart & Michelle Waite (966-0563).

The Production Company is the parents' and friends' organization for KH Players that meets monthly with Kelly Schnider, drama teacher and director of the theatrical productions at KHS. The Production Company provides support for the productions in many ways: publicity and advertising, ticket sales, box office operations and concessions, as well as, financial support. Revenue for this organization comes from program backers.

For information contact: Lauri Heitz (822-9731).

Association for Instrumental Music Parents (A.I.M.) The mission of this organization is to assist and support the Kirkwood R - 7 School District in its efforts to develop instrumental music talent and excellence in performance. A.I.M. focuses community attention on instrumental performances and student accomplishments. A.I.M. support includes: hosting receptions for concerts, providing scholarships for summer music camps and All-State Orchestra/Band, funding for accompanists' fees for music competitions, recognition awards, an appreciation meal for R-7 music staff, supplementing instruments and equipment, sponsoring the A.I.M. Community Band and publishing a quarterly newsletter. Membership includes all parents of students in the district music program and patrons and businesses who join the membership fund drive. Additional funds come from hosting a booth at the GreenTree Festival. For further information, contact President Tom Bubb (965-5029).

Mothers' Club: This organization's purpose is to provide a forum of communication for common concerns of parents and to provide services that are not the function of the administration. Some of the services provided are as follows: assisting with Beautification Days; selling pizzas to students participating in hall decorations before Turkey Day; providing refreshments at KHS sponsored dances; sponsoring the "Inside KHS Tours;" providing workers at Trivia Night at KHS; and providing the (drug and alcohol free) Senior Graduation and After-Prom parties.

The Mothers' Club opened The Pioneer Pride School Store in 1998. The mission of the KHS Mothers' Club school store is to provide a clearinghouse for fund-raising items sold by student organizations. In addition, the Mothers' Club will sell other merchandise and profits will be used for student scholarships and capital improvements to the high school. The store is not for profit and exists as a service to the students of Kirkwood High School. For further information call Becky Engelbrecht (965-1432), Mothers' Club President, or leave a message at the store (213-6100 ext. 1616).