LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow’s Williams Middle School Parent Advisory Council is holding another “Rocktober” donation drive through the month of October, with proceeds directly benefiting students and staff.
The Parent Advisory Council’s mission is to support the school and help enrich the educational experience of all students. Donations will directly support a schoolwide laser light show, field trips, social events and the spring field day.
Through community help, the council funded an all-grade movie night last year and has supported teachers and staff with classroom calculators, outdoor seating, meals and treats for school groups and clubs, dry-erase boards and game supplies.
It also supports staff appreciation activities, such as a coffee and donut cart that visits classrooms several times a year and a week of special treats and events during Teacher Appreciation Week.
A donation of any amount during October also enters families and students into a raffle.
One student per grade will be first in the snack line for a month and one family per grade will win premium parking and seating for a school concert. The grade with the highest participation will win an ice cream social.
Council Co-President Lauren Knacke said the drive started around 10 years ago and was named “Rocktober” because winning students used to be able to pick songs played at lunch.
Knacke said the council’s focus is set on “Rocktober” and a second fundraiser right before Teacher Appreciation Week in the spring. She said it’s important to hold drives like these to create a sense of community.
“It’s letting the kids know that they’re seen,” Knacke said. “They feel important and it’s letting the teachers know they’re appreciated.”
Each year looks different based on funds the council can raise. She said the council would love to do another movie night, and has also brought in ice cream trucks for students.
“We hope to bring little bits of joy during the day,” Knacke said. “We really want everyone to have a good experience.”
Knacke said the council also wants to increase parent participation and get more families involved across volunteering or donating.
“It’s not about the dollar amount, it’s just about participating,” Knacke said. “We’re a friendly group, we’re a welcoming group. The more people involved, the better.”
The council, donation link and information on getting involved can be found on Facebook, @WilliamsMiddleSchoolPAC, or at sites.google.com/site/pacwms.
