Family Information

What is MEF?

The Mountain Education Foundation supports Thrasher financially. Without this support from MEF, we would not be able to offer art or computer classes. We also provide extra reading support with funds from MEF. Our hope is that 100% of our families will support Thrasher through the MEF. MEF’s website is here: https://meftoday.org/ 

What is the PTA and how does it impact Thrasher and my child?

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA ) is a coalition of parents and teachers working together to support Thrasher’s mission to develop children with active and creative minds, compassion for others, and the courage to act on their beliefs. The PTA coordinates and funds the following items and activities, among others:

• Teacher Appreciation and professional development, to make sure Thrasher attracts and retains the best teachers for our children.
• Classroom Enrichment
• Rated arts supplies (library, music, computer, art, physical education, STEM).
• Special school-wide events, such as Monster Mash and Earth Night.
• Student activities and clubs
• Grounds-keeping and beautification

How does Thrasher PTA raise funds to pay for the activities and items supported by the PTA?

The PTA receives funding from the following sources:

• PTA membership dues and donations for teacher appreciation
• Directory Spot-This is the Thrasher directory, contained in a convenient app that can be downloaded on smartphones and tablets.
• Sales of Thrasher sportswear, bumper stickers/magnets, etc.
• A portion of the proceeds from the sales of School Kidz Supply Kits (available to order in the spring for the following school year)
• School Cashback Programs- Boxtops, AmazonSmile, Publix and Food City rewards cards. They really add up!
• A portion of the proceeds from orders of school photos
• Funds from the Mountain Education Fund (MEF)
• Fundraisers throughout the year

How can I get involved?

The PTA holds monthly meetings, and we are always eager for new members and new volunteers. You can do as much or as little as your schedule allows- opportunities exist during the day at the school, as well as at home after work. Remember, every minute you volunteer and every dime you donate directly impact the faculty and students of Thrasher and help make Thrasher one of the top elementary school in the state!

POSITIONS:
Co Presidents Jessica McCarthy and Caroline Wilson
President Elect Mallory Geismar and Jena Story
Treasurer Anna Branam
VP Treasurer Amy Thomas
Membership Teresa Robb
MEF Catherine Fore and Ashley Nichols
Recording Sec. Kristin Patterson
Historian/PR Elizabeth Napolitano
Parliamentarian Suzanne Hallman
Fundraiser Natalie Perdomo and Laura Dutton
Cashback Jananna Cornett
Coupon Books Shelly Nadeau and Betsy Wilson
Directory Spot Katie Chapman and Manisha Patel
Groundskeeper Pam Rivers and Chad and Jennifer Sikes
Art Liaison Katy Edmondson
Library Liaison Parisa Zainali
Music Liaison Kate Wilson
Monster Mash Stacey Greene, Dedra Robison and Mary Margaret Rogers
First Aid Laura Paxson
Work Room Lori Pizzorno
Homeroom Coordinator Julia Coffin
Sportswear Mallory Geismar, Grace Smith, Beth Wells and Jillian Westcott
TEC Club Michael Walton
School Kits Elizabeth Collins and Taffe Bishop-Harris
Reflections Ashley Guthrie
Teacher App. Amy Ratliff, Whitney Garvich,  Tatum Kreis and Jessica Hamadeh
Social Services Laura Newton and Allison Fulgham
PartnershipCoordinator Sara McDowell
Exceptional Ed. Liaison Katrin Yeager
Volunteer Coordinator Maggie Akridge

Thrasher is successful for many reasons. We have and retain the best teachers. We are set in a supportive community.

And we have you.

We have parents that support their children’s education at a high level. You have high expectations for your children. You expect your children to do their best work in class, to be respectful and represent your family, and to be kind. When your children need help with homework and advice about friends, you are there. You provide the kind of one-on-one coaching for your children that is difficult to provide in a school setting, and your children (our students!) benefit from it greatly.

Our doors are open to you. We need your involvement to continue the success we have at Thrasher. In additionto being your child’s best advocate, we hope you will be involved in other ways:

• say “yes” when asked to volunteer at the school
• say “yes” when the PTA asks for volunteers
• say “yes” when the Mountain Education Foundation seeks your help in supporting the mountain schools

Thank you!