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FAIRMONT - Parents and Educators Teaming Together (PETT), which went dormant at the K-6 level during the COVID-19 pandemic, is being revived with Principal Michelle Rosen at the helm to start off.
PETT was formed in 2010, when the K-2 and 3-6 grade schools were merged into one school.
"Both sites prior to us becoming one site had parent advisory groups," Rosen said. "As we looked at that, it just felt more formal, and we really wanted parents and educators to team more together, so that we’re all learning together, working together for what’s best for students."
When PETT was active at the K-6 level, Rosen said they were active in a lot of activities and fundraisers for the school.
"They promoted getting our Fairmont Elementary School shirts going and our sixth graders getting to design them," she said. "They help support that. They brought up the idea of feed the teachers and started that. On our long conference days, when teachers work a 12-hour day because they’re teaching and then have conferences at night, the parent group thought we should feed the teachers so they don’t have to worry about that. They helped start the Elf Shop, where we’ve had at Christmas time donations from the community that our youngest students get to pick out things."
As for what happened to the group, Rosen said getting parents involved was a bit more of a struggle when other parents had kids age out to the high school, and then COVID hit.
"We couldn’t have those parent meetings as easily or parents in the building to volunteer because they also volunteered in classrooms and doing different activities," she said. "We just had to shut a lot of that down."
Another critical blow was the death of Laura Dunker from COVID-19 in December of 2021, who was a major parent leader in the group.
While the district has continued to work on opportunities for parental involvement, Rosen said the implementation of Multiple-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) helped build the foundation for this comeback.
"One of the pillars of MTSS is parent and community connection," she said. "This summer in June, when I was at an MTSS training, I really focused a lot on the parent connection and looking at those sessions for training. I feel I’ve gotten some other ideas of how this can look and how we can implement it, especially here at the elementary."
Rosen started spreading the word at back-to-school registration and through monthly newsletters.
"We also do some parent-child events throughout the year where we will talk more about it, and hopefully be able to get parents when they’re here for those events," she said. "Also looking at some things they can do throughout the year as part of our PETT team."
While the concept of PETT has always had support, according to Rosen, she said with this renewed vigor she has had some very interested parents.
"I think I’m going to be able to find some key leaders again," she said. "That’s what I’m looking for, those that want to help and plan, and then as a team of parents and teachers and myself, making it purposeful and productive again."
They had their first meeting on Monday, which Rosen said was a good foundational start.
"Different ideas and brainstorming of how we push this out to people," she said. "Where can we put some things?"
As time passes and this foundation is built on, Rosen said she plans to continue talking about PETT to parents at upcoming events, such as breakfast with books and game night, to find parent interest and build up committees to better facilitate parent-teacher wishes and effort.
"Trying to do some more project-based things with parents that are interested," Rosen said. "Then probably in January have a mid-year check-in. How are we doing? What else could we do? Then an end-of-the-year type meeting to see, How did we do this year? What do we want to do for next year? Keep hopefully planning and growing from there."
For more information or to inquire about getting involved, email Michelle Rosen at mrosen@fairmont.k12.mn.us or call Fairmont Elementary School at 507-238-4487.