Foundation, PTA, welcome teachers back to school

Garrison Mill teachers and staff were welcomed back to school on Monday, July 27, with a luncheon co-sponsored by the Garrison Mill Education Foundation and the Garrison Mill PTA.

The 1990s themed event, which featured '90s tunes and a 90's Trivia giveaway, welcomed teachers back in cool retro style. Staff enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring Chicken Salad Chick, Panera, desserts and drinks, generously provided by the Foundation and PTA.

Winners during '90s trivia during the teacher welcome back luncheon,

co-sponsored by the PTA and Foundation (L-R, Sam Talley, Audra James, Becka Lopez, standing in for Colleen Crotty, Katie Rannou, Katie Dougherty, Jerri Palumbo)

Music and Chorus Director Colleen Crotty won the first prize of the day (a $50 foot massage) by answering a "Saved by the Bell" trivia question: Who were the three couples?

(Answer: Kelly Kapowski and Zack Morris, Jessie Spano and A.C. Slater and Lisa Turtle and Screech Powers)

The Foundation donated gift baskets featuring a $100 Rosa's Pizza gift card; a golf bundle with a dozen Callaway ball, tees and a Top Golf gift card; and a fur kid bundle and gift card from Hollywood Feed. PTA provided two bundles from Lakeshore Learning plus a $50 foot massage bundle.

During the luncheon, PTA Co-Presidents Hillary Fowlie and Sara Carter shared an overview of the exciting year ahead, Foundation President Marlon Manuel highlighted the Foundation’s impact and upcoming initiatives, and PTA Room Parent Coordinator Ann Maxwell provided important information about this year’s Room Parent program

Foundation president Marlon Manuel addressed teachers and staff and reminded them of the Foundation's focus on STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

"The magic of this intersection is that it generates, creativity and innovation," he said. "It's where new ideas come from. It helps students show what they know in new and exciting ways."