Groton High School PTO’s annual color run and more

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) Parent Teacher Organization (GPTO) had been a vital part of GHS in years past, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, causing a standstill for almost the next three years — until a new regime of high school parents stepped up to revitalize the organization, with its first official meeting in September 2022.

Prior to the pandemic shutdown, the GPTO had initiated a color run as a fundraiser, which turned out to be a great success. Thus, one of the first things the members of the new and revitalized GPTO did was bring this event back to the forefront — holding one in June 2023 and planning for the next one on Saturday, June 15!

Shana Snyder, the current GPTO president, said there were 76 participants and 15-20 student and community volunteers helping to put on the color run last year. She anticipates it will be even bigger and better this year.

Jessica Strange, vice president; Kelsey Walpole, secretary; and Kim Newton, treasurer, make up the rest of the officer’s cabinet. Michelle Van Etten is the color run race director.

“We have some other very committed volunteers, like Jill Bush and Scott and Jessica Weeks, who do a lot to help with the color run,” Snyder said, “and others who are not as consistent attending every meeting but are available to help with this and other events we put on. Brian [Kavanagh, GHS principal] and Andrew [Doane, GHS associate principal] attend our meetings also and are very involved in what we do.”

For those who may not be familiar with what a color run is, Newton explained that it is a 5K run that is not timed, is not competitive and is open to all ages who would like to run, walk, jog or even push babies in strollers.

“The color part is what makes it more fun,” Newton said. “Everyone starts with a white T-shirt, a numbered bib, and a color packet that we provide with the race fee. Throughout the race, there are six to eight stations where volunteers will spray colors that are liquid or powder on the racers, and at the end, the Groton Fire Department is there to spray the water hoses on people if they want that. People can also opt to not have color.”

“I’ve been a part of the GPTO for two years, since my daughter entered the middle school,” Van Etten said. “I appreciate that the group has a focus of bringing the school and the community together. The color run is my favorite, because as a casual runner I love to see people outdoors enjoying running or any sort of movement. The color run is all about having a good time.”

Snyder added that there is fun for everyone, even if they don’t take part in the color run. Dick Brecht will be selling his famous chicken barbecue, and Groton Recreation will provide lawn games in the center of the track.

“It’s our largest fundraiser of the year,” Snyder said. “There will also be concessions available for purchase, and Wegman’s has graciously donated funds for bottled water and apples at the end of the race.”

Aside from the color run, the GPTO puts on movie nights throughout the year, a staff appreciation breakfast, graduation gifts for seniors, a Happy Jack’s fundraiser at holiday time, flowers for sale before school concerts and award nights and more.

“I enjoy being part of the GPTO to help foster camaraderie amongst students and staff and provide fun activities that bring families and the community together,” Bush said. “It’s rewarding to enrich student life with the activities and events we put together, and I also enjoy being part of an organization that keeps needs of students and staff in the forefront.”

“I like keeping parents and community members involved with what’s going on in school and creating that bridge between what’s happening not only with my own children, but all students,” Newton said.

Strange said that being a part of the GPTO is a rewarding experience because she can be involved in so many fun activities and have the chance to become closer to other parents and staff.

“We understand that school isn’t just about academics, but the social aspects are just as important,” Strange said. “We plan things such as the color run and movie nights to give families and the students a chance to mingle with each other and create bonds outside of regular school hours. My favorite part is having the opportunity to show the students and staff how much we appreciate and are proud of them!”

“Being part of the GPTO helps me connect with my peers and allows for me to take part in school activities that benefit the students,” Walpole said. “It’s a great way to get involved with our community and to give back to our school.”

Snyder added her perspective, saying, “For me, my ‘why’ for joining PTO is to stay connected to my children, their teachers and their friends. As they grow in their independence, they don’t share as much about their life at school. Being active on the PTO allows me to still feel a part of things. Plus, it is a chance to spend time with some pretty cool parents!”

If you are a parent of a GHS student or a teacher in the school, the GPTO members would love to have you join them. They meet once a month from September through June, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Follow them on Facebook: Groton Jr/Sr Parent Teacher Organization.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

GPTO color run details

Bring the whole family for a fun walk or a 5K — you decide! The event will take place Saturday, June 15, beginning at noon at the Groton High School track, 400 Peru Rd. Register at https://grotonpto.square.site/.

Volunteers are needed for registration table staff, color sprayers and helpers to direct the participants and monitor traffic. Volunteers can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C48ACAA23AAF58-48983375-color.

Preorder your Little Red Caboose Chicken BBQ for when you finish the walk/run:

https://forms.gle/MMMmeNPrdxRoAPBz9.

GPL Book Club

The Groton Public Library Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20. The current book is “A Little Ray of Sunshine” by Kristan Higgins. For more information call 607-898-5055 or email director@grotonpubliclibrary.org.

Groton Olde Home Days

It’s never too soon to plan for Groton Olde Home Days! The 2024 dates will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-24. The carnival midway opens Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. — dispelling any rumors that a carnival will not be a part of this year’s event!