Northwood PTSA recently formed a new hospitality team to host events for staff throughout the school year.
Hospitality team leader Julie Shinagawa hopes to give back to Northwood’s staff by providing memorable events for them. The PTSA has now secured more volunteers for events, allowing them to evenly delegate the various tasks that go into hosting these annual events.
“Everybody likes to be shown that they’re appreciated, and we definitely appreciate our teachers and staff,” Shinagawa said. “They’re teaching students all day, which is a really important job, so we feel like it’s important to show how grateful we are.”
The first event, the fall luncheon, took place on Oct. 1 during school, where the team prepared sandwiches, chips, salads, drinks and desserts for staff to pick up.
“I’m always grateful to the volunteers that put the events together,” English teacher Sarah Riggan said. “It makes teachers and faculty members feel like the work we do is seen, and it gives us a chance to check in on one another.”
PTSA also believes that the number of people and volunteers who contribute helps strengthen the sense of community, not just within the PTSA, but also among Northwood’s staff.
“Even by donating one chip box or a bag of salad, parents get to show their appreciation,” Shinagawa said. “Everybody comes together and it feels like we’re all a supportive community.”
The hospitality team will hold two more events during the school year, one just before winter break with a hot cocoa bar and another near the end of the year with grilled tacos.
Parents who are interested in joining the hospitality team or volunteering at one of their events can contact Shinagawa at [email protected] for more information.
